Aquatic Wildlife Specialist 2

Job Details

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 sport fish 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!

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

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: (KSA's) 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.

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).

All newly hired employees will be subject to the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification program.  

Preferred Education, Licensure, Certification: 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.

Contact Information

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH AZSTATEJOBS.GOV
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