GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

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 off-highway 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 we’re all about! Consider joining our workforce today. AZGFD celebrates the diversity of Arizona's people, landscapes and of course, wildlife. However you choose to enjoy Arizona’s 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 off-highway 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.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.

Aquatic Wildlife Specialist 2

Job Location:

FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 3 / KINGMAN, ARIZONA BASED
5325 N. Stockton Hill Rd. Kingman, AZ 86409

Posting Details:

Salary: $48,000-$55,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 3/31/2026

Job Summary:

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST
“Aquatic Wildlife Specialist 2”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 3 / KINGMAN, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA-Exempt / SALARY GRADE 21 / HIRING RANGE $48,000-$55,000

Are you passionate about aquatic ecosystems, fisheries management, and hands-on conservation work? The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a dedicated Aquatic Wildlife Specialist 2 to help steward and enhance the rich aquatic resources of northwestern Arizona.
In this dynamic and rewarding role, you will make an impact through a wide range of professional wildlife management duties focused on sustaining and improving fisheries across the region. You will coordinate regional native fish priorities and provide essential support for sportfish efforts. From conducting surveys on Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and other regional waters including collaborative work in other regions to implementing on-the-ground habitat projects, your work will directly influence the health and quality of Arizona’s fisheries.

What You’ll Do:
• Conduct native fish surveys and assessments on streams and rivers to evaluate population health, habitat conditions, and management needs.
• Lead mitigation monitoring in support of sportfish stocking.
• Promote aquatic stewardship through public talks, educational outreach, and hands-on fishing clinics.
• Lead conservation projects vital to protecting Arizona’s unique aquatic heritage.
• Study aquatic wildlife traits, behaviors, and habitat needs—and evaluate how human activities impact these ecosystems.
• Review and assess water and development projects for potential impacts to aquatic species, including endangered fish, and recommend actions or mitigation strategies to protect these resources.
• Participate in interdisciplinary planning teams and help develop habitat management plans that support long-term aquatic wildlife sustainability.

The ideal candidate must be able to work and travel (including overnight travel) irregular hours, including weekends, holidays and must be comfortable working outdoors in extreme isolated conditions and possess the ability to identify wildlife in less than optimal conditions.

In this position, you will directly contribute to ensuring resilient, diverse, and thriving aquatic wildlife populations for future generations. Your work will matter—both to the environment and to the many communities that depend on healthy fisheries for recreation, culture, and quality of life.
If you’re ready to apply your skills, passion, and expertise to meaningful conservation challenges, we invite you to join us!

Job Duties:

This position is responsible for completing a variety of professional wildlife work assignments relating to the management of fisheries resources in Northern Western Arizona. Responsibilities include planning, scheduling, coordinating, and implementing surveys and enhancement projects involving regional waters and their aquatic species resources in accordance with annual work plans. The ability to work, hike, and live in remote wilderness settings while carrying heavy backpacks (50+ lbs) is necessary for this position, which frequently involves backpacking over steep and rugged terrain with heavy gear, packing water and fish out of remote locations for translocation, and/or sampling fish in remote locations on multiple-day (up to 5 consecutive days) backpack trips.

This position is responsible for developing techniques and using best management practices to complete surveys, restoration, and enhancement projects in a safe manner; collecting, summarizing, analyzing, and reporting survey and project data; annual implementation planning and performance reporting; and presenting results at professional meetings as well as to state/federal partners, other stakeholder groups, and the public. This position will also maintain the regional aquatic species databases; oversee and train volunteer personnel and supervise seasonal interns; assist in coordination and planning with other work units and state/federal resource management agencies; review popular and technical publications to maintain proficiency in specialty fields and in other areas of general competence and responsibility; review internal and external documents of proposed actions and funding requests that potentially impact aquatic resources within regional boundaries; maintain and repair all equipment assigned or used to complete fisheries surveys and enhancements; disinfect equipment in accordance with Department policies and regional HACCP protocols; operate 4X4 vehicles both on and off pavement often in remote wilderness settings; respond to requests for program-related advice and for information for education and outreach activities; purchase equipment and supplies used by program personnel; and assist other regions and programs on projects that accomplish the Department's overall mission. At this level, employees work under general supervision, exercising discretion and independent judgment within agency guidelines.

Major duties will include:

• Sample aquatic species in regional waters using various nets, traps, and electrofishing gear; Collect and process water and biological samples associated with investigations of regional waters. Perform species live collection, transport, reintroduction and translocation.

• Enter data and maintain aquatic species management databases; Record, summarize, analyze and interpret data for management reports. Operate and perform maintenance of field and survey equipment including watercraft, vehicles and trailers.

• Assist in planning and coordinating identified work activities with other government agencies and regional personnel. Assist in development of environmental compliance and associated reporting and documentation.

• Purchase field equipment and supplies; oversee and train interns and seasonal employees. Track expenditures and report these to supervisor.

• Present results of activities at professional meetings as well as at other meetings with state/federal partners, stakeholder groups and the public.

• Review proposed activities within the region that may impact aquatic resources.

• Participate in outreach activities and Department AMS Processes.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

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, analyze and interpret field data collected using R, principles of electrofishing, application of piscicides, 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, traversing challenging terrain, equipment maintenance and repair, operating vehicles, watercraft, UTV’s and aquatic species survey equipment, applied data gathering and standardized sampling techniques, oral and written communication and public relations techniques.

The ideal 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.

Selective Preference(s):

Two years professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management. 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.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

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 agency’s 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 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 nor 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).

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: Driver’s License Requirements.

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

Benefits:

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 program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

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

Contact Us:

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