The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) and Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) are seeking a candidate to work as a Cooperative Mule Deer Biologist in Arizona to coordinate and implement habitat enhancement projects. This position has proudly been shared between the MDF and AZGFD since 2017. The duty post is flexible with frequent travel to Phoenix, AZ (if you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out before applying). The position will be an employee of the Mule Deer Foundation and supervised jointly by MDF and AZGFD where work planning and tasks will be coordinated between AZGFD and MDF, with weekly supervision provided by AZGFD.

Starting Salary is $55k to $60k DOE, plus benefits package that includes, Paid Time Off, health insurance, 401K.

Primary Duties:

AZGFD

• Project Coordination: Facilitate and expand ongoing landscape scale habitat work for mule deer in priority areas: coordinate efforts and opportunities with multiple stakeholders (local, NGO, state, federal, national, etc.) to leverage project dollars to increase scale and benefits of habitat work.
• Project Management: responsible for all tasks typically associated with project management – project design and budgeting, developing habitat prescriptions, contract bid development, solicitation and awarding of work to contractors, contractor supervision, work inspection (quality control), and work approval before signing off for completion payment.
• Fundraising: Identify and secure both internal and external funding opportunities to implement habitat enhancement projects.

MDF:

• Project Coordination: Provide leadership and implementation to MDF’s habitat projects in AZ through MDF’s Conservation Program including federal and state agreements, chapter rewards, and other projects funded by MDF or its partners.
• Agency Coordination: Act as MDF liaison to AZGFD for habitat work and other issues that MDF deems important.
• MDF Conservation Team: Part of the MDF Conservation team and works closely with other MDF Staff and conservation partners on habitat project planning/implementation, conservation policy, fundraising, and coordination of MDF activities in AZ.

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

The individual will be a MDF employee and all benefits, worker’s compensation, insurance etc. will be through MDF. The individual will also work closely with all MDF staff, MDF Volunteers, and MDF partners. AZGF will oversee daily supervision and will share with MDF work planning, task assignments, and performance evaluations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A minimum is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Forestry, or other Natural Resource disciplines.
• Experience in wildlife habitat management and project management, (preferred 2 years professional experience).
• Expertise in mule deer ecology and management.
• Self-starter and ability to work independently with experience in project management, able to demonstrate a track record of performance in unique environment and situations.
• Ability to professionally communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• 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.
• Position requires working in remote/rugged desert areas, successful applicant needs to 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 Suite, Google Suite, and ESRI GIS software.
• Driver’s License and ability to operate pick-up truck and UTV (if necessary).
• Excellent verbal/written skills.