Research Biologist

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST SENIOR

“Aquatic Research and Conservation Center Research Biologist”

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / RESEARCH BRANCH / CORNVILLE, AZ BASED

FLSA-EXEMPT / SALARY GRADE 22 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $53,000 – $65,000

REQUISITION #541946 / CLOSING DATE: 07/19/2026

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.

This Research Biologist position at the Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) Aquatic Research and Conservation Center (ARCC) will lead research focused on native fish or other aquatic species, with an emphasis on research to improve techniques for propagating captive lineages of rare and sensitive species, increase production, and other research support for conservation and management of native aquatic species.   The ARCC, located in Cornville, Arizona, is close driving distance to the communities of Cottonwood, Sedona, and Flagstaff. This unique facility houses rare lineages of native fish species and supports research to propagate and re-establish native aquatic species.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Biology & Aquaculture: Deep understanding of fish and wildlife management, fish biology, endangered desert fishes, water chemistry, and intensive fish culture (pond-culture, raceways, and circular tanks).
• Data & Research: Advanced math, statistics, experimental design, and computerized/manual data analysis for hatchery and complex research data.
• Field & Trades: Basic trade skills (carpentry, plumbing) and the ability to operate/maintain specialty equipment.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication, public relations, problem-solving, and the ability to work self-supervised or within a research team.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work varied hours indoors and outdoors in harsh conditions, travel for overnight trips, and lift/carry at least 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications & Prerequisites

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science or a closely related field. (An advanced degree is preferred and may substitute for one year of experience).
• Experience: Three (3) years of experience in fisheries, conservation, aquaculture, or an equivalent field.
• Pre-Employment Requirements: Must pass a post-offer medical/physical exam.
• Driver’s License: Must possess a valid class-appropriate driver’s license and pass driver record checks. Employees operating a personal vehicle must maintain statutory liability insurance.

Description of Duties:  This position serves as the research biologist at the Research Branch’s Aquatic Research and Conservation Center (ARCC). The Research Branch’s 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, and to ensure the credibility of the Department’s science. Under the direction of the Aquatic Research Program Manager, this position conducts research on native aquatic species, with an emphasis on research to improve techniques for propagating captive lineages of rare and sensitive fish species, to support their conservation or re-establishment in the wild. This position may also conduct research on non-fish species. Works as part of the larger Research Branch team to accomplish the branch’s goals and operational objectives including, but not limited to, conducting research, analyzing data, preparing scientific publications, outreach, training, and providing expertise and support to other Department work units.  May need to work varied hours indoors and outdoors in harsh conditions.  Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Major duties will include:

• RESEARCH: Design, plan and implement complex and significantly specialized studies in the office, field or laboratory utilizing standard protocols and scientific approaches, including direct participation in field and lab work.  Use specialized methods, techniques and data processing to collect, compile and analyze collected data and other information to formulate and present fish and wildlife management findings and recommendations.
• DISSEMINATION: 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 and other study plans and reports.  Review popular and technical publications to maintain proficiency in specialty fields.
• HATCHERY SUPPORT: Support ARCC hatchery operations, which may include facility maintenance, equipment operation, care and propagation of native aquatic species, including threatened and endangered fish.  Gather, compile, and analyze fish culture data, size/weight of fish, and water quality data.  Use models to forecast refuge population sizes and collection needs.
• COORDINATION, OUTREACH AND EDUCATION:  Provide effective work unit leadership and appropriate customer service within and outside the agency to a variety of individuals and private and public groups. Provide guidance/expertise to internal and external partners through training or response to requests for technical assistance or support. Participate in public outreach and education.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

The candidate must have knowledge of/in: fish and wildlife management, biology and life history of fishes, particularly endangered and desert fishes.  General knowledge of aquaculture, water chemistry, and techniques used in an intensive fish culture setting, including pond-culture, raceway, and circular tank. Federal, state and agency laws, rules and regulations related to personnel, environmental compliance, regulatory laws, and OSHA laws, and other procedures appropriate to assignment. Advanced mathematics, statistics, data management, and experimental design. Specialty equipment and vehicle operation and maintenance, and  basic trades such as carpentry, plumbing,  and the tools and equipment used in basic trades. 

Candidates must have skills/abilities of/in: computerized and manual data/information management in a hatchery setting.  Use of advanced data analysis tools or programs for analysis of complex research data. Handling, tagging, and measuring of various aquatic wildlife species. Applying principles and techniques of fish biology, behavior, propagation, and care in an intensive culture setting and providing training and oversight to others completing the same tasks. Time management and leadership techniques. Applying public relations and problem-solving techniques and applications to everyday work. Performing as a lead worker, working alone and with others, and ability to work self-supervised. 

The candidate must have the ability to: to communicate effectively through verbal and writing.  Promote positive interpersonal relationships with the public and staff. Ability to write quality scientific publications and develop, review, and follow standardized operational protocols. Ability to apply advanced problem solving and learn quickly. Ability to apply critical thinking and to make critical decisions using various information and with sound judgment and work independently and as part of a research team to achieve project goals. Ability to work varied hours; lift and carry 50 pounds or more, sometimes for extended periods. Work indoors and outdoors in often harsh conditions. Ability to occasionally travel on overnight work trips 

The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in a wildlife science or closely related field from an accredited college or university and three years of experience in fisheries, conservation, aquaculture, or equivalent; an advanced degree in Fisheries and/or wildlife sciences or closely related field from an accredited college or university is preferred and may substitute for one year of required experience.  

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

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, and the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required

training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

All newly hired employees will be subject to the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification program.   

Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

The State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:

* 13 days of vacation

* 12 sick days with accumulation benefits

* 10 paid holidays

* 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

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.