Terrestrial Wildlife Research Biologist 2

<div> <h1><span>GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT</span></h1> <h2><span><em><span>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.<br/><br/>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.</span></em></span></h2> </div> <h3 dir="ltr"><span><strong>Terrestrial Wildlife Research Biologist 2</strong></span></h3> <div> <span>Job Location:</span> </div> <div> <h4><span><span>Address:  5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086</span></span></h4> </div> <div> <span>Posting Details:</span> </div> <div> <h4><span><span>Hiring Salary Range: $48,000 - $55,000 <br/></span></span></h4> <h4><span><span>Grade: 21<br/></span></span></h4> <h4><span><span>Closing Date: 09/07/2026</span></span></h4> </div> <div> <span>Job Summary:</span> </div> <div> <p><span>WILDLIFE SPECIALIST 2<br/>“Terrestrial Wildlife Research Biologist”<br/>WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / RESEARCH BRANCH / PHOENIX, AZ BASED<br/>FLSA- Exempt / SALARY GRADE 21 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $48,000-$55,000<br/>CLOSING DATE: 09/07/2026<br/><br/>Joining this workforce means entering an environment that values its employees, fosters teamwork, and provides a stable, highly rewarding career path.<br/><br/><strong>Your Mission in the Wild</strong><br/><br/><strong>Wildlife Impact</strong>: By designing research studies, collecting data, and publishing results, your work directly addresses the agency's critical wildlife management needs.<br/><strong>Hands-On Conservation</strong>: Your fieldwork—which could include trapping, marking, and tracking wildlife—provides the raw insights needed to protect Arizona’s wildlife species.<br/><strong>Shaping Scientific Knowledge</strong>: By analyzing data and drafting peer-reviewed manuscripts, you contribute to the global body of wildlife science, ensuring Arizona stays at the forefront of conservation.<br/><strong>Fostering Future Conservationists</strong>: By supervising technicians, interns, and volunteers, you directly mentor and shape the next generation of wildlife professionals.<br/><strong>Community Engagement</strong>: Making scientific and public presentations ensures the agency's research findings are transparently shared with the communities working with and relying on wildlife.<br/><br/><strong>Qualifications</strong><br/><br/><strong>Education</strong>: Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science or a closely related field.<br/><strong>Experience</strong>: Three years of professional wildlife research or management experience (an advanced degree can replace one year).<br/><strong>Skills</strong>: Proficiency in study design, statistical and spatial data analysis, and field data collection.<br/><strong>Requirements</strong>: Valid driver's license and passing a post-offer physical exam.<br/><br/>The Wildlife Specialist 2 will work under the direction of the Terrestrial Research Program Manager to plan, organize, and conduct wildlife research studies in a field, office, or lab setting. This includes preparing draft study plans, leading field work to collect data, conducting data analysis, and preparing draft scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Research studies may include projects focusing on wildlife survey methods, population dynamics, harvest analysis, habitat evaluations and relations, predator-prey interactions, special studies, environmental inventories, or the effect of management or development actions. The Wildlife Specialist 2 prepares reports and documents to disseminate research findings, and is expected to make public presentations. The Wildlife Specialist 2 may be assigned to conduct wildlife research studies on a statewide or regional