GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Address:  5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Hiring salary range: $55,000 - $70,000 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 10/08/2026

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST SENIOR
“Access Program Coordinator”
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE BRANCH
PHOENIX, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA- Exempt / SALARY GRADE 22 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $55,000 - $70,000
CLOSING DATE: 10/08/2026

This Access Program Coordinator position is responsible for the development and implementation of the Adopt-a-Ranch Program and Landowner Respect Program. This position coordinates with regional staff to administer program objectives. Receives and processes public requests for area closures to hunting, fishing and road closures on Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) lands to protect wildlife habitat and ensure compliance with Department procedure, policies and rules, Arizona Revised Statutes, and local and federal regulations. This position coordinates and attends public access-related projects with federal, state, county and local governments, private landowners and organized public user groups.

Duties will include but not limited to:

- Administers and manages the Landowner Respect and Adopt-a-Ranch Program activities associated with the statewide Landowner Relations Program.
- Coordinates and attends cooperative public access-related projects with Federal, state, county and local governments, private landowners and organized public user groups.
- Works closely with governmental and non-governmental agencies to resolve issues with unlawful blockage of public lands and implement closures to ASLD when necessary for wildlife habitat protection purposes. Locates alternative access routes and monitors right-of-ways and easements to resolve access issues.
- Represents the Department with ASLD for the implementation of the Locked Gate Protocol.
- Represents the Department at meetings and public information sessions, presenting the programs and various outreach efforts.
- Presents recommendations to the AZGFD Commission annually.
- Provides technical guidance and expertise to agency staff, community organizations and other agencies.
- Develops and implements outreach opportunities involving landowner/lessee special interest groups and the general public. Inform outside groups and the general public in matters relating to public access, wildlife and habitat.
- Assist in writing and developing the Department’s Landowner Compact and Public Access - Programs promoting sportsmen opportunities.
- This position will require occasional travel (30%-40% field based)
- This position works a hybrid work schedule, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office unless directed by the supervisor
- Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

The candidate must have knowledge of Wildlife habitat protection and enhancement techniques; Applied wildlife biology; Wildlife habitat identification; Major issues affecting private landowners; National Environmental Policy Act and other pertinent compliance laws, policies, and procedures; Land management agency policies and procedures; Citizenry groups associated with wildlife management in Arizona. State procurement procedures and regulations; Outdoor recreational development; Project administration; Applications of Global Positioning Systems and associated software as they relate to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping capabilities.

The candidate must be skilled in developing various written agreements with private enterprises and government agencies; Budgeting and financial reporting; Technical writing; Computer applications including GIS, word processing, databases, spreadsheets and public presentations; Interpersonal communications, equipment maintenance.

Candidates must be able to resolve conflict through effective communication; negotiate and achieve consensus through partnerships and collaborative agreements; Work independently, set priorities and manage multiple tasks within a dynamic work environment.

The preferred candidate will have at least 1 year of GIS experience or 1 year of college level GIS coursework. The ideal candidate will have experience with ArcGIS, project management, construction/welding skills, southwest livestock industry and the ability to operate an ATV/UTV vehicle.

The candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in a wildlife science or a closely related field as defined by the Department.

Position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.

Employment is also 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 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
● 10 paid holidays
● Tuition Reimbursement Program
● 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 Milani Barron at mbarron@azgfd.gov for assistance. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.