Endangered Species Coordinator

State of Arizona; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days

Sick days

Holidays

ASRS retirement

Health care options

Vision care

Dental care

Life and disability insurance

Remote work option

Job summary

The Arizona Game and Fish Department, headquartered in Phoenix, seeks an Endangered Species Coordinator to lead strategic support for the management of threatened and endangered species. You will coordinate with federal agencies and stakeholders on policy, recovery actions, and multi-agency partnerships within the framework of the Endangered Species Act.

The role includes leadership to internal and external teams, training AZGFD personnel, and advising executive staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in wildlife science or related field with several years in program management and supervision.
• Experience with the Endangered Species Act and NEPA is preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication and interagency collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, operational and program implementation support for management of threatened, endangered and sensitive species.
• Coordinate implementation of Arizona's Endangered Species Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Coach AZGFD staff to develop recovery actions for threatened and endangered species.
• Represent AZGFD at state, regional, national and international meetings and brief leadership and stakeholders.
• Draft policies, procedures, rules and white papers; perform other duties as assigned.
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel may be required.

Skills

Policy knowledge

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in wildlife science or related 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.

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.

Endangered Species Coordinator

Job Location

Address: 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Posting Details

• Salary: $65,968 - $120,352
• Grade: 26
• Closing Date: 10/28/2026

Job Summary

POLICY AND RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR

“Endangered Species Coordinator”

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / HEADQUARTERS / PHOENIX, AZ BASED

FLSA- Exempt / SALARY GRADE 26 / SALARY RANGE $65,968-$120,352

CLOSING DATE: 10/28/2026

This Endangered Species Coordinator position will report to the Assistant Director of the Wildlife Management Division and will be responsible for providing strategic, operational and program implementation support for AZGFD management of threatened, endangered and sensitive species. These activities will include state, regional, national and international coordination on both policy and procedures as well as threatened and endangered species recovery actions. The position will also be responsible for consultation and support to the Department's executive staff and Commission regarding the Mexican Wolf Program and the role of coordination regarding policy, stakeholders and multi-agency partnerships for implementation. This position will lead and coordinate internally and externally on the respective activities and roles of various Sections under the Endangered Species Act, including but not limited to, section 4, section 6, section 7 and section 10. This position will also be responsible for training, coaching and mentoring AZGFD personnel on aspects of Threatened and Endangered Species Act as well as jurisdictional authorities for the purposes of wildlife management and authorities.

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.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties

Major duties include:

• Provide support and consultation to the WMD Assistant Director regarding the AZGFD's management of threatened and endangered species and coordination with federal agencies and stakeholders regarding the Endangered Species Act as well as sensitive, candidate or species of greatest conservation need.
• Coordinate the implementation of Arizona's Endangered Species Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This may include providing program level direction on strategies and tools for management plans, agreements and other actions that support the AZGFD's role in Endangered species management and recovery. Provide guidance and program support for considerations and actions related to the management and recovery of threatened and endangered species.
• Coach and mentor AZGFD employees to develop familiarity, knowledge and practices for aquatic and terrestrial program staff that implement recovery actions for threatened and endangered species.
• Participate in multi-agency meetings. Represent the AZGFD at state, regional and national and international meetings. Present information to AZGFD executive staff, employees, Commission and stakeholders
• Draft policies, procedures, rules, regulations and white papers, etc.
• Other duties as assigned
• This position requires occasional in-state and out-of-state travel.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

The candidate must have knowledge of the Department's mission, goals and objectives, Title 17 The Mexican Wolf Program operations and objectives. Federal law pertaining to threatened and endangered species. Department policies and procedures Strategic and operational planning. Wildlife management principles. Public policy and Federal laws and policies regarding natural resource management.

The candidate must have skill in mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution. Have skill in active listening with strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to assess and analyze Project Management. Creative problem solving skills. Presenting information in a clear and concise manner orally and in writing to ensure others understand. Leadership and team building.

The candidate must be able to express ideas clearly and succinctly verbally and in writing, work under high pressure and critical situations to work collaboratively and effectively with AZGFD staff, constituents and partner agencies to resolve issues. Work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and characteristics. Think strategically to ensure long term benefit for AZGFD species.

Pre-Employment Requirements

The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in wildlife science or a closely related field with at least 4 years of prior experience in program management and supervision. An advanced degree in a wildlife science or closely related field, diverse experience in wildlife management over multiple species, endangered species act, federal policies and procedures, experience with budget and grants, advanced leadership training, and experience with multi-functional programs is preferred.

Certification in Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification and/or Endangered Species Act or NEPA certification is or will be required.

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

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

Benefits

• 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

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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 Milani Barron at [e-mail] for assistance. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.