Address:  5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Hiring Salary Range: $48,400 - $60,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 11/08/2026

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST 2
“Sportfish Research Biologist 2”
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / RESEARCH BRANCH / PHOENIX BASED
FLSA-Exempt / SALARY GRADE 21 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $48,400-$60,000
CLOSING DATE: 11/08/2026

Description of Duties: This position serves as an aquatic research biologist within the Research Branch, whose mission is 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. Under the direction of the Aquatic Research Program Manager, this position will be responsible for the implementation of statewide research projects focused on sport fish management. This position will supervise at least one technician as well as seasonal interns.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

Duties include, but not limited to:

- Provide supervision to research technician and intern level positions. Provide training,
professional development and meet supervisor administrative responsibilities.
- Conduct analysis of complex research data using analysis software and statistical programs to deduce sound scientific conclusions.
- Review and/or prepare material for publication in technical journals and magazines or for presentation to scientific conferences, Department personnel, partner agencies, general public and/or media.
- Prepare strategic, study plans and reports; review popular and technical publications to maintain proficiency in specialty fields.
- Provides effective work unit leadership and appropriate customer service within and outside the agency to a variety of individuals and private and public groups.
- Provides guidance/expertise to internal and external partners through training and/or response to requests for assistance or support.
- Maintains research equipment, plans and assesses work unit manpower and equipment needs and assists with developing budget and purchasing requests.
- Participates in public outreach and education.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

The candidate must have knowledge of/in: fish and wildlife management, biology and life history of fishes, particularly sport fishes; basic fish capture and monitoring techniques, and physical sciences; advanced mathematics, statistics, data management, experimental design, and the scientific method; and specialty fisheries equipment, vehicle and boat operation. The candidate will be skilled in computerized and manual data/information management; use of advanced data analysis tools or programs for analysis of complex research data; preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals; collecting, handling, tagging, and measuring of various aquatic wildlife species; apply principles and techniques of fish biology, behavior, and care; provide training/oversight to others; time management and leadership techniques; public relations, and problem-solving techniques. The candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; promote positive interpersonal relationships with the public and staff; develop, review, and follow standardized operational protocols; learn quickly; make critical decisions; ability to work both independently and as part of a team; work in harsh, remote work environments (e.g. >100°F) for extended periods of time (8-16 hrs) and camp for several days in the field; traverse 2-5 miles regularly and occasionally 5+ miles over uneven terrain; lift 50+ lbs to chest height and/or carry heavy equipment for extended periods; and travel overnight.

The preferred candidate will have a graduate degree in Fisheries and/or wildlife sciences or closely related field from an accredited college or university.

The candidate must have a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in wildlife/fisheries or closely related field from an accredited college or university and three years professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management.

Position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.

Employment is also contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:
● 13 days’ of vacation
● 12 sick days
● 10 paid holidays
● Tuition Reimbursement Program
● Participation in the nationally recognized Arizona State Retirement System
● Superior health care options
● Vision care, dental care, pharmacy benefits, and flexible spending account (options available)
● Life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance options are available
● Many more benefit programs are available

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Milani Barron at mbarron@azgfd.gov for assistance. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.