Mexican Wolf Specialist

Arizona Department of Administration•Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ

4d•$48,400 - $55,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a dedicated Mexican Wolf Specialist to join their elite Interagency Field Team. This role is crucial for the recovery and conservation of the Mexican wolf population in the Southwest. The specialist will be responsible for on-the-ground recovery efforts, including coordinating helicopter-based capture operations and field-fostering of wolf pups. This position directly impacts the survival and expansion of the species and plays a key role in shaping the legacy of Mexican wolf conservation.

Requirements

Knowledge of wolf behavior and management techniques.
Ability to work cooperatively with other employees under stressful situations.
Ability to perform in a supervisory position.
Ability to interact with people in the field who are very opposed to the wolf project and actively listen to concerns.
Knowledge of computer databases and GIS software applications.
Experience with trapping and safely handling wolves, including the use and management of immobilizing drugs.
Background of the project to be able to give accurate information in presentations and reports.
Knowledge of Endangered Species Act, the non-essential experimental population rule, and the Final Environmental Impact Statement.
Knowledge of project standard operating procedures, Department operating manual and Department policy.
Skills in interpersonal communication to relay information to project personnel and stakeholders.
Skills in leading and/or supervising employees in a field based project under strenuous and stressful situations.
Skills in being sensitive to the idiosyncrasies of situations and personnel.
Skills in being reliable and timely in communications with supervisor and subordinates.
Skills in time management.
Skills in resource scheduling.
Skills in electronic communications.
Skills in computer databases.
Skills in GIS software applications.
Skills in problem solving.
Skills in back country navigation with map and compass.
Skills in using GPS equipment.
Skills in trapping, safely handling and processing wolves for research and management purposes using standard wolf handling techniques.
Skills in obtaining radio-telemetry locations using standard ground and aerial techniques.
Skills in plotting triangulations, and entering them into a computer database.
Ability to provide effective supervision of project personnel.
Ability to speak to large groups effectively.
Ability to develop factual and effective educational materials.
Ability to drive 4X4, ATV and snowmobile vehicles.
Ability to adhere to all Department policies and procedures.
Ability to work effectively alone, after dark, and/or in difficult weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain and snow.
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.
Must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

Experience in wildlife management and handling, specifically wolf behavior and management techniques.
Hands-on experience with advanced telemetry techniques, including aerial radio-telemetry, triangulation plotting, and helicopter-based capture operations.
Prior experience leading or supervising field teams (including technicians and interns) in remote, backcountry, or adverse environmental conditions.
Experience operating specialized field equipment, such as snowmobiles, ATVs, and packing stock in remote terrain.

Responsibilities

Lead Mexican Wolf Field Ops: Conduct critical population surveys and capture operations, including aerial telemetry and helicopter-based efforts to monitor the Mexican wolf population.
Hands-on Recovery Efforts: Directly contribute to species recovery through wolf capture, handling, and specialized fostering of pups in the field.
Mitigate Conflicts: Investigate wolf reports and work proactively to mitigate livestock depredation, ensuring sustainable coexistence with stakeholders.
Data-Driven Management: Collect biological field data and utilize advanced GIS tools (ArcGIS Online/Pro) to manage project databases, conduct analysis, and drive reporting.
Collaborate and Lead: Support the Interagency Field Team Lead by developing operational strategies and providing direct leadership to field technicians and interns.
Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key project representative, engaging with stakeholders and facilitating public education to support the long-term conservation of the Mexican wolf.
Coordinate and implement the daily execution of field activities and associated collection of biological data and management of Mexican wolves on non-Tribal lands of Arizona per protocol and policy.
Oversees and performs capture and release monitoring.
Provides direct supervision of wildlife technicians and interns assigned to the project.
Writes a variety of complex correspondence, reports, and project summaries under the direction of the Field Team Lead, using technical knowledge and expertise.
Enters data into a computer database, manages ArcGIS database and checks for accuracy and completeness.
Utilizes GIS software to display and analyze spatial data.
Provides input on project priorities, work strategies, budget requests, data analysis, reports, and staffing.
Oversees maintenance of project field and office equipment in safe working order.
Assists Project administrators and the Field Team Lead with development and implementation of public outreach materials and activities, such as newsletters, meetings, presentations, and direct Interactions with Individuals while exercising discretion in the dissemination of information about the project in accordance with established protocols.
Serves as acting Field Team Lead when needed.
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