INFORMATION EDUCATION & RECREATION DIV / MARKETING AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS BRANCH / PHOENIX AZ BASED
5000 W. Carefree Hwy. Phoenix AZ 85086

Salary: $50000-$72000

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 1/9/2026

COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST
INFORMATION EDUCATION & RECREATION DIV / MARKETING AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS BRANCH / PHOENIX AZ BASED
FLSA-Exempt / SALARY GRADE 21 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $50000-$72000


The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a talented Community Relations Specialist who is passionate about conservation and public service and wants their work to make a lasting impact on Arizonas wildlife and wild places.

This position plays a critical role in advancing the Departments mission to conserve and protect more than 800 wildlife species by connecting people to science-based wildlife management and responsible outdoor recreation. As a Community Relations Specialist you will help tell the stories of Arizonas landscapes species and the professionals working every day to safeguard them. Through strategic communication media relations and direct public engagement you will build understanding trust and support for conservation efforts across the state.

You will collaborate with biologists wildlife managers and leadership to translate complex conservation issues into clear engaging messages for diverse audiences. Your work will help ensure Arizonans and visitors understand how wildlife is managed why stewardship matters and how outdoor recreation can be enjoyed safely and sustainablynow and for future generations.

This role is ideal for a skilled communicator who values teamwork thrives in a fast-paced environment and is motivated by meaningful work that serves both people and wildlife. At AZGFD your communications will do more than informthey will inspire conservation strengthen community relationships and support the long-term protection of Arizonas natural heritage.

The Community Relations Specialist supports the development and implementation of short-term and long-term public affairs and community relations goals and objectives. This position executes strategic communication plans and tactics that advance branch priorities and directly support the Departments mission to conserve and protect Arizonas wildlife and natural resources.

Major duties may include:

Plan implement and manage public Information communications programs that support the Departments mission.

Write and prepare targeted public Information communications including writing text and taking photos or video for the Departments digital and traditional communication channels.

Ensure consistent implementation of the Departments brand across various platforms.

Handle various aspects of media relations which includes; writing and distributing news releases and media advisories making proactive pitches to news media handling and coordinating agency responses to media queries and assisting with critical incident communication.

Set up staff informational exhibits at public events.

Make public presentations before groups interact and answer questions from constituents.

Create opportunities to engage constituents convey narratives and facilitate dialogue with diverse stakeholders.

Assist internal customers with public information planning and provide advice and counsel on media relations.

Perform other duties as assigned.

The candidate will have knowledge of all aspects of public affairs and community relations journalism and Arizona geography and will be knowledgeable or have a strong interest in Arizona wildlife species their habitats ecology and outdoor recreation.

The candidate will be skilled in communication writing editing organization listening problem solving and production. On-camera skills preferred. Bilingual fluency in Spanish would be a plus but not required.

The candidate will have the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities meet deadlines communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally adapt to changing priorities take initiative and make decisions. Edit rewrite proofread copy perform editorial research evaluate story quality originate and develop new article/issue ideas and write non-fiction material. Guide agency staff on communications and constituent relations strategies. Collaborate and participate with/on projects and teams. Provide exemplary customer service.

The preferred candidate should have at least 3 years of experience in professional public affairs work news or feature writing broadcast news public relations or related experience.

Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

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 drivers license complete all required training and successfully pass all necessary drivers license record checks. The license must be current unexpired and neither revoked nor 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.) R.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.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:

* 13 days of vacation
* 12 sick days
* 10 paid holidays
* Participation in the nationally recognized Arizona State Retirement System
* Superior health care options
* Vision care dental care pharmacy benefits and flexible spending account (options available)
* Life long-term disability and short-term disability insurance options are available
* Many more benefit programs are available

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule employees enjoy improved work/life balance report higher job satisfaction and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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 Nicole Baker at for assistance.