Aquatics Program Manager

Arizona State Government; Yuma (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation

Sick days

Paid holidays

Retirement plan

Health benefits

Job summary

Arizona Game and Fish Department seeks an Aquatics Program Manager for the Field Operations Division, Region 4, based in Yuma, AZ. You will lead a team to keep waters healthy and support great fishing experiences for Arizonans.

You’ll supervise staff, guide scientific studies, and collaborate with communities and partners to protect native fish and aquatic habitats for future generations; exempt status, salary $60,000-$75,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of hands-on wildlife or fisheries research and management experience (a Master’s or higher degree can count as one year).
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and lead a team.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build partnerships and manage agreements with other agencies.

Responsibilities

• Supervises, coaches, mentors and trains subordinate personnel in aquatic wildlife science, management principles, and functions.
• Develops and administers aquatic wildlife programs and sets priorities.
• Oversees environmental compliance related to program implementation.
• Negotiates contracts, memorandums of understanding, intergovernmental agreements, etc.
• Communicates, cooperates, and collaborates with various groups in developing and implementing activities and policies that benefit wildlife populations/aquatic wildlife related recreation activities.
• Participates on recovery teams and other T&E/SGCN work groups.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Supervisory skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, or a similar field

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.

Aquatics Program Manager

Job Location:

FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA BASED 9140 28th St. Yuma, AZ 85365

Posting Details:

Salary: $60,000 - $75,000

Grade: 23

Closing Date: 9/27/2026

Job Summary:

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST SUPERVISOR REGIONAL “Aquatics Program Manager” FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA BASED FLSA- EXEMPT / SALARY GRADE 23 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $60,000 - $75,000

As our Aquatics Program Manager, you’ll lead the team responsible for keeping Arizona’s waters healthy and thriving. In this role, you’re not just managing programs—you’re protecting native fish and ensuring great fishing experiences for everyone in Arizona. You’ll supervise a team of specialists, guide scientific studies, and work with local communities and partners to make sure our lakes, rivers, and streams stay healthy for future generations.

What We’re Looking For:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, or a similar field.
• Experience: At least 3 years of hands‑on experience in wildlife or fisheries research and management (a Master’s or higher degree can count as one year of experience).
• Leadership: A proven ability to coach, mentor, and lead a team.
• Communication: You’re a great communicator who can build partnerships, work with the public, and manage agreements with other agencies.

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.

Job Duties:

This Aquatics Program Manager will supervise and coordinate staff in complex aquatic wildlife research, sportfish and native fish management and/or environmental studies in the field and laboratory. This position will also develop and administer aquatic wildlife programs and is responsible for strategic planning and establishing programmatic priorities.

• Supervises, coaches, mentors and trains subordinate personnel in aquatic wildlife science, management principles, and functions.
• Ensures all program-related administrative matters are appropriately maintained.
• Manages workflow, provides program oversight and ensures staff competency and development.
• Maintains programmatic activities which include sportfish and native fish surveys, habitat evaluation/improvement, creel data collection, and stocking. Also includes review/issuance of special licenses, sportfish education, and evaluation of boating/angler access needs.
• Develops and/or reviews aquatic wildlife management plans and guidelines.
• Prepares and/or reviews material for publication.
• Oversees environmental compliance related to program implementation.
• Negotiates contracts, memorandums of understanding, intergovernmental agreements, etc.
• Communicates, cooperates, and collaborates with various groups in developing and implementing activities and policies that benefit wildlife populations/aquatic wildlife related recreation activities.
• Participates on recovery teams and other T&E/SGCN work groups.
• Operates a variety of specialized equipment common to wildlife work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

The candidate will have knowledge of/in: supervisory principles and practices; wildlife management techniques; negotiation and customer service techniques; and procurement and budget management. The candidate will have the skills to administer the program and supervise staff; effectively work with people and understand the public's views regarding wildlife; planning and executing wildlife related programs; time management. The candidate will have the ability to use various modes of transportation, such as boats, four-wheel drive, ATVs and specialized equipment; provide appropriate public relations and customer service within and outside the agency; communicate verbally and in writing; and work irregular hours, sometimes in extreme weather and/or isolated.

Selective Preference(s):

• Proven experience supervising, mentoring, and training professional or technical staff in a wildlife or natural resources setting.
• Expertise in aquatic wildlife programs, including developing strategic plans, setting programmatic priorities, and overseeing complex research or management projects.
• Solid understanding of federal and state wildlife laws, environmental compliance standards, and the ability to negotiate contracts, MOUs, and intergovernmental agreements.
• Direct experience conducting or overseeing aquatic field activities such as fish population surveys, habitat improvements, and creel data collection.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• The candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field and three 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.