Level 1 Wildlife Specialist

GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

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.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.

Wildlife Management Division/ Research Branch
1970 N. Page Springs Rd. Cornville, AZ 86325

Salary: $21.14-$22.59/hr

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 12/28/2025

• Provide overall fish care and support spawning activities for fish.

• Implement feeding plans and support fish health treatments in coordination with the Hatchery Manager.

• Clean rearing ponds, tanks, and raceways, adjust water flows, remove dead fish, check water quality and quantity within the hatchery.

• Gather and compile fish culture data, size/weight of fish, and water quality data.

• May be responsible for monitoring 24 hour facility alarms and required action in the event of an emergency.

• Perform minor maintenance on vehicles and equipment.

• Operate vehicles for hatchery operations (ATVs, stocking trucks, fork lift, front-end loader, etc.).

• Assist general facility maintenance and in the execution of facility enhancement or renovation projects, as needed.

• Supports research conducted at the facility. Assists with research projects as needed,

• Participates in public outreach and education. Works as part of the larger Research Branch team to accomplish the branch's goals and operational objectives which include, but are not limited to, outreach, training, and providing expertise and support to other work units in the Department.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

The preferred candidate will have knowledge of/in: fish and wildlife management; endangered and desert fish; basic water chemistry; aquaculture techniques in a pond-culture, raceway, and circular tank setting; vehicle operation and maintenance; and basic trades such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, fabrication.

The candidate will be skilled in data/information management in a hatchery setting; principles and techniques of fish biology, behavior, propagation, and care in an intensive culture setting; communication both verbally and in writing; and basic maintenance and repair on a variety of hatchery-related vehicles, buildings, tools, and equipment.

The candidate will have the ability to follow standardized protocol; work both independently and as part of a research team; make critical decisions; work varied hours; lift and carry 50 pounds or more, sometimes for extended periods; and work indoor and outdoors in often harsh conditions.

2 years of experience in fish culture, aquaculture, closed system aquatics, research or fish hatchery experience.

Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

The candidate must have a Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries management, fisheries biology, wildlife management or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Employment is 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, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business 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. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked or suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

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).

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Nicole Baker at nbaker@azgfd.gov for assistance.