WILDLIFE SPECIALIST SENIOR

“Water Resources Manager”

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / HABITAT BRANCH / PHOENIX, AZ BASED

FLSA-EXEMPT / SALARY GRADE 22 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $60,000 - $75,000

REQUISITION #544600 / CLOSING DATE: 12/06/2026

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.

Description of Duties:  Under direction of the Land and Water Program Supervisor, the Water Resources Manager will be part of the Department’s realty program, responsible for water rights investigations and research to determine water resource values associated with real property acquisitions of wildlife areas, shooting ranges, fish hatcheries and administrative offices. 

Major duties will include:

• Plan and conduct water rights investigations for property acquisition, disposal, and management:
• Conduct and/or coordinate due diligence and feasibility evaluation of water rights for acquisition/disposal proposals;
• Coordinate the biological evaluation of water acquisition/disposal proposals; and
• Coordinate preparation of documents to acquire, file and protect water rights by measuring water use.
• Research all surface and groundwater rights and associated issues pertinent to Commission-owned lands. Perfect and protect Commission water rights and water right claims with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the courts, help defend legal challenges to the Commission's water rights and competing water right claims, and prepare testimony to be used in water right adjudication proceedings. Provide technical support for the Commission's water rights program.
• Evaluate proposals for new and existing water use and monitoring projects on Commission properties such as habitat improvements, installation of water use monitoring equipment, shooting range developments, leases, disposals, and rights-of-way. Gather and evaluate water resource information to determine compatibility with Department programs. Prepare appropriate Department recommendations for management review and ultimately for Commission approval, if necessary. Review all water-related projects on Commission-owned and managed properties through the EA Checklist process.
• Maintain, store and provide Commission water right and water use/measurement information. Retrieve, compile, analyze and interpret water right and water resources data.
• Attend meetings with staff and managerial level personnel of the AZ Game and Fish Department, Federal, State, local and private sectors. Facilitate annual payments for water use assessments from the Department for Commission properties. Serve as Land and Water Program Supervisor as assigned during the absence of the supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must have knowledge of: current state laws, rules and regulations which pertain to land acquisition/dispositions, surface and groundwater rights, leases, easements and rights-of-way in order to prepare legal and binding purchase agreements, leases, stewardship agreements, rights-of-way, and file water right applications. Knowledge of appraisals, title reports, boundary surveys, water right information, environmental site assessments, project design/layout, and maps, research methods and techniques utilized in water resource management. The incumbent must have knowledge of current concepts and practices in real estate, water resource planning and management, State and Federal water resource management laws and regulations, including Arizona water rights administration. Specific knowledge requirements include the following: Arizona Game and Fish laws, Arizona water laws, policies, procedures, and regulations; legal procedures associated with water rights, land transfers, and land management; Arizona flora and fauna and their ecological support systems; scientific data collection and technical report writing techniques; and knowledge of GIS mapping and computer data management system operation.   

The candidate will be skilled in: applying a multi- disciplinary approach to identify and resolve complex, sensitive water right or water resource management issues; using information and/or models to organize/analyze/interpret water resource management data; skill in conducting field water monitoring investigations; and skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with various levels of governmental and regulated business officials, community leaders, and the public. Skills required also include: research techniques, analysis of numerical or field survey data, personal computer operation, GIS mapping, oral and written communication, interpersonal relationship skills, flexibility, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks/projects. The incumbent must be able to communicate effectively to negotiate contracts and land use or water right documents. 

The candidate must have ability to evaluate water rights and water use proposals for fish and wildlife management. Computer use to manage water rights and resource management data. Strong attention to detail and ability to work with large databases. Ability to work alone and in a team environment, including prioritizing work activities, setting goals and being self-motivated. The ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects and deadlines. Coordinate projects with other AZGFD staff, other governmental agencies, our customers, and the public. Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills. Communicate effectively with other agencies, customers and the public, in both written and oral form. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of governmental and business officials, community leaders and the public.

The candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife or biological science, geoscience, hydrology, water resources management,  or a closely related field. The preferred candidate will have a hydrology, water law or water resources management degree. 

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.  

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