GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Address:  555 N Greasewood Road, Tucson, Arizona 85745

Hiring Salary Range: $48,400 - $58,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 01/04/2026

Wildlife Specialist
“Terrestrial Wildlife Specialist 2”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 5 / TUCSON, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA- Exempt / SALARY GRADE 21 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $48,400 - $58,000
CLOSING DATE: 01/04/2026


The primary duties include: planning, organizing, training and conducting wildlife surveys using a variety of techniques; coordinating and editing hunt recommendations; conducting biological sampling and hunter checkouts; and completing habitat evaluations. The specialist plays a lead role in coordinating, implementing, and providing instruction regarding terrestrial wildlife branch project priorities and techniques within the region, along with habitat and wildlife project implementation. Develops work plans, analyzes data, prepares environmental compliance and grant proposals, expends funds and coordinates manpower needs ensuring adherence to Federal Aid and Department guidelines. Works directly with land management agencies and jurisdictions to accomplish wildlife related activities. Captures and handles wildlife following standardized protocols and may assist on various statewide research projects. Acts as a lead for interns during summer internships.

Major responsibilities include:

- Collect and compile biological data on terrestrial wildlife species populations to formulate recommendations; initiate, coordinate, train on techniques and implement wildlife surveys and research projects; prepare reports on wildlife management activities and findings; maintain all regional wildlife management records and data. Assist the region with monitoring water catchments and their maintenance.

- Coordinate with outside agencies and organizations on wildlife management issues and concerns; prepare official Department responses and briefings relative to wildlife management issues in the region; review and comment on documents from within and outside the agency related to wildlife issues.

- Formulate regional terrestrial wildlife management goals and objectives; review terrestrial wildlife harvest strategies and season dates; based on wildlife objectives formulate and recommend development and maintenance projects. Reviews, evaluates, and edits work products (e.g. correspondence, data, reports, hunt recommendations, and publications) of subordinates and co-workers.

- Act as a terrestrial wildlife management expert for the Region; respond to public and agency requests for information; analyze and formulate recommendations to address terrestrial wildlife species translocation activities as related to nuisance wildlife.

- Trains and supervises activities of other professional and subordinate personnel within areas of expertise and responsibility.

- Prepare annual budget requests for regional terrestrial wildlife management activities; expend funds and coordinate project effort to ensure adherence to Federal Aid guidelines and appropriate adherence to Department objectives and goals.

- Attends staff and project planning meetings and performs other duties as assigned.

The candidate must have knowledge of: wildlife management techniques, scientific data collection procedures, restoration ecology practices, GIS data processing, and basic map production techniques.

The candidate must have skills in: wildlife identification and terrestrial game species handling techniques; report writing and other forms of presentation of findings; mathematical and statistical analysis and data processing; use of telemetry units, remote monitoring equipment and software, GPS units, and navigational technology.

The candidate must be able to: camp, work, and under unexpected circumstances, survive outdoors; traverse difficult terrain; maintain and repair equipment; operate different types of motor vehicles, including ATV or UTVs as appropriate; apply data gathering and standardized sampling techniques; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and apply customer service and public relations techniques.

The candidate must have the ability to: work independently or as part of a team; develop working relationships with public, federal and state agencies and special interest groups; work irregular hours, including weekends and overnight in extreme weather conditions and isolated areas; and adapt their skillset to perform other duties as assigned.

The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a wildlife science or closely related field and two years of professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management.

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).

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).

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.