Aquatics Program Manager

Arizona Department of Administration•Yuma, AZ

5d•$60,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking an Aquatics Program Manager to lead the team responsible for maintaining the health of Arizona's waters. This role involves protecting native fish, ensuring quality fishing experiences, supervising specialists, guiding scientific studies, and collaborating with communities and partners to preserve lakes, rivers, and streams for future generations. The position is for a leader passionate about conservation and making a tangible impact on Arizona's outdoors.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, or a similar field.
At least 3 years of hands-on experience in wildlife or fisheries research and management (a Master’s or higher degree can count as one year of experience).
A proven ability to coach, mentor, and lead a team.
Excellent communication skills for building partnerships, working with the public, and managing agreements with other agencies.
Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
Knowledge of wildlife management techniques.
Knowledge of negotiation and customer service techniques.
Knowledge of procurement and budget management.
Skills to administer the program and supervise staff.
Skills to effectively work with people and understand the public's views regarding wildlife.
Skills in planning and executing wildlife related programs.
Skills in time management.
Ability to use various modes of transportation, such as boats, four-wheel drive, ATVs and specialized equipment.
Ability to provide appropriate public relations and customer service within and outside the agency.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Ability to work irregular hours, sometimes in extreme weather and/or isolated conditions.
Possession of and ability to maintain valid Arizona driver’s license appropriate to assignment.

Nice To Haves

Proven experience supervising, mentoring, and training professional or technical staff in a wildlife or natural resources setting.
Expertise in aquatic wildlife programs, including developing strategic plans, setting programmatic priorities, and overseeing complex research or management projects.
Solid understanding of federal and state wildlife laws, environmental compliance standards, and the ability to negotiate contracts, MOUs, and intergovernmental agreements.
Direct experience conducting or overseeing aquatic field activities such as fish population surveys, habitat improvements, and creel data collection.

Responsibilities

Supervises, coaches, mentors and trains subordinate personnel in aquatic wildlife science, management principles, and functions.
Ensures all program-related administrative matters are appropriately maintained.
Manages workflow, provides program oversight and ensures staff competency and development.
Maintains programmatic activities which include sportfish and native fish surveys, habitat evaluation/improvement, creel data collection, and stocking. Also includes review/issuance of special licenses, sportfish education, and evaluation of boating/angler access needs.
Develops and/or reviews aquatic wildlife management plans and guidelines.
Prepares and/or reviews material for publication.
Oversees environmental compliance related to program implementation.
Negotiates contracts, memorandums of understanding, intergovernmental agreements, etc.
Communicates, cooperates, and collaborates with various groups in developing and implementing activities and policies that benefit wildlife populations/aquatic wildlife related recreation activities.
Participates on recovery teams and other T&E/SGCN work groups.
Operates a variety of specialized equipment common to wildlife work.
Performs other duties as assigned.

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