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.

Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Project Lead

Job Location:

FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA, ARIZONA BASED
9140 E. 28th St. Yuma, AZ 85365

Posting Details:

Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 4/22/2026

Job Summary:

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST SENIOR
“Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Project Lead”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA-Exempt / SALARY GRADE 22 / HIRING RANGE $50,000 - $60,000

Are you ready to turn scientific passion into a lasting conservation legacy? The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Project Lead to spearhead the protection of one of North America’s most iconic and endangered large mammals. In this role, you aren’t just managing a project; you are safeguarding a federally endangered subspecies, with populations in southwestern Arizona that are critically threatened by drought, habitat loss, and human activity. The Sonoran pronghorn is a sentinel of our vast arid landscapes, and as their statewide champion, you will bridge the gap between rigorous field science and high-level recovery strategy. From navigating the complexities of captive breeding and reintroductions to leading expert teams through rugged terrain, your work will ensure that this protected species doesn't just survive—it thrives.

We are looking for a leader who is as comfortable analyzing complex datasets as they are handling wildlife in the field. This is your opportunity to coordinate across state, federal, and international lines, influencing the future of Arizona’s landscapes while mentoring the next generation of conservationists. If you possess the technical grit, the strategic mindset, and a deep-rooted commitment to stewardship, we invite you to lead the mission!

Why This Role Matters
The Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Project Lead is a cornerstone position for Arizona’s biodiversity. This role is not simply about monitoring a single species; it is about managing the delicate balance of a desert ecosystem. This position directly influences the survival of a federally protected species through the management of intensive captive breeding programs and strategic reintroductions. Beyond the data, this role shapes the next generation of conservationists. By supervising specialists, technicians, and interns, the Project Lead ensures that field operations—from habitat enhancements to aerial surveys—are conducted with technical precision and a commitment to scientific integrity.

What You’ll Do
• Lead Recovery Efforts: Plan, coordinate, and implement the Sonoran pronghorn recovery project, including the management of two critical captive breeding programs and reintroduction initiatives.
• Direct Field Operations: Conduct specialized field investigations and management projects, including habitat evaluations, animal translocations, and monitoring in extreme outdoor condi