Aquatics Program Manager

Arizona Department of Administration•Yuma, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the only state agency in Arizona responsible for conserving and protecting more than 800 wildlife species. Be part of a passionate group of people who want to make a positive impact on outdoor recreation in Arizona by managing resources for safe, compatible opportunities for current and future generations. From fishing, boating and off-highway vehicle use to shooting sports, hunting and wildlife watching, Arizona Game and Fish supports it all. Our biologists use the best available science in their management actions, and our wildlife managers are on the ground in your communities making a difference every day. Opportunities abound beyond the field at AZGFD, so check us out and see what we’re all about! Consider joining our workforce today. AZGFD celebrates the diversity of Arizona's people, landscapes and of course, wildlife. However you choose to enjoy Arizona’s wildlife and wild places, the outdoors is open for all. The Arizona Game and Fish Department manages fish and wildlife in Arizona and under the authority of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, creates and implements scientific methods and regulations to effectively manage fish and wildlife habitat via conservation, enforcement, hunting, fishing, watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation, and shooting sports. The Arizona Game and Fish Department dedicates itself to excellence, values its employees and supports a culture of stewardship, teamwork and partnerships. As our Aquatics Program Manager, you’ll lead the team responsible for keeping Arizona’s waters healthy and thriving. In this role, you’re not just managing programs— you’re protecting native fish and ensuring great fishing experiences for everyone in Arizona. You’ll supervise a team of specialists, guide scientific studies, and work with local communities and partners to make sure our lakes, rivers, and streams stay healthy for future generations. If you’re a leader who loves conservation and wants to make a real-world difference in Arizona's outdoors, this is the role for you!

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.
You’re a great communicator who can build partnerships, work with the public, and manage agreements with other agencies.
Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices; wildlife management techniques; negotiation and customer service techniques; and procurement and budget management.
Skills to administer the program and supervise staff; effectively work with people and understand the public's views regarding wildlife; planning and executing wildlife related programs; time management.
Ability to use various modes of transportation, such as boats, four-wheel drive, ATVs and specialized equipment; provide appropriate public relations and customer service within and outside the agency; communicate verbally and in writing; and work irregular hours, sometimes in extreme weather and/or isolated.
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.
A Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field and three years professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management.
Possession of and ability to maintain valid Arizona driver’s license appropriate to assignment.

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