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.

Program Project Specialist II

Job Location:

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / RESEARCH BRANCH / PHOENIX BASED
5000 W. Carefree Hwy. Phoenix, AZ 85086

Posting Details:

Salary: $20.67 - $24.71/hr 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: 1/7/2026

Job Summary:

PROGRAM PROJECT SPECIALIST 2
“Program Project Specialist 2”
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / RESEARCH BRANCH / PHOENIX BASED
FLSA-Non-Exempt / GRADE 19 / HIRING HOURLY RANGE $20.67 - $24.71/hr

Research Branch Mission:
To conduct robust research and provide scientific information to inform and support the sound management and professional stewardship of Arizona’s fish and wildlife resources, and to ensure the credibility of the Department’s science.

Research Branch Vision:
To be recognized as the Department’s lead source of scientific information both internally and externally. To be widely recognized for scientific and technical expertise, which enhance Department efficiency, decision making, and credibility, by maintaining the professional excellence of its staff, quality of its processes, and credibility of its science.

Are you a strategic problem-solver who thrives on organization, coordination, and continuous improvement? Do you enjoy making complex operations run smoothly while supporting meaningful public-sector work? If so, this role offers a unique opportunity to play a central leadership role within a dynamic Research Branch.

Under the direction of the Branch Chief, the Program Project Specialist 2 ensures the branch operates efficiently, remains compliant, and collaborates effectively across departments and with external partners. This position blends supervision, systems expertise, and process improvement to support high-impact research and public service outcomes. This position is critical to the success of the Research Branch. You will be the go-to expert for administrative operations, budget tracking, procurement, agreements, records management, and internal coordination—allowing researchers and program staff to focus on their core mission. Your work will directly improve efficiency, accountability, and collaboration across the branch and department.

This role is ideal for a professional who enjoys being at the center of operations and takes pride in keeping complex organizations running smoothly. A strong candidate is both detail-oriented and big-picture focused, able to manage day-to-day administrative responsibilities while also identifying opportunities to improve systems and processes.

Job Duties:

Under the direction of the Branch Chief, this position coordinates and manages administrative and operational functions to support efficient branch operations and effective collaboration with internal and external partners. Responsibil