GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Delivering results that matter by providing best in class support services.

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.

Statewide Sportfish Program Manager

Job Location:

Address:  5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85086

Posting Details:

Salary: $56,098 - $100,989 

Grade: 24

Closing Date: 07/29/2025

Job Summary:

Be the driving force behind Arizona’s sport fisheries! As the Statewide Sportfish Program Manager, you’ll coordinate statewide stocking strategies, fish population monitoring, fisheries regulations and statewide angler surveys, and angler outreach efforts while shaping the future of fishing in our state. Work with passionate teams, manage key budgets, and help deliver unforgettable experiences for Arizona’s anglers.

Under the supervision of the Aquatic Wildlife Branch Chief, this position executes statewide coordination of sportfish management including management strategies by water, stocking strategies including species prioritization and allocations, monitoring strategies, collaboration with hatcheries and outside vendors, and statewide budget management, implementation planning, and reporting.

Job Duties:

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

- Works closely with the Regional Program Managers, Hatchery Administrator, and the Community Fishing Program Coordinator to coordinate and oversee statewide sportfish management including management strategies by water, cold and warm water vision documents, stocking strategies including species prioritization and allocations, monitoring strategies. Oversees sport fish budgets, implementation plans, and reporting requirements. Lead for the Department’s Standard Fish Sampling Protocol manual, periodic revisions, and ensures compliance with the manual. Coordinates and oversees the Commission Order 40 process for fishing regulation changes and develops effective communication with the angling public for proposed regulation changes. Coordinates and oversees periodic statewide angler surveys. Works with the Development Branch and regional biologists on fishing access improvement projects. Lead for implementing projects to implement cormorant conflict management actions. Collaborates with state counterparts.

- Works with the Reservoir Habitat Program Manager and regional biologists to develop strong working relationships with angling groups and clubs. Participates in roundtable discussions with anglers. Works with the Reservoir Habitat Program Manager, Community Fishing Program, and regional programs on identifying reservoir fish habitat projects. Supports regional programs to identify and implement stream habitat projects to enhance sport fisheries and angling opportunities.

- Co-leads the development of the periodic statewide sport fish stocking proposals and consultations with the Statewide Native Aquatics Program Manager. Works with Community Fishing Program and regional programs on revisions to the stocking consultation or the development of new stocking proposals. Works with the U.S. Fish and Wildli