Aquatic Wildlife Program Manager

AZ State Jobs; Mesa (AZ); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days

Sick leave

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The Aquatic Wildlife Program Manager role is based in Region 6 (Mesa, AZ) and leads regional aquatic wildlife conservation efforts, overseeing sportfish and native fish management, habitat evaluations, field research, and administrative functions.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife sciences and several years of supervisory experience; it offers a competitive salary and opportunities for collaboration with multiple agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science or related field.
• Three years professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead a regional aquatic wildlife management team.
• Oversee program administration including budget and grants.
• Plan field surveys and habitat evaluation projects.
• Collaborate with federal, state and local agencies.

Skills

Wildlife science

Leadership

Budget management

Field research

Public relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science or related field

Tools

Watercraft operation

Job description

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.

Aquatic Wildlife Program Manager

Job Location:

FIELD OPERATIONS DIV / REGION 6 / MESA, ARIZONA BASED
7200 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85207

Posting Details:

Salary: $60,000 - $75,000

Grade: 23

Closing Date: 10/14/2026

Job Summary:

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST SUPERVISOR REGIONAL

“Aquatic Wildlife Program Manager”

FIELD OPERATIONS DIV / REGION 6 / MESA, ARIZONA BASED

FLSA- EXEMPT / SALARY GRADE 23 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $60,000 - $75,000

Protecting Arizona’s Aquatic Wildlife Through Science, Leadership, and Management

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a skilled and dedicated Aquatic Wildlife Program Manager to join our team in Region 6 (Mesa, AZ). This vital role leads regional aquatic wildlife conservation efforts, overseeing sportfish and native fish management, habitat evaluations, field research, and administrative functions. If you are passionate about managing fish populations, enhancing aquatic habitats, and leading a dynamic team of specialists, we invite you to apply!

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Supervision: Lead, coach, and mentor a team of wildlife specialists, interns, and volunteers in regional aquatic wildlife management functions.
• Program Management: Oversee program administration, including budget development, financial monitoring, grant management, and equipment maintenance.
• Field & Scientific Research: Plan, direct, and execute sportfish and native fish population surveys, creel data collection, stocking operations, and habitat evaluation/improvement projects.
• Interagency Collaboration: Partner with federal, state, county, and municipal agencies, as well as T&E/SGCN workgroups and recovery teams, to advance aquatic conservation policies and projects.
• Public Engagement & Compliance: Oversee sportfish education, evaluate watercraft/angler access needs, handle special licenses, and ensure environmental compliance for regional aquatic projects.

Why AZGFD?

At Arizona Game and Fish, conservation is personal. Our employees are deeply connected to the landscapes and wildlife they protect. We value stewardship, teamwork, partnerships, and professional growth, and we support our staff with training and career development opportunities. If you’re ready to make a measurable impact on wildlife conservation, we encourage you to apply and become part of Arizona’s conservation mission!

Job Duties:

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.

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.

Oversees environmental compliance related to program implementation.

Negotiates contracts, memorandums of understanding, intergovernmental agreements, etc.

Communicate, cooperate, and collaborate with various federal, state, county, municipal agencies and private interests in developing and implementing activities and policies that benefit wildlife populations and aquatic wildlife related recreation activities. Participates on recovery teams and other T&E/SGCN work groups.

May operate a variety of specialized equipment common to wildlife work, perform specialized oversight required for the respective program or work area.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• The candidate will have knowledge of/in: Wildlife science and wildlife management and best practices. Federal, state and agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Work supervision principles and leadership techniques, including coaching, mentoring, employee discipline and staff development. Public relations, negotiation and customer service principles and techniques. Principles and practices of state of Arizona budget management and procurement. Principles of the Arizona Management System and its application. Public needs and attitudes toward wildlife.
• The candidate will have skill in: Planning and executing wildlife related programs. Apply work supervision and leadership techniques, including coaching, mentoring and staff development. Effectively manage time. Recognize conflicting public values and viewpoints and respond effectively.
• The candidate must have the ability to: Apply job-related federal, state and agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Apply wildlife science and management best practices as appropriate to supervisory assignment development. Develop and maintain working relationships with the various governmental agencies, special interest groups, the media and the public. Provide appropriate public relations and customer service within and outside the agency to a variety of individuals and private and public entities. Communicate verbally and in writing. Negotiate with public and private entities and individuals. Work irregular hours, including on weekends and holidays and at night. Perform field site visits, sometimes in extreme weather and/or isolated conditions. Use various modes of transportation, such as planes, helicopters, horses, mules, boats, four-wheel drive, ATVs and specialized equipment common to wildlife work, as needed. Ability to apply the principles of the Arizona Management System to the workplace environment and maintain a Regional Wildlife Program Team that reflects these principles.

Selective Preference(s):

• Hands-on experience conducting sportfish and native fish management activities, including population surveys, habitat evaluation and improvement, creel data collection, and stocking.
• 2-4 years of experience reviewing, editing, evaluating, and approving scientific survey data, technical reports, and publications.
• Familiarity with operating and overseeing specialized equipment common to aquatic wildlife fieldwork, such as watercraft.
• Relevant experience in management or a supervisory position.

Any combination of training and experience that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs); typical ways KSAs are obtained may include but are not limited to: relevant degree from an accredited college or university, coursework and work experience relevant to assignment.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• The candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field. An advanced degree in fisheries and/or wildlife sciences may substitute for one year of required experience.
• Three (3) years professional experience in fisheries and/or wildlife research/management.
• Employment may be contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• Possession of and ability to maintain valid Arizona driver’s license appropriate to assignment.

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).

Benefits:

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.

Retirement:

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

Contact Us:

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Nicole Baker at [e-mail] for assistance. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.