Wildlife Specialist Supervisor - Statewide

This position manages the Terrestrial Research Program within the Research Branch, which includes management of multiple diverse research projects across the state of Arizona, supervision and mentoring of research biologists and technicians, development of study designs, data analysis, manuscript preparation, management of budgets, and interaction with internal and external customers.

-Personal management which includes hiring, training and mentoring staff, planning, guiding, and tracking staff activities, staff professional development, and evaluating employee work performance.
-Project development and management, time allocation and tracking of progress.
-Field visits and monitoring/assisting with data collection and data management.
-Conducting or assisting staff with data analysis, literature review, preparation and/or review of reports, manuscripts, and other work unit products.
-Track and manage budgets and equipment; preparing proposals for funding; negotiating and developing agreements and contracts; ensuring activity and budget compliance; ensuring appropriate allocation of resources with the program.
-Evaluation of program and branch activities for effectiveness and development.
-Participate in training, outreach, Branch and Department activities and teams, providing training, attending scientific conferences, and meeting with collaborators.
-Performs other duties as assigned.

The candidate will have knowledge of wildlife science, research, and management; scientific methods; research and conservation principles and philosophy; study design and analytical techniques; project development and management; verbal and written communication; work supervision principles and leadership techniques; public relations, negotiation, and customer service; budgeting; procurement; and rule-making practices, policies, and procedures. The candidate will be skilled in planning, executing, and managing complex wildlife-related research projects; conducting advanced statistics and applying critical thinking; applying supervision and leadership techniques; applying wildlife science, research, and management; developing and maintaining working relationships with the various groups; providing public relations and customer service within and outside the agency; communicating, including public speaking; attending and participating in meetings, workshops, conferences, and other events; and conducting field data collection using robust methods. The candidate will be able to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays and at night, and occasionally work and camp for multiple consecutive days in remote parts of the state; perform field site visits, sometimes in extreme weather and/or at remote locations; use various modes of transportation such as four-wheel drive, ATVs, and specialized equipment common to wildlife work; use Microsoft Office and Google systems; conduct advanced data analyses and write quality scientific literature; provide review on manuscripts and reports; track budgets and maintain environmental compliance; develop alternative funding sources including writing contracts and agreements; implement policies, programs, laws and rules; participate in public relations and media events; multi-task and prioritize tasks; work independently and as a member of a team.

The preferred candidate will have an advanced degree in a wildlife science or closely related field, and experience in management of research projects and team leadership.

The candidate will have a bachelor's degree or higher in a wildlife science or closely related field and four years of 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
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

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.