AES Cooperative Big Game Habitat Biologist 

The Arizona Elk Society (AES) and Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) are seeking a candidate to work as a Habitat Enhancement Project Specialist in Arizona. This position is a shared position between AES and AZGFD and to be centrally located with frequent travel (including overnight stays) to AES and AZGFD Headquarters (Phoenix, AZ) as well as regional AZGFD offices. The position will be an employee of the Arizona Elk Society and supervised jointly by AES and AZGFD with daily work under the supervision of AZGFD and coordination with AES. This is a 3-year term position with possible extension based on funding availability.

Duties: primary duties will include:

• Facilitate and expand ongoing landscape scale habitat work focused on removal of overstocked woody vegetation: coordinate efforts and opportunities with multiple stakeholders (local, 501c3, state, federal, national, etc.) with a goal of completing 5,000 acres of restoration annually.
• Project Management: the position will be a project manager responsible for soliciting bids, developing prescriptions, and QA/QC on the projects as they are implemented before signing off for completion payment.
• Identify and secure both internal and external funding opportunities in order to implement habitat enhancing projects.
• Provide leadership and implementation to AES’s habitat projects in AZ

*The position will have a 60-40 office: field ratio, but that may vary based on season. 

The individual will be an AES employee and all benefits, worker’s compensation, insurance etc. will be through AES. The individual will also work closely with all AES staff and AES volunteers. AZGFD will oversee daily supervision and will share with AES work planning, task assignments, and performance evaluations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Forestry or other Natural Resource discipline and 5 plus years professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously. 
• Self-starter and ability to work independently with experience in project management, able to demonstrate a track record of performance in unique environments and situations.
• Experience with large budgets (>$1,000,000 annually).
• Knowledge of range science and wildlife ecology, including the ability to develop habitat project plans that include wildlife habitat management objectives.
• Knowledge of Southwest flora and fauna communities.
• Ability to professionally communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Position requires working in remote/rugged desert areas, the applicant must be willing to work alone in inclement weather and adverse conditions.
• Must be willing and able to perform administrative work in a controlled environment/office setting for an eight‐hour workday.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and ESRI GIS software. Excellent verbal/written skills.