GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA, ARIZONA BASED
9140 E. 28th St. Yuma, AZ 85365

Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 4/22/2026

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST SENIOR
“Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Project Lead”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA-Exempt / SALARY GRADE 22 / HIRING RANGE $50,000 - $60,000

Are you ready to turn scientific passion into a lasting conservation legacy? The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Project Lead to spearhead the protection of one of North America’s most iconic and endangered large mammals. In this role, you aren’t just managing a project; you are safeguarding a federally endangered subspecies, with populations in southwestern Arizona that are critically threatened by drought, habitat loss, and human activity. The Sonoran pronghorn is a sentinel of our vast arid landscapes, and as their statewide champion, you will bridge the gap between rigorous field science and high-level recovery strategy. From navigating the complexities of captive breeding and reintroductions to leading expert teams through rugged terrain, your work will ensure that this protected species doesn't just survive—it thrives.

We are looking for a leader who is as comfortable analyzing complex datasets as they are handling wildlife in the field. This is your opportunity to coordinate across state, federal, and international lines, influencing the future of Arizona’s landscapes while mentoring the next generation of conservationists. If you possess the technical grit, the strategic mindset, and a deep-rooted commitment to stewardship, we invite you to lead the mission!

Why This Role Matters
The Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Project Lead is a cornerstone position for Arizona’s biodiversity. This role is not simply about monitoring a single species; it is about managing the delicate balance of a desert ecosystem. This position directly influences the survival of a federally protected species through the management of intensive captive breeding programs and strategic reintroductions. Beyond the data, this role shapes the next generation of conservationists. By supervising specialists, technicians, and interns, the Project Lead ensures that field operations—from habitat enhancements to aerial surveys—are conducted with technical precision and a commitment to scientific integrity.

What You’ll Do
• Lead Recovery Efforts: Plan, coordinate, and implement the Sonoran pronghorn recovery project, including the management of two critical captive breeding programs and reintroduction initiatives.
• Direct Field Operations: Conduct specialized field investigations and management projects, including habitat evaluations, animal translocations, and monitoring in extreme outdoor conditions.
• Supervise and Mentor: Provide direct leadership and technical guidance to a team of Wildlife Specialists, Technicians, and interns, ensuring project objectives and development goals are met.
• Analyze and Report Data: Use GIS and statistical methods to analyze field findings, develop management recommendations, and author technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.
• Build Strategic Partnerships: Serve as the primary liaison between the Department and other local, state, and federal agencies to develop funding proposals and implement inter-agency agreements.
• Manage Resources and Budgets: Administer project budgets from multiple contracts and sources, oversee material purchases, and maintain specialized equipment ranging from telemetry systems to generators.
• Communicate Science: Represent the Department in high-level meetings and public forums, ensuring that technical information regarding pronghorn conservation is effectively communicated to diverse audiences.

Why AZGFD?
At Arizona Game and Fish, conservation is personal. Our employees are deeply connected to the landscapes and wildlife they protect. We value stewardship, teamwork, partnerships, and professional growth, and we support our staff with training and career development opportunities. If you’re ready to make a measurable impact on desert wildlife conservation, we encourage you to apply and become part of Arizona’s conservation mission!

This position is responsible for planning and implementing the Sonoran pronghorn recovery project. This position conducts and analyzes Sonoran pronghorn field investigations and management projects; sets priorities and provides guidance for complex projects; develops reports and recommendations on complex and specialized surveys, habitat evaluations and management efforts; manages, coordinates and implements 2 captive breeding programs and reintroduction efforts; develops funding proposals, and manages budgets from multiple contracts and sources; develops and implements inter-agency agreements. This position will supervise a Wildlife Specialist Wildlife Technicians and summer interns.

Major duties will include:

• Writes proposals, develops funding, manages budgets, purchases materials and administers projects related to inventory, monitoring and conservation of Sonoran pronghorn and their habitats to ensure Department commitments and responsibilities toward Sonoran pronghorn recovery are addressed.

• Manages and implements two Sonoran pronghorn captive breeding programs and related translocations into areas of historic habitat. Manages and implements complex wildlife management recovery activities and projects. Monitors, assesses, and adapts management practices as needed based on results.

• Analyzes and reports information collected from Sonoran pronghorn projects, surveys, trans-locations, and habitat management activities, to ensure accurate information is made available to agencies and individuals responsible for, or interested in, the conservation of Sonoran pronghorn. Products may include in-house reports, peer reviewed publications, conference presentations and workshops.

• Supervises various wildlife professionals within the Sonoran pronghorn recovery projects. Trains, supervises, hires, and evaluates performance of subordinates to ensure employee productivity and development.

• Plans and implements habitat enhancements. Lifts, carries, digs and buries various material to construct habitat enhancements for Sonoran pronghorn. Writes EACs, implementation plans, and other regulatory documents for projects.

• Maintains complex computer and GIS databases related to Sonoran pronghorn recovery, monitoring, and management. Produces maps, tablets, figures, photos, and other digital data.

• Operates and maintains a wide variety of specialized equipment including telemetry receivers, camera systems, binoculars, spotting scopes, vehicles, trailers, generators, pumps. Adheres to required maintenance schedules and inventory asset management systems.

• Represents the Department in meetings and other contacts with agencies and the public to ensure Department information and concerns regarding Sonoran pronghorn are presented and addressed. Participates in and may lead project planning meetings. Reviews technical and popular publications to maintain and increase proficiency in specialty fields, and other areas of general competence and responsibility.

• Other duties as assigned, as relates to the position.

The position requires knowledge of: scientific data collection procedures, basic statistical analysis techniques, computerized and manual information management systems, wildlife management and conservations techniques including trapping and predator management, habitat requirements and ecology of Sonoran pronghorn, State and Department policies, procedures, and regulations.

Candidates must be skilled in verbal and written communication, problem solving, prioritizing, supervision and leadership, effective time management, and promoting positive interpersonal relationships within and outside the work group. Recording and maintaining accurate data.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to motivate and engage personnel, apply wildlife science and best practices, report writing techniques, work alone or in small groups, work with minimal supervision, work outdoors for long periods of time in harsh conditions, hiking, camping, navigating in primitive field conditions. Ability to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays. Ability to fly surveys in fixed wing airplanes.

• Three years or more as a Wildlife Specialist or professional experience in wildlife research and/or management. An advanced degree in wildlife sciences or closely related field from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year or required experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team of professionals, technicians, and interns in high-stakes environments, with a strong focus on setting and enforcing rigorous scientific and operational standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing captive breeding programs and the subsequent translocation or reintroduction of animals into wild habitats.
• Advanced skills in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for habitat mapping, population tracking, and managing complex spatial databases.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and operate safely in remote, primitive field conditions, including experience with 4WD vehicles and trailers.
• Previous experience or comfort with fixed-wing aerial surveys to conduct population censuses and monitor radiocollared animals.
• Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

• The candidate must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management or a closely related field.
• 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.

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 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

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

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