GAME AND FISH DEPT

Delivering results that matter by providing best in class support services.

Join the only state agency in Arizona responsible for conserving and protecting more than 800 wildlife species. Be part of a passionate group of people who want to make a positive impact on outdoor recreation in Arizona by managing resources for safe compatible opportunities for current and future generations. From fishing boating and offhighway vehicle use to shooting sports hunting and wildlife watching Arizona Game and Fish supports it all. Our biologists use the best available science in their management actions and our wildlife managers are on the ground in your communities making a difference every day. Opportunities abound beyond the field at AZGFD so check us out and see what were all about! Consider joining our workforce today. AZGFD celebrates the diversity of Arizonas people landscapes and of course wildlife. However you choose to enjoy Arizonas wildlife and wild places the outdoors is open for all.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department manages fish and wildlife in Arizona and under the authority of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission creates and implements scientific methods and regulations to effectively manage fish and wildlife habitat via conservation enforcement hunting fishing watercraft and offhighway vehicle recreation and shooting sports. The Arizona Game and Fish Department dedicates itself to excellence values its employees and supports a culture of stewardship teamwork and partnerships.

Address: 5000 W Carefree Highway Phoenix Arizona 85086

Salary: $84823 $154198

Grade: 29

Closing Date: 05/04/2025

AGENCY INTERNAL ANNOUNCEMENT MUST BE CURRENT AZGFD EMPLOYEE

SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR GF
Special Assistant to the Director Game and Fish
DIRECTORS OFFICE DIVISION / HEADQUARTERS / PHOENIX AZ BASED
FLSAExempt / SALARY GRADE 29 $84823 $154198
CLOSING DATE: 05/04/2025

The Special Assistant to the Director (SATD) reports to the Director and coordinates and performs various special projects and duties including those of a confidential nature as assigned by the Director. This position coordinates and facilitates engagement with a wide variety of constituents with various interests and carries out initiatives on behalf of the Director. The SATD also acts on behalf of the Director in a variety of forums and capacities.

Typical job duties of the SATD include but are not limited to the following activities:

Serves as a member of the Departments Executive Staff Leadership Team and Audit Team. Acts on behalf of and represents the Director with key constituents stakeholders and partners including presenting agency and commission positions on key issues;

Serves as the Departments Custodian of Records including coordination of all public records requests ensuring timely and accurate responses and coordinating and training staff on records retention requirements and standards;

Supervise the Compliance and Strategies Branch Chief including all functions related to Federal Aid agreements audit strategic planning reporting rulemaking and administration of the Heritage Fund and partnership agreements;

Serve as liaison to Commission on rule making issues including timelines for review and formal rule making may serve as rule making team sponsor. Serve as lead for the Departments Strategic Initiative Committee;

Serve as lead for DOHQ employee engagement processes and represent the Director as needed. Serve as DOHQ Budget Administrator overseeing all work unit budgets;

Coordinates annual AFWA and WAFWA award nominations. Coordinate and mentor Leadership Team peer groups. Provide oversight for agency implementation of new rules and statutes ensure deadlines and deliverables are met;

Prepares correspondence reports position papers and other materials regarding high level and confidential issues.

The candidate should have knowledge of: Departments mission and Directors vision goals and objectives; Departments organizational structure and Commission process rules and orders; legislative process and lobbying; ARS titlesand the Arizona Administrative Code pertaining to AZGFD; State budgeting; Wildlife Management principles; public and departmental policy.

The candidate should have skill in: Effective oral and written communication; collaboration negotiation and mediation; problemsolving and decisionmaking; adaptability; management leadership and mentoring; team building; technology oriented; project management and planning; creative problem solving; statistical and needs assessment analysis.

The candidate must have the ability to read comprehend and summarize complex material express ideas clearly and succinctly verbally and in writing; ability to plan and coordinate activities involving diverse groups and the media; ability to work under pressure including short time frames and frequent changes in priorities.

The preferred candidate will have a bachelors degree in wildlife management natural resources business administration or management or public management with 4 years of experience in program management public administration strategic and operational plans or in an executive level position in a public agency.

Must be a current AZGFD employee to apply.

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 classappropriate drivers license complete all required training and successfully pass all necessary drivers license record checks. The license must be current unexpired and neither revoked or suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to drivers 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. R210207.11.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business then the following requirements apply:Drivers License Requirements.

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

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot programhere. 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 Milani Barron at for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.