Address:  5000 W. CAREFREE HWY, PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85086

Hiring Hour Range: $17.00-$23.00 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: 03/26/2025

Under the direction of the Aquatic Research Program Manager, the Sport Fish Research Technician will be responsible for providing support and assistance to project biologists in the collection of biotic and abiotic data for sport fish related research projects.

-Assist with collection of fisheries, environmental, and habitat data in the field and/or laboratory using standard sampling protocols (e.g. electrofishing, use of net capture techniques, and other standard techniques to sample aquatic ecosystems) as directed by project biologists.
-Assist with coordination of field sampling and laboratory activities related to research projects as directed by project biologists.
-Enter and compile data; also maintains databases related to research projects.
-Ensure proper maintenance of Department vehicles/equipment and repairs project equipment as directed by project biologists.
-Assist with project development including reviewing literature and assessing logistical needs.
-Assist with production of texts, charts, and tables to be incorporated into reports, briefings, popular articles, and peer-reviewed scientific publications.
-May assist with literature review, logistics, study plan development, and report writing as needed.
-Participate in training activities.
-Performs other duties as assigned

The candidate will have knowledge of basic fish capture and monitoring techniques; basic biology and life history of fishes; scientific method and analytical reasoning; advanced mathematics, statistics, data management, and experimental design. The candidate will be skilled in navigation in remote wilderness and aquatic environments; handling, tagging and measuring various aquatic wildlife species; providing first aid and survival techniques; use of field equipment including, but not limited to compasses, GPS units, all-terrain vehicles, and 4-wheel drive trucks; use of motorized watercraft and non-motorized watercraft, including trailer operation. The candidate will have the ability to clearly follow standardized protocols and directions (written and oral) from supervisors, work both independently and as part of a team, learn specialized sampling equipment and data gathering techniques, problem solve and contribute on project design/ implementation, work and camp in harsh, remote work environments (e.g. >100°F) for extended periods of time (8-16 hrs), traverse 2-5 miles (occasionally 5+ miles) over uneven terrain including aquatic environments, lift 50+ lbs for extended periods.

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

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, 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.