Wildlife Specialist

Wildlife Specialist 2–State of Arizona

Location: 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85086

Grade: 21 |
Salary Range: $48,400–$55,000 |
Closing Date: 01/19/2026

Employment Type: FLSA Exempt, Salary Grade 21

The Wildlife Specialist 2 will work under general supervision to plan, organize, conduct and coordinate professional wildlife projects in a field and office setting. This position performs wildlife and habitat data collection, data entry and analysis and executes technical surveys and/or evaluations, report writing and preparation of annual reports and summaries. Operates a variety of specialized equipment common to wildlife work and may be required to drive long distances.

The role requires in‑state and out-‑of-‑state travel including overnight multiple-day field trips; night, weekend, and holiday work will be occasionally required.

• Plan and execute day-‑to-‑day logistics of assigned projects.
• Conduct surveys and perform field work in relation to wildlife projects.
• Process, compile, summarize, analyze, and perform QA/QC for all project data into databases.
• Assist in generating quarterly updates and completing annual reports and summaries.
• Plan and assess manpower and equipment needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: habitat and wildlife field investigations; management and conservation techniques and best practices; federal, state and agency laws, regulations, policies and procedures; scientific data collection procedures; statistical analysis; computerized manual information management and geographic information systems; grammar and writing techniques; topographic map, compass, GPS unit and app interpretation and use; species identification and habitat requirements (especially of bats);
Arizona wildlife, plants and habitats (especially of the Sonoran Desert).

Skill in: data gathering, standardized sampling techniques, verbal and written communications, customer service, public relations techniques, problem-solving, orientating, camping, hiking, off-road vehicle use.

Ability to: develop effective communication and working relationships, negotiate, train and evaluate work products.

The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in fisheries and/or wildlife science or a closely related field and at least 3 years of professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management. Must also be able to obtain special certifications as required. Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

Will be required to obtain pre-exposure rabies vaccination.

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid parental leave—up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional benefits: short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, supplemental life insurance

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Contact Milani Barron at mbarron for assistance.