GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

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.

Address:  5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Salary: $77,958 - $141,454 

Grade: 28

Closing Date: 09/20/2026

AGENCY INTERNAL ANNOUNCEMENT - MUST BE CURRENT AZGFD EMPLOYEE TO APPLY

DIVISION ADMINISTRATOR SENIOR
"Terrestrial Wildlife Branch Chief"
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE BRANCH / PHOENIX, AZ BASED
FLSA-Exempt / GRADE 28 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $77,958 - $141,454
CLOSING DATE: 09/20/2026

The Terrestrial Wildlife Branch Chief leads, manages and provides oversight for the Terrestrial Wildlife Branch personnel within the Wildlife Management Division and across the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) statewide program. This position develops short and long-range goals, objectives, policies procedures and priorities for the branch programs, including wildlife health, big and small game, landowner relations, habitat enhancement, nongame birds and mammals, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrate programs. This position will require frequent travel.

Major duties may include:

- Monitor program outputs against program goals. Advises and acts on behalf of the Assistant Director of Wildlife Management

- Advises and counsels the Director and Commission, public, State agencies, and Federal agencies in establishing wildlife management and protection goals, objectives, programs, procedures, laws and regulations

- Serve on the Department’s Leadership Team

- Provide leadership to program managers and administrative support staff, providing oversight of branch program activities within AZGFD and other agencies, organizations and the public, representing AZGFD regionally and nationally. May serve on interagency teams and work groups.

- Develop budget requests, proposals and agreements; approving and monitoring expenditures. Manage office and major field equipment and vehicles purchasing and maintenance.

- Write and/or edit program, strategic and operational plans, policies and procedures

- Select, train, supervises, counsels and allocates subordinate staff

- Perform other duties as assigned

The candidate must have knowledge of the Department's mission and Strategic Plan, operational and implementation planning. Management, research and conservation policies, procedures, programs, practices, principles and philosophy as they pertain to wildlife and related resources. Public relations strategies and how to develop and property focus public involvement. Title 17 and the Commission process. Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules and Orders. State budgeting process. Wildlife Management principles. Public policy. Department policies. Federal laws and policies regarding natural resource management. Statistical analysis. Legislative process.

The candidate must be skilled in wildlife, natural resource, personnel, program and budget management and administration. Contracting, grant/contract management and developing alternative funding. Public speaking, public relations, media management. Building consensus, conflict negotiation and resolution. Active listening. Management and Supervisory. Creative problem solving skills. In presenting information in a clear and concise manner orally and in writing to ensure others understand ideas. Strong interpersonal and organizational. Leadership and team building. Need assessment and analysis. Project management. Legislative process Strategic, operational, implementation and tactical planning.

The candidate must have the ability to interpret state and federal wildlife and environmental laws and regulations including A.R.S. Title 17, ESA, NEPA and SHPO.

An advanced degree in wildlife science and experience in wildlife management over multiple wildlife species is preferred. Experience with managing budgets and grants, advanced leadership training, and experience working with complex mult-functional programs is preferred.

This is an internal Department announcement. Must be a current AZGFD employee to apply.

The candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in a wildlife science or a closely related field and at least four years of prior experience in program management and supervision.

Position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, and the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

The State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:
● 13 days’ of vacation
● 12 sick days
● 10 paid holidays
● Tuition Reimbursement Program
● 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

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Milani Barron at [email protected] for assistance. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.