Aquatic Wildlife (Reservoir) Specialist

Arizona Department of Administration•Mesa, AZ

4d•$48,400 - $55,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a dedicated Aquatic Wildlife (Reservoir) Specialist to join their team in Region 6. This role involves actively managing and working with sportfish around reservoirs throughout the state, contributing to Arizona's conservation mission and the sustainability of vital aquatic populations. The specialist will lead habitat monitoring, manage sportfish populations, and shape the legacy of water, angling, and wildlife conservation in Arizona.

Requirements

Knowledge of fish, advanced biology, or closely related field.
Knowledge of fish and wildlife management techniques and application.
Knowledge of fish biology, fish populations dynamics.
Knowledge of fish surveys, creel design, and application techniques.
Knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of federal, state, and agency rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of best management practices for various fisheries related duties.
Knowledge of effective training and leadership techniques.
Skills in application of fisheries management techniques.
Skills in use of agency radio systems.
Skills in employing GPS devices and technology.
Skills in using computers, cameras and other necessary tools and equipment.
Skills in data entry and analysis.
Skills in using various modes of transportation, such as horses & mules, boats, 4-wheel drive vehicles and ATVS.
Skills in first aid and survival skills.
Skilled in supervising subordinates and developing an effective and functional team.
Skills in equipment and maintenance repairs.
Skills in written and oral communication and public relations techniques.
Skills in processes and procedures to administer special licenses.
Ability to develop effecting and positive working relationships with the public, tribes, various local, state, and federal government agencies, special interest groups, and the media.
Ability to provide positive and effective customer service to a variety of internal and external customers.
Ability to negotiate with agencies, individuals, and other entities in support of program area and the Department's mission.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing for wide variety and level of audiences, including agency leadership.
Ability to work irregular hours, including weekends, holidays and at night, and work outdoors in extreme isolated conditions.
Ability to identify wildlife in less than optimal conditions.
Ability to obtain special certifications as required.
Bachelors or advanced degree in wildlife and/or fisheries sciences or closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Two years professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management.
Possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.
Successful completion of the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

Experience in aquatic wildlife and fisheries management, particularly regarding sportfish species and population monitoring.
Proficiency in planning and implementing aquatic field projects, including limnological monitoring, and habitat assessments.
Proven experience leading or supervising field teams, including technicians, interns, and/or volunteers, in remote or complex environmental conditions.
Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing specialized aquatic field equipment and watercraft.
Demonstrated ability to analyze biological data, prepare technical reports, and coordinate effectively with diverse stakeholders and scientific partners.

Responsibilities

Lead Aquatic Field Ops: Plan and implement population and habitat surveys, including sportfish species projects and active management of sportfish populations in reservoirs across the state.
Drive Species Recovery: Utilize scientific methods to enhance sportfish populations and coordinate warm water fish stockings to maintain healthy fisheries.
Assess Water Projects: Evaluate water and habitat projects, recommending mitigation strategies to protect aquatic wildlife, ensure ecological balance, and sustain viable populations.
Data-Driven Management: Analyze complex biological data to produce technical, summary, and annual reports, while preparing findings for diverse audiences including stakeholders and scientific partners.
Collaborate and Mentor: Provide technical guidance, lead field teams, and coordinate with federal, state, and community partners to support sustainable aquatic ecosystems.
Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key representative, conducting fisheries outreach, workshops, and clinics to engage the public and angler groups in championing Arizona's aquatic heritage.
Plans, organizes, analyzes, conducts and coordinates fish population surveys in the regional waters using creel, various nets, traps, and electrofishing gear.
Analyzes data, writes trip, summary, quarterly, and annual reports. Prepares materials for presentations to scientific conferences, department personnel, other agencies, general public, and/or the media.
Provides consultation and technical advice within specialty areas and is expected to make public presentations.
Develop and make fish management recommendations.
Conduct fisheries outreach activities (fishing clinic, fishing techniques workshops...) and communicate with the public (giving presentations, via email, in the field, and over the phone).
Coordinate planned work activities with regional personnel, government agencies, and volunteers.
Coordinate warm water fish stockings and make recommendations for stocking changes.
Purchase and maintain fisheries equipment and supplies.
Administer special licenses.
Other duties as assigned, as relates to the position.

Benefits

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
Paid Parental Leave program