GAME AND FISH DEPT

Address:  5000 W Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona

Salary: $88,000 - $165,000 

Grade: E3

Closing Date: 10/20/2024

AGENCY INTERNAL ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY

GAME AND FISH ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
“ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / HEADQUARTERS / PHOENIX BASED
FLSA - EXEMPT / SALARY GRADE E3 ($88,000-$165,000)
CLOSING DATE 10/20/2024

The Field Operations Division is responsible for the on-the-ground implementation of all the Department’s major program areas. These program areas include: Law Enforcement functions, management of six regional offices located throughout the State, 24-hour Dispatch Center, Aviation Services and all regional wildlife and fisheries management. The Division consists of approximately 260 employees with an annual combined budget of approximately $20 million.

Under direction of the Deputy Director, the Field Operations Assistant Director (A.D.) is responsible and accountable for the planning, directing and organization of activities, personnel and budgets of the Field Operations Division (FOD). The FOD A.D. serves as a member of the Department’s Executive Staff. Executive Staff members are responsible for setting the Department’s strategic direction and the annual and long-term goals and accountability for achieving those goals. The A.D. is responsible for managing all aspects of the Division’s operations including budget approval and fiscal oversight, personnel administration, asset and facility management, development of the Division’s strategic and programmatic directions, and daily operations. This position is responsible for oversight and coordination of law enforcement activities and regional staff who inform and educate the public on wildlife issues and Department services and activities. The position approves all FOD personnel actions, including, hiring, and disciplinary actions up to dismissal, as well as, providing coaching and mentoring to employees. The A.D. ensures compliance with statutory responsibilities and directives and provides recommendations to the Director and Deputy Director.

This is an executive-level leadership position. An employee in this position requires an understanding of the mission, strategies and practices of a public wildlife management agency, including an understanding of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

The candidate will have knowledge of State administrative rules, Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules and Orders, Commission process, Titles 17, 5 and 28, principles of public administration, supervision, delegation, organizational development, Arizona legislative and budgeting process, statistical planning, Lean principles, wildlife management and preservation, research and conservation policies, interpersonal relations, volunteer management, negotiation and conflict resolution and program evaluation skills.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to form strong relationships with people and leverage those relationships; strategic thinking skills, combined with strong verbal and written communication skills.

The ideal candidate will have a State of Arizona Peace Officer certification.

Must be a current AZGFD employee to apply.

The candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in a wildlife science or closely related field and five years of managerial experience in wildlife management programs.

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.

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

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. 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 mbarron@azgfd.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.