Terrestrial Wildlife Branch Chief

Arizona Department of AdministrationPhoenix, AZ
$77,958 - $141,454Onsite

About The Position

The Terrestrial Wildlife Branch Chief leads, manages and provides oversight for the Terrestrial Wildlife Branch personnel within the Wildlife Management Division and across the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) statewide program. This position develops short and long-range goals, objectives, policies procedures and priorities for the branch programs, including wildlife health, big and small game, landowner relations, habitat enhancement, nongame birds and mammals, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrate programs. This position will require frequent travel.

Requirements

  • Must be a current AZGFD employee to apply.
  • Bachelor's degree in a wildlife science or a closely related field
  • At least four years of prior experience in program management and supervision.
  • Possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.
  • Knowledge of the Department's mission and Strategic Plan, operational and implementation planning.
  • Knowledge of management, research and conservation policies, procedures, programs, practices, principles and philosophy as they pertain to wildlife and related resources.
  • Knowledge of public relations strategies and how to develop and property focus public involvement.
  • Knowledge of Title 17 and the Commission process.
  • Knowledge of Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules and Orders.
  • Knowledge of State budgeting process.
  • Knowledge of Wildlife Management principles.
  • Knowledge of Public policy.
  • Knowledge of Department policies.
  • Knowledge of Federal laws and policies regarding natural resource management.
  • Knowledge of Statistical analysis.
  • Knowledge of Legislative process.
  • Skilled in wildlife, natural resource, personnel, program and budget management and administration.
  • Skilled in Contracting, grant/contract management and developing alternative funding.
  • Skilled in Public speaking, public relations, media management.
  • Skilled in Building consensus, conflict negotiation and resolution.
  • Skilled in Active listening.
  • Skilled in Management and Supervisory.
  • Skilled in Creative problem solving skills.
  • Skilled in presenting information in a clear and concise manner orally and in writing to ensure others understand ideas.
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Leadership and team building skills.
  • Need assessment and analysis skills.
  • Project management skills.
  • Legislative process skills.
  • Strategic, operational, implementation and tactical planning skills.
  • Ability to interpret state and federal wildlife and environmental laws and regulations including A.R.S. Title 17, ESA, NEPA and SHPO.

Nice To Haves

  • An advanced degree in wildlife science
  • Experience in wildlife management over multiple wildlife species
  • Experience with managing budgets and grants
  • Advanced leadership training
  • Experience working with complex multi-functional programs

Responsibilities

  • Monitor program outputs against program goals. Advises and acts on behalf of the Assistant Director of Wildlife Management
  • Advises and counsels the Director and Commission, public, State agencies, and Federal agencies in establishing wildlife management and protection goals, objectives, programs, procedures, laws and regulations
  • Serve on the Department’s Leadership Team
  • Provide leadership to program managers and administrative support staff, providing oversight of branch program activities within AZGFD and other agencies, organizations and the public, representing AZGFD regionally and nationally. May serve on interagency teams and work groups.
  • Develop budget requests, proposals and agreements; approving and monitoring expenditures. Manage office and major field equipment and vehicles purchasing and maintenance.
  • Write and/or edit program, strategic and operational plans, policies and procedures
  • Select, train, supervises, counsels and allocates subordinate staff
  • Perform 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
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