Address: 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85086

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

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 09/17/2025

Do you have a passion for the outdoors? If so, we invite you to join our dedicated team as a Wildlife Specialist. As the HQ Hatcheries Wildlife Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in the conservation and enhancement of both native and sportfish species in Arizona.

Overview of Job Duties:

Fish Culture:

- Calculate, care, and feed fish according to pond, and raceway populations and weight samples. Adjust feed size and amount fed as needed.

- Monitor fish behavior and health including administering therapeutics, calculating, and administering drugs as prescribed.

- Clean ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.
Monitor Water Quality.

Data Analysis:

- Gather and analyze reports related to fish data.

- Gather and create detailed reports on Fish Health Conditions.

- Produce end of year reports.

Biosecurity & Environmental Compliance:

- Understand and practice biosecurity.

- Adhere to- and understand the Departments environmental and cultural compliance.

- Assist in writing EAC’s for small projects.

Operation and Maintenance:

- Maintain buildings, grounds, and equipment, handle repairs, and assist in hatchery operations to preserve a clean, safe, and productive working environment.

Community Engagement:

- Communicate effectively with the public, agencies, and volunteers on a regular basis to promote department programs.

- Communicate with vendors to obtain equipment and service estimates.

To succeed in this role the candidate will need a strong understanding of fish biology, behavior, and disease management, along with proficiency in software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Sheets, and Docs. Being handy with tools, including basic carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and welding skills, is a definite advantage. You should be a self-starter, capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team, even remotely when needed. Physical resilience is essential, as the role involves lifting and carrying heavy loads, working in varying conditions, including inclement weather, and often taking the lead. But most importantly, your passion for conservation, coupled with a deep love for the outdoors, should be the driving force behind your commitment to preserving and protecting Arizona's diverse wildlife species.

The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in an aquaculture, wildlife science or closely related field from an accredited university and two years of fish hatchery or aquaculture related experience.

Position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid, state-issued commercial driver’s license (Class A) appropriate to the assignment with air brakes and tanker endorsement (must be obtained within 6 months of appointment). 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 nor 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).

Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination, drug and alcohol screen 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 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.