Mexican Wolf Technician

Arizona Department of Administration•Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ

5d•$19 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

This role supports the Mexican wolf recovery project as part of the elite Interagency Field Team. The technician will be responsible for on-the-ground support for specialized recovery efforts, including assisting with helicopter-based capture operations and field-fostering of wolf pups. The position aims to contribute to the survival and expansion of the Mexican wolf species. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is the only state agency in Arizona responsible for conserving and protecting over 800 wildlife species and is dedicated to managing resources for safe, compatible opportunities for current and future generations. AZGFD manages fish and wildlife in Arizona and implements scientific methods and regulations for effective habitat management through conservation, enforcement, hunting, fishing, watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation, and shooting sports. The department values excellence, its employees, and fosters a culture of stewardship, teamwork, and partnerships.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal, state and agency laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures appropriate to assignment.
Knowledge of radio telemetry equipment and technique/ability to use.
Knowledge of wildlife research and management techniques.
Knowledge of basic wolf and ungulate life histories.
Computer skills sufficient to enter data/write reports/organize and file documents.
Knowledge of safe capture (trapping) and handling techniques for immobilizing and processing wolves and other by-catch.
Knowledge of proper operation, maintenance and basic repair of field equipment and various vehicles, e.g., four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicles.
Skills in conducting aerial and ground-based radio telemetry.
Skills in keeping accurate, thorough and detailed field notes.
Skills in performing basic administrative support functions.
Skills in monitoring job requirements and deadlines.
Skills in composing a wide variety of correspondences/reports/summaries.
Skills in responding to the public with tact, diplomacy, and appropriate timely information.
Skills in responding to a wide variety of complex inquiries concerning the wolf recovery project and predator-prey life histories.
Skills in operating four-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, and snowmobiles.
Skills in navigating backcountry/remote areas using map/compass and GPS technology.
Skills in safe firearm handling and use of less-than-lethal/scare munitions.
Skills in handling and butchering of dead/roadkilled animals.
Skills in utilization of various computer programs including ArcGIS Pro.
Ability to work both alone and as part of a team effectively.
Ability to work, hike, backpack outdoors in primitive field conditions and/or camp overnight for extended periods.
Ability to work after dark and/or in challenging field conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain, lightning and snow.
Ability to work irregular schedule including weekends.
Possessing a high level of common sense, independence and decision-making ability.
Possessing a positive attitude in a challenging and controversial work environment with vocal opponents.
Position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.
Employment is also contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working in a social environment where stakeholders are actively opposed to the work you are conducting, preferably efforts to restore/recover endangered and/or controversial species.
Trapping and handling of carnivores, specifically wolves.
A bachelor's degree in wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited university.

Responsibilities

Support Mexican Wolf Field Ops: Assist senior staff with critical population surveys and capture operations, including aerial telemetry and helicopter-based efforts to monitor the wolf population.
Hands-on Recovery Support: Gain experience in species recovery by assisting with wolf capture, handling, and the specialized fostering of pups in the field.
Assist in Conflict Mitigation: Help investigate wolf reports and support proactive efforts to mitigate livestock depredation, learning how to ensure sustainable coexistence with stakeholders.
Contribute to Data Collection: Collect biological field data and assist in utilizing GIS tools (ArcGIS Online/Pro) to maintain project databases and support accurate reporting.
Collaborative Fieldwork: Work closely with the Interagency Field Team to implement operational tasks and support administrative and technical project requirements.
Learn Stakeholder Engagement: Support public education efforts and learn how to engage with stakeholders to foster long-term community support for wolf conservation.
Conducts field surveying, monitoring, trapping, handling, and management of the Mexican wolf.
Collects and utilizes roadkilled native ungulates for supplemental/diversionary feeding to mitigate conflict and/or support pups.
Collects biological samples and data in the field.
Aids in reducing conflict and impacts of the Mexican wolf on program stakeholders.
Enters records and data into project database, reviews for thoroughness, accuracy, consistency, and completeness and aids in data compilation and analysis.
Contributes to writing and reviewing project-related reports.
Maintains assigned equipment, keeping in clean and safe working order.
Assists Wolf Project Field Supervisor and Wolf Biologist with development and implementation of public interaction activities such as project updates, meetings, presentations, and direct interactions with stakeholders and constituents (in person and by phone/email) while exercising discretion in the dissemination of information about the project in accordance with established protocols.
Provides input when requested on project priorities, work strategies, data analysis, and reports.
Performs related work as required.

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