FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA ARIZONA BASED
9140 E. 28th Street Yuma AZ 85365

Salary: $48000-$55000

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 2/16/2026

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST
Aquatic Wildlife Specialist 2
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA ARIZONA BASED
FLSA-Exempt / SALARY GRADE 21 / HIRING RANGE $48000-$55000

Arizonas rivers springs lakes and desert waterways are home to some of the most unique and vulnerable aquatic wildlife in North America. At the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) were looking for a passionate Aquatics Wildlife Specialist II to help protect these ecosystems and ensure thriving aquatic wildlife populations for generations to come.

This is more than a jobits a chance to be on the front lines of conservation with the only state agency responsible for managing and protecting over 800 wildlife species across Arizona. If youre driven by science stewardship and real-world impact we want you on our team!

Why This Role Matters
As an Aquatic Wildlife Specialist II your work will directly influence the future of Arizonas sportfish and aquatic wildlife. Youll study aquatic ecosystems assess human impacts and help guide conservation actionsincluding sensitive and endangered species. From managing sportfish populations to evaluating water development projects your expertise will shape how Arizona balances conservation with recreation and growth.

Youll collaborate with biologists land managers tribal state and federal partners private landowners and local communitiesbringing science-based solutions to complex water and wildlife challenges.

What Youll Do
Design and conduct field investigations including specialized fish survey methods and water quality assessments
Lead aquatic wildlife conservation efforts by planning and implementing population habitat and limnological monitoring projects
Evaluate water and habitat projects and recommend mitigation strategies to protect aquatic wildlife
Analyze data and communicate results through reports presentations and scientific conferences
Supervise mentor and train staff interns and volunteers building the next generation of conservation professionals
Coordinate across agencies and communities to advance shared conservation goals
Manage equipment and field operations in dynamic and sometimes rugged environments

What Were Looking For
Youre a science-driven conservation professional who thrives both in the field and in collaborative settings. You bring strong technical skills leadership ability and a commitment to protecting aquatic ecosystemseven when the work is challenging. Youll need:
A Bachelor of Science in fisheries biology fisheries management wildlife management or a related field
Two years of professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research or management
Strong skills in data analysis report writing and public communication
Comfort working outdoors in remote extreme or rugged conditions
Ability to operate vehicles watercraft UTVs and specialized aquatic survey equipment

Why AZGFD
At Arizona Game and Fish conservation is personal. Our employees are deeply connected to the landscapes and wildlife they protect. We value stewardship teamwork partnerships and professional growth and we support our staff with training and career development opportunities.

If youre ready to make a measurable impact on aquatic wildlife conservation we encourage you to apply and become part of Arizonas conservation mission!

Serves as a Regional Aquatic Wildlife Specialist II with expertise in aquatic wildlife conservation. Evaluates aquatic species habitats and the effects of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. Leads and supports fish and wildlife management actions reviews water-related projects for potential impacts to aquatic and endangered species and recommends conservation strategies and mitigation measures. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop habitat plans that support healthy sustainable aquatic wildlife populations for the future.

Major duties will include:

Plans coordinates and implements aquatic wildlife population habitat and limnological monitoring and investigations. Implements surveys to evaluate sportfish populations assesses water quality and reviews fish stocking permit applications. Utilizes specialized methods techniques and equipment.

Analyzes data. Writes trip summary quarterly and annual reports. Prepares materials for presentations to scientific conferences department personnel other agencies general public and/or the media. Provides consultation and technical advice within specialty areas and is expected to make public presentations.

Hires supervises mentors and trains subordinates interns and/or volunteers. Leads subordinate staff to complete work projects. May oversee specific work programs and/or project personnel and equipment and organizing data collection field trips.

Plans and assesses staff and equipment needs; operates maintains and repairs a variety of specialized equipment common to program work.
Coordinates with co-workers Regional personnel other Regions State and Federal agencies (including State Lands Department Bureau of Land Management Bureau of Reclamation US Forest Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service) private land owners local communities angler groups and general public.

Other duties as assigned as relates to the position.

The position requires knowledge of: wildlife science and wildlife management and best practices; Job-related federal state and agency rules regulations policies and procedures; Scientific data collection procedures and report writing techniques; work supervision and leadership techniques including coaching mentoring and staff development.

Candidates must be skilled in application of fisheries and aquatic species management techniques computer data processing camping and surviving outdoors traversing challenging terrain equipment maintenance and repair operating vehicles watercraft UTVs and aquatic species survey equipment applied data gathering and standardized sampling techniques oral and written communication and public relations techniques.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to apply wildlife science and best practices as appropriate to assignment e.g. habitat evaluations field investigation species identification species habitat requirement ecological support systems etc; Apply scientific data collection procedures and report writing techniques; apply job-related federal state and agency rules regulations and private and public groups; Learn and use specialized equipment common to wildlife work various modes of transportation basic survival techniques and works irregular hours. Develop and maintain working relationships with the public and various governmental and special interest groups. Work outdoors in extreme and/or isolated conditions.

Two years professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management. Previous experience operating watercraft and trailering equipment. An advanced degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of required experience.

Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

The candidate must have a Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries management fisheries biology wildlife management or a closely related field and two years of professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management. 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 agencys ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job and 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 with accumulation benefits
* 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

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

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Nicole Baker at for assistance.