Habitat Evaluations and Lands Specialist

Arizona Department of Administration•KINGMAN, KS

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a visionary Habitat Evaluations and Lands Specialist to bridge the gap between critical conservation science and essential state development. Operating out of our Kingman office, you will serve as a frontline advocate—analyzing complex land and water projects, deploying advanced GIS mapping to protect endangered species, and negotiating mitigation strategies with federal and private stakeholders. As a vital voice for Arizona's natural heritage, you will directly safeguard the state's vulnerable ecosystems and diverse wildlife populations for future generations. Your scientific evaluations, field data, and regulatory advocacy will serve as the shield that protects critical habitats from unsustainable human encroachment. By auditing sprawling infrastructure plans, brokering crucial environmental compromises, and managing vital lands alongside the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP), you will shape the literal landscape of wildlife-oriented recreation and ecological preservation across Arizona.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s or advanced degree in wildlife/fisheries science or a closely related natural resource field, backed by at least 2 years of professional wildlife research or fisheries management experience.
Deep knowledge of Arizona’s unique ecosystems and wildlife management principles, including job-related federal, state, and agency rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Exceptional skills in conflict resolution and the ability to negotiate consensus among diverse stakeholders, private entities, and federal, state, and local agencies while advocating for wildlife conservation.
Proficiency in GIS software and technical equipment (including GPS locators, agency radios, and digital cameras) to plot, track, and evaluate land and water project footprints against critical habitats.
The capacity and physical capability to conduct rugged field inspections across extreme, isolated terrain using various transportation modes like four-wheel drives, ATVs, or watercraft, coupled with basic survival and first response skills.
Knowledge of wildlife science and wildlife management and best practices; job-related federal, state and agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures; scientific data collection procedures and report writing techniques.
Candidates must be skilled in: wildlife identification; communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; customer service techniques; analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing complex legal texts, regulatory frameworks, and dense scientific literature; evaluating land and water project proposals against local, state, and federal environmental laws; conducting field surveys, identifying flora/fauna, and utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools to map habitats; implementing physical, chemical, and biological control methods to eradicate or manage invasive populations; drafting clear mitigation recommendations, environmental impact reports, and habitat management plans.
Candidates must have the ability to: apply wildlife science and best practices as appropriate to assignment, e.g., habitat evaluations, field investigation, species identification, species habitat requirements, ecological support systems, etc; apply scientific data collection procedures and report writing techniques; apply job-related federal, state and agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures; provide appropriate customer service within and outside the agency to a variety of individuals and private and public groups; learn and use agency radio system, GIS, GPS locator, computers, cameras and specialized equipment common to wildlife work; use various modes of transportation, such as horses, mules, boats, four-wheel drive, ATVs; learn and apply basic survival and first response (medical assistance) skills; work irregular hours, including on weekends and holidays and at night; develop and maintain working relationships with the public and various governmental and special interest groups; work outdoors in extreme weather and/or isolated conditions.
Must have a Bachelors or advanced degree in wildlife and/or fisheries sciences or closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Two (2) years professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management.
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.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience evaluating land use agreements, lease terms, and habitat compliance specifically within the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program framework.
Experience in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to overlay land and water project footprints against critical habitat zones to produce standardized environmental evaluation maps.
Experience conducting wildlife population and habitat field inspections in remote, extreme terrain utilizing specialized transport including four-wheel-drive vehicles, ATVs, or watercraft.
Demonstrated skill analyzing dense environmental legal texts (such as NEPA or ESA documents) to draft legally defensible project mitigation recommendations and formal agency position letters.
Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

Responsibilities

Review, analyze, and critique complex land and water project proposals to identify potential adverse impacts on fish, wildlife, and endangered species.
Author definitive agency position letters, environmental impact reports, and legally enforceable mitigation strategies based on state and federal laws.
Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to overlay construction footprints against critical habitats, producing standardized maps to guide planning teams.
Lead remote field inspections across extreme Arizona terrain via 4WD vehicles, ATVs, and watercraft to survey flora, fauna, and habitat health.
Represent the Arizona Game and Fish Department in interdisciplinary planning sessions, resolving intense resource conflicts with federal, state, and private entities.
Design, coordinate, and execute hands-on habitat restoration and enhancement projects to secure resilient ecological support systems.
Studies the physical characteristics of wildlife and their behaviors, and the impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.
Coordinates and implements fish and wildlife management actions, evaluates land and water projects for impacts to wildlife, including endangered species, and recommends Department actions on projects and proposes mitigation when appropriate.
Participates in interdisciplinary planning teams and develops habitat plans for the Department.
Works to ensure that there will be viable wildlife and wildlife populations in the future.
Leads and participates in habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
Represents the Arizona Game and Fish Department in the evaluation and implementation of land management plans and activities for the benefit of fish and wildlife resources.
Coordinates and conducts Department reviews and evaluations of project proposals, reports, and land use plans for the potential impacts to fish and wildlife.
Coordinates with Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) on activities on Commission owned properties leased to LCR MSCP.
Maintains and protects Department interests on these properties.
Communicates orally and in writing to express the Department’s position and concerns on proposed land management plans and projects and cooperates with the public, private entities and federal, state and local agencies to develop plans and actions that mitigate potential adverse impacts to fish, wildlife and habitats for wildlife conservation and wildlife-oriented recreation.
Develops, maintains and fosters effective working relationships with cooperating agencies, project sponsors, and public entities as an advocate for wildlife conservation and wildlife oriented recreation.
Conducts field inspections and evaluations in cooperation with Department field personnel and cooperating agencies to assess potential impacts to fish and wildlife populations and habitats.
Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in project evaluations to produce clear, standardized map products.
Negotiates and resolves habitat related conflicts and other resource issues with federal, state, and local agencies and other organizations.
Maintains official records and files on project development, environmental references and Department correspondence.
Monitors and evaluates changes in relevant laws, policies and regulations that affect the Department’s ability to manage wildlife and their habitats.
Assists immediate Supervisor, Branch Supervisor and other Department personnel in the preparation of annual reports, performance reports.
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
By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive.
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here.
For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.