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.

Aquatic Wildlife Program Manager

Job Location:

FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 6
7200 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85207

Posting Details:

Salary: $60,000 - $72,000 

Grade: 23

Closing Date: 

Job Summary:

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST SUPERVISOR REGIONAL
“Aquatic Wildlife Program Manager”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIV / REGION 6 / MESA, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA- Exempt / SALARY GRADE 23 / Hiring Range $60,000 - $72,000

The Aquatic Wildlife Program Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating a team that may include 3 wildlife specialists, interns, volunteers, partner personnel, and other support staff involved in advanced aquatic wildlife research and management. This role oversees both sportfish and native fish management efforts, as well as complex environmental studies conducted in the field and laboratory. Key responsibilities include developing and managing aquatic wildlife programs, coordinating study plans and procedures, and ensuring effective collaboration both within the agency and with external partners. The Program Manager plays a strategic leadership role by setting program priorities, overseeing implementation, and managing all related administrative functions—including budgeting, planning, and public outreach.

This position requires a flexible schedule, including occasional work on weekends, holidays, or nights. While much of the work is conducted indoors and demands close attention to detail, fieldwork is also required. Field assignments may involve travel across the state—often in remote or rugged terrain—and can include exposure to extreme weather conditions and wilderness hazards. Various transportation methods may be used, including boats, aircraft, ATVs, horses, or traveling on foot.

Job Duties:

Major responsibilities include:

- Supervises, coaches, mentors and trains subordinate personnel in aquatic wildlife science and management principles and functions. Coordinates and supervises the activities of subordinates.

- Ensures all program-related administrative matters, e.g., budget, finances, reports, and equipment maintenance etc. are appropriately handled.

- Manages workflow, provides program oversight and ensures staff competency and development. Programmatic activities include sportfish and native fish management (surveys, habitat evaluation/improvement, creel data collection, and stocking) review/issuance of special licenses, sportfish education, and evaluation of boating/angler access needs.

- Supervises and monitors aquatic wildlife study plans, programs, projects and procedures. Reviews, edits, evaluates and/or approves survey data, technical reports and publications. Develops and/or reviews aquatic wildlife management plans and guidelines.

- Prepares and/or reviews material for publication in technical journals and magazines, for the media or for presentation to scientific conferences, department personnel, other agencies, the general public and/or the media.