Wildlife Specialist “Habitat Specialist 2”

The Habitat Specialist 2 will advocate for conservation, enhancement, restoration, and management of wildlife habitat and public access and recreational use of public and state lands. This position will review proposed land and water development projects and management plans and evaluate their potential impact on wildlife, habitat, and recreation relevant to the Department’s Mission.

Major duties include: 

• Develops comprehensive mitigation and compensation plans for impacts from land and water projects in alignment with Commission and Department policy;
• Prepares official written comments and correspondence on project proposals and plans;
• Assists with inter-departmental review and evaluation of Department projects or actions. Writes and reviews NEPA, ESA, and other documents;
• Maintains close contact and coordinates with land management agencies, county and municipal planners, project proponents, and other agencies and organizations;
• Advocates for, and supports, Department activities leading to acquisition of Commission real property assets that protect sensitive habitat;
• Provides technical support and assistance in management and monitoring of Commission-owned properties, waters, and Department-managed wildlife areas;
• Writes and implements management plans for properties, waters, and wildlife areas;
• Develops budgets and budget proposals for property management and habitat enhancement projects;
• Represents the Department on interagency teams and at public meetings;
• Conducts on-site field visits, evaluations, inspections, and conservation actions, often in remote areas, occasionally overnight and/or for several days;
• Interprets and provides guidance on laws and regulations (Federal, State, and local) that pertain to wildlife resources;
• Provides technical training, project planning assistance, and support to Department personnel
• Conducts fish and wildlife surveys and site visits and provides support and assistance to other programs/agencies as needed/requested;
• Serves as Acting Habitat Program Manager in their absence;
• Manages projects on Commission properties from budget development, to environmental and cultural compliance, to contract management, to implementation and monitoring. Monitors water rights on Commission properties and wildlife areas; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate will have knowledge of/in: Federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations; USFS, BLM, ADOT, county, and other agency policy, process, and management direction; a thorough knowledge of AGFD, NEPA, ESA, FLPMA, and other federal and state laws regarding public trust resources; current issues affecting public trust resources;  laws/regulations/policies affecting wildlife/habitat; knowledge of state water law, water rights; a practical working knowledge of working in an office and field environment, occasionally in remote and wild areas; familiarity with the lands and wildlife of SE AZ; familiarity with Google Workspace; farming and ranching; location and relative values of the major vegetation types and identification of associated plant and wildlife species; wildlife habitat relationships and ecosystem functions and values; policies, procedures, planning documents, and organization of cooperating agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other entities; Department organization, policies, procedures, and position on controversial issues; public attitudes toward wildlife, habitat, and environmental issues; habitat management and enhancement techniques; spreadsheet software; property management and maintenance, including building maintenance, road maintenance, water rights, water delivery systems, reservoir maintenance and management, irrigation practices, farming and ranching issues, livestock management, vegetation management, fire management; cultural compliance and environmental compliance regulations. The  candidate will have skills in property management, project management, budget development and management, and operation and management costs. The candidate will be able to navigate through and traverse rural and backcountry areas; develop and manage project budgets; use spreadsheets to track and allocate project resources and finances; coordinate with other state, federal, and local government agencies on property management issues such as rights-of-way, property boundary and trespass issues; exercise water rights and water delivery to properties across numerous landowners.

The candidate must have a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resource management or a similar field from an accredited college or university.

The preferred candidate will have the following: 3+ years of professional wildlife experience; the ability to write complex documents; experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders; experience with property management and water rights; GIS map making and analysis skills; knowledge of public and state land administration; fire ecology and fire management; rangeland ecology and management; and habitat management and enhancement.

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 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

An Equal Employment Opportunity Agency