GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Address:  2878 E. WHITE MOUNTAIN BLVD, PINETOP, ARIZONA 85935

Hiring Salary Range: $48,400 - $55,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 07/06/2025

Under direction of the regional Aquatic Wildlife Program Manager, the Streams Specialist 2 will be responsible for planning, implementing, conducting, analyzing, and reporting professional aquatic wildlife management activities and projects primarily in lotic environments in the White Mountains and eastern Mogollon Rim of Arizona. The position is based at the Pinetop Regional Office.

-Implementing activities related to Apache Trout and Gila Trout recovery, wild trout sportfish management, stream stocking coordination, and some non-game native fish conservation within Region I of Arizona
-Typical field work includes:
*Sampling fish populations using various electrofishing gear, nets, and traps,
*Collecting and processing water and biological samples,
*Conducting aquatic habitat surveys
*Performing mechanical and/or chemical removal of undesirable aquatic species,
*Operating and performing maintenance on field survey equipment
*Understanding and following Regional and State HACCP plans,
*Translocating and/or stocking native and sportfish species according to project plans,
*Other field activities as needed
-Uses specialized methods, techniques and data processing to compile and analyze collected data and other information to formulate and present aquatic wildlife management findings and recommendations in the form of trip summaries, progress reports, white papers, and more
-Reviews technical publications to maintain proficiency in specialty field and participates in outreach activities
-Ensures program coordination with a variety of other Department work units as well as with external agencies
-Will lead and supervise summer field crews and volunteers, schedule crew activities for streams projects, and provide training
-Performs other duties as assigned

The candidate must have knowledge, skills, and ability in fisheries survey and management techniques, standardized sampling protocols, Arizona sportfish and native fish identification and habitat requirements, water chemistry measuring devices and techniques, limnological processes, outdoors survival, hiking long distances in rough remote terrain in high elevations, camping for extended periods of time. The candidate will be able to handle a wide range of inclement weather and high elevations, operation and basic maintenance of 4x4 vehicles, watercraft, snowmobiles and fisheries survey equipment, particularly backpack electrofishers, effective communication (oral and written), developing effective working relationships with the general public and co-workers, managing time and priorities effectively. Candidates must have knowledge of basic statistics and computers, maps, GPS equipment and GIS software, analysis and interpretation of field data, effective training and leadership techniques, Game and Fish laws and regulations, Department policies and procedures. The candidate must have the ability camp for extended periods of time. May occasionally work irregular work schedules that include weekends, holidays, and/or nights.

The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in a wildlife science, fisheries science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university and two years professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management.

The position will also require the successful acquisition of a Pesticide Applicator Certification for Arizona within 6 months of hire and retaining that certification annually. CPR training is required after hire.

Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

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 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 or 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.

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 Amy Lacy at alacy@azgfd.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.