Wildlife Specialist “Habitat, Evaluations, and Lands Program Specialist 2”

Description of Duties:  Under direction of the Regional Habitat Program Manager, the Habitat, Evaluation, and Lands Program Specialist 2 will be responsible for evaluating land and water projects for the benefit of fish and wildlife resources. 

Major duties may include:

• Coordinates and conducts reviews of project proposals, reports, and land use plans and provides expertise on wildlife and ecological processes, and potential impacts on wildlife and recreation.
• Interprets and evaluates the effects of proposed actions on wildlife resources and recreation.
• Communicates orally and in writing to express the Department’s position and concerns on proposed land management plans and projects.
• Negotiates with land management agencies, project proponents, consultants, and private sector professionals on plans and actions that avoid, minimize, or offset potential adverse impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitats for wildlife conservation and wildlife-oriented recreation.
• Develops, maintains and fosters effective working relationships with cooperating agencies and public entities as an advocate for wildlife conservation and wildlife-oriented recreation.
• Coordinates and protects Department interests with Lower Colorado River Multi-species Conservation Program (LCRMSCP) on activities on Commission owned properties.
• Leads and/or participates in habitat restoration/enhancement projects, including environmental compliance and the use of GIS in project evaluations and mapping.
• Maintains official records and files on project development, environmental references and Department correspondence.
• Monitors and evaluates changes in relevant laws, policies and regulations that affect the Department’s ability to manage wildlife and their habitats.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate will have knowledge of wildlife species and their habitat requirements; evaluation and management/enhancement techniques; Federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations; knowledge of public opinions toward wildlife, habitat, and environmental issues; and cultural compliance and environmental compliance regulations. The candidate will be skilled in report writing and correspondence; use of computers and GIS programs; developing program goals and objectives; negotiation; public speaking; conflict resolution; facilitation; field survey and habitat assessments. The candidate will have the ability to develop effective and positive working relationships with a variety of audiences; communicate both orally and in writing; work irregular hours including weekends, holidays, and at night; work outdoors in extreme and isolated conditions; and operate four-wheel drive vehicles.

Candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a closely related field.

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, then 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 or 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
• 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