Aquatic Wildlife Specialist 2

Arizona Department of Administration

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a dedicated Aquatic Wildlife Specialist 2 to help steward and enhance the rich aquatic resources of northwestern Arizona. In this dynamic and rewarding role, you will make an impact through a wide range of professional wildlife management duties focused on sustaining and improving fisheries across the region. You will coordinate regional native fish priorities and provide essential support for sportfish efforts. From conducting surveys on Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and other regional waters including collaborative work in other regions to implementing on-the-ground habitat projects, your work will directly influence the health and quality of Arizona’s fisheries. In this position, you will directly contribute to ensuring resilient, diverse, and thriving aquatic wildlife populations for future generations. Your work will matter—both to the environment and to the many communities that depend on healthy fisheries for recreation, culture, and quality of life.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries management, fisheries biology, wildlife management or a closely related field.
• Two years of professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management.
• Ability to work and travel (including overnight travel) irregular hours, including weekends, holidays.
• Comfortable working outdoors in extreme isolated conditions.
• Ability to identify wildlife in less than optimal conditions.
• Ability to work, hike, and live in remote wilderness settings while carrying heavy backpacks (50+ lbs).
• Frequently involves backpacking over steep and rugged terrain with heavy gear, packing water and fish out of remote locations for translocation, and/or sampling fish in remote locations on multiple-day (up to 5 consecutive days) backpack trips.
• Develop techniques and use best management practices to complete surveys, restoration, and enhancement projects in a safe manner.
• Collect, summarize, analyze, and report survey and project data.
• Annual implementation planning and performance reporting.
• Present results at professional meetings as well as to state/federal partners, other stakeholder groups, and the public.
• Maintain the regional aquatic species databases.
• Oversee and train volunteer personnel and supervise seasonal interns.
• Assist in coordination and planning with other work units and state/federal resource management agencies.
• Review popular and technical publications to maintain proficiency in specialty fields and in other areas of general competence and responsibility.
• Review internal and external documents of proposed actions and funding requests that potentially impact aquatic resources within regional boundaries.
• Maintain and repair all equipment assigned or used to complete fisheries surveys and enhancements.
• Disinfect equipment in accordance with Department policies and regional HACCP protocols.
• Operate 4X4 vehicles both on and off pavement often in remote wilderness settings.
• Respond to requests for program-related advice and for information for education and outreach activities.
• Purchase equipment and supplies used by program personnel.
• Assist other regions and programs on projects that accomplish the Department's overall mission.
• Knowledge of fish and wildlife management, rules and regulations, policies and procedures, aquatic survey techniques, fish, herp, aquatic flora and fauna identification and habitat requirements, water chemistry measuring devices and techniques, operation and maintenance of vehicles, watercraft and fisheries survey equipment, maps, charts and GPS equipment, analyze and interpret field data collected using R, principles of electrofishing, application of piscicides, and proper fish transportation procedures.
• Skilled in application of fisheries and aquatic species management techniques, computer data processing, camping and surviving outdoors, traversing challenging terrain, equipment maintenance and repair, operating vehicles, watercraft, UTV’s and aquatic species survey equipment, applied data gathering and standardized sampling techniques, oral and written communication and public relations techniques.
• Able to develop effective and positive working relationships with the public, tribes, various local, state and federal governmental agencies, special interest groups and the media in a positive manner, provide positive and effective customer service to a variety of internal and external customers, negotiate with agencies, individuals and other entities in support of program areas and the Department’s mission, effectively communicate orally and in writing for wide variety and level of audiences, including agency leadership, train and evaluate seasonal interns.
• 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.
• Maintain acceptable driving records.
• Complete all required driver training.
• Maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (if operating a personally owned vehicle on state business).

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct native fish surveys and assessments on streams and rivers to evaluate population health, habitat conditions, and management needs.
• Lead mitigation monitoring in support of sportfish stocking.
• Promote aquatic stewardship through public talks, educational outreach, and hands-on fishing clinics.
• Lead conservation projects vital to protecting Arizona’s unique aquatic heritage.
• Study aquatic wildlife traits, behaviors, and habitat needs—and evaluate how human activities impact these ecosystems.
• Review and assess water and development projects for potential impacts to aquatic species, including endangered fish, and recommend actions or mitigation strategies to protect these resources.
• Participate in interdisciplinary planning teams and help develop habitat management plans that support long-term aquatic wildlife sustainability.
• Sample aquatic species in regional waters using various nets, traps, and electrofishing gear; Collect and process water and biological samples associated with investigations of regional waters. Perform species live collection, transport, reintroduction and translocation.
• Enter data and maintain aquatic species management databases; Record, summarize, analyze and interpret data for management reports. Operate and perform maintenance of field and survey equipment including watercraft, vehicles and trailers.
• Assist in planning and coordinating identified work activities with other government agencies and regional personnel. Assist in development of environmental compliance and associated reporting and documentation.
• Purchase field equipment and supplies; oversee and train interns and seasonal employees. Track expenditures and report these to supervisor.
• Present results of activities at professional meetings as well as at other meetings with state/federal partners, stakeholder groups and the public.
• Review proposed activities within the region that may impact aquatic resources.
• Participate in outreach activities and Department AMS Processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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
• Paid Parental Leave program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees