Wildlife Specialist

The Aquatic Wildlife Specialist 2 "Sportfish Biologist" will be responsible for completing a variety of professional wildlife work assignments relating to the management of fisheries resources in Western Arizona.
This position will work irregular hours, including weekends, holidays and work outdoors in extreme isolated conditions and identify wildlife in less than optimal conditions.

-Responsible for planning, scheduling, coordinating and implementing surveys and enhancement projects involving regional compliance waters and their aquatic species resources per annual work plans
-Development of techniques, procedures and policies and use of best practices to complete surveys, restoration and enhancement projects in a safe manner
-Collection, summary, analysis and reporting of survey and project data and yearly implementation planning and performance reporting
-Presentation of results at professional meetings, as well as the Sport Fish Biologist, coordinating all sport fish surveys
-Maintenance of regional aquatic species databases and assists in overseeing and training assisting personnel as well as supervising a seasonal intern when needed
-Assist in coordination and planning with other work units and state/federal resource management agencies that can influence the implementation of projects and reviews popular and technical publications to maintain proficiency in specialty field and in other areas of general competence and responsibility
-Reviews documents of proposed actions and funding requests that potentially impact aquatic resources within regional boundaries
-Maintains and repairs all equipment assigned or used to complete fisheries surveys and enhancements
-Responds to requests for program related activities, information, education and outreach activities as assigned by the supervisor
-Purchase of equipment and supplies used by program personnel
-Performs other duties as assigned

The position requires knowledge of: fish and wildlife management, rules and regulations, policies and procedures, aquatic survey techniques, fish, herp, aquatic flora and fauna identification and habitat requirements, water chemistry measuring devices and techniques, operation and maintenance of vehicles, watercraft and fisheries survey equipment, maps, charts and GPS equipment, analysis and interpretation of field data collected, principles of electrofishing, application of pesticides, and proper fish transportation procedures.
Candidates must be skilled in application of fisheries and aquatic species management techniques, computer data processing, camping and surviving outdoors, hiking in extreme conditions, traversing challenging terrain, equipment maintenance and repair, operating vehicles, watercraft, ATV's and aquatic species survey equipment, applied data gathering and standardized sampling techniques, oral and written communication, and public relations techniques. The candidate will have the ability to interact with the general public and co-workers in a positive manner; flexibility in coping with irregular work schedules that sometimes involve long days and weekend work: working in inclement weather; camping and hiking safely in remote locations.
The candidate will be able to develop effective and positive working relationships with the public, tribes, various local, state and federal governmental agencies, special interest groups and the media in a positive manner, provide positive and effective customer service to a variety of internal and external customers, negotiate with agencies, individuals and other entities in support of program areas and the Department's mission, effectively communicate orally and in writing for wide variety and level of audiences, including agency leadership, train and evaluate seasonal interns.

The candidate must have a Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries management, fisheries biology, wildlife management or a closely related field. An advanced degree in fisheries and/or wildlife sciences or closely related field from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year or required experience.
Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked or suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
All newly hired employees will be subject to the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification program.

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Amy Lacy at alacy@azgfd.gov for assistance.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.