Terrestrial Wildlife Program Manager

Arizona Department of Administration•Mesa, AZ

1d•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.

Requirements

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 the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.
Knowledge of wildlife science and wildlife management and best practices.
Knowledge of Federal, state and agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of work supervision principles and leadership techniques, including coaching, mentoring, employee discipline and staff development.
Knowledge of public relations, negotiation and customer service principles and techniques.
Knowledge of principles and practices of state of Arizona budget management and procurement.
Knowledge of principles of the Arizona Management System and its application.
Knowledge of public needs and attitudes toward wildlife.
Skill in planning and executing wildlife related programs.
Skill in applying work supervision and leadership techniques, including coaching, mentoring and staff development.
Skill in effectively managing time.
Skill in recognizing conflicting public values and viewpoints and responding effectively.
Ability to apply job-related federal, state and agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Ability to apply wildlife science and management best practices as appropriate to supervisory assignment development.
Ability to develop and maintain working relationships with the various governmental agencies, special interest groups, the media and the public.
Ability to provide appropriate public relations and customer service within and outside the agency to a variety of individuals and private and public entities.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Ability to negotiate with public and private entities and individuals.
Ability to work irregular hours, including on weekends and holidays and at night.
Ability to perform field site visits, sometimes in extreme weather and/or isolated conditions.
Ability to use various modes of transportation, such as planes, helicopters, horses, mules, boats, four-wheel drive, ATVs and specialized equipment common to wildlife work, as needed.
Ability to apply the principles of the Arizona Management System to the workplace environment and maintain a Regional Wildlife Program Team that reflects these principles.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of federal and state wildlife laws, regulations, policies and compliance standards.
2-4 years of experience developing, implementing, or overseeing wildlife study plans or management strategies.
Experience with budget management and procurement.
Experience supervising professional or technical staff.
Experience planning, organizing, administering, and leading the operational aspects and strategic direction of a regional Wildlife Program.

Responsibilities

Empower, mentor, and supervise a dedicated team; fostering professional growth, celebrating key achievements, and cultivating an environment of excellence.
Drive cutting-edge science by gathering, compiling, and analyzing critical wildlife inventory and monitoring data to inform high-level management actions.
Champion innovation and agency initiatives by participating in key advisory groups, process improvement teams, and committees dedicated to advancing wildlife management.
Build powerful, collaborative partnerships with state, federal, tribal, and municipal agencies, as well as private stakeholders, to advocate for wildlife populations and enhance outdoor recreation across the state.
Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on wildlife biology and stewardship, delivering expert guidance and training to agency colleagues, external partners, and the public.
Spearhead the administration and strategic direction of the regional Wildlife Program, managing fiscal budgets, work assignments, and performance metrics to ensure maximum conservation impact.
Supervises and coordinates a staff of wildlife specialists or other personnel and their assistants engaged in complex wildlife research, management and/or environmental studies in the field and laboratory.
Coordinates and monitors wildlife study plans, programs and procedures.
Provides coordination inside and outside the agency to ensure successful wildlife program implementation.
The Wildlife Specialist Supervisor develops and administers wildlife programs and is responsible for strategic planning and establishing programmatic priorities.
Employees are responsible for ensuring all related activities, e.g., budgetary, fiscal, planning, outreach, etc. are completed appropriately.
Supervise 4 Regional Wildlife Program Specialists and their individual subprograms.
Conduct and review performance evaluations, personnel investigations and recommend discipline.
Coach and mentor program staff in policy, procedures, skills and abilities.
Recognize achievements.
Plan, organize, administer and lead the operational aspects of the regional Wildlife Program, including; budgets, work assignments and program performance evaluations.
Develop and encourage effective procedures.
Implement corrective actions as necessary.
Collect, compile, and analyze data, conduct management actions and report on wildlife inventory, monitoring, and management activities to the Regional Supervisor, Executive Staff and the Game and Fish Commission.
Participate on committees, advisory groups, process improvement teams and work groups related to wildlife management and Department operations.
Communicate, cooperate, and collaborate with various federal, state, county, municipal agencies, and private interests in developing and implementing activities and policies that benefit wildlife populations, wildlife related recreation and the interests of the people of the State of Arizona.
Serve as a technical and informational advisor to the work units, programs, regional employees, public and private entities with respect to wildlife biology and management.
Provide training as appropriate.
Conduct fieldwork to administer the wildlife program and implement projects and priorities of the subprograms as necessary.
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