Cooperative Mule Deer Biologist

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. This position is a shared position between MDF and AZGFD and to be located at the AZGFD Headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. The position will be an employee of the Mule Deer Foundation and supervised jointly by MDF and AGFD. Daily work under the supervision of AGFD and coordinated with MDF. This is a 2-year term position with possible extension based on funding availability. The position will have a 60-40 office:field ratio, but that may vary based on season.

Primary duties will include:

AZGFD

1. Facilitate and expand ongoing landscape scale habitat work focused on removal of overstocked woody vegetation: coordinate efforts and opportunities with multiple stakeholders (local, NGO, state, federal, national, etc.) with a goal of completing 5,000 acres of restoration annually.

2. 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.

3. Identify and secure both internal and external funding opportunities in order to implement habitat enhancing projects.

MDF:

1. Provide leadership and implementation to MDF’s habitat projects in AZ through MDF’s Conservation Program.

2. Act as MDF liaison to AZGFD.

3. Work closely with other MDF Staff and conservation partners on habitat project, policy, fundraising, and coordination of MDF activities in AZ.

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 and MDF Volunteers. 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 discipline and 2 plus 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 environments 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, Google Suite, and ESRI GIS software.
• Excellent verbal/written skills.

Salary/Benefits – $55 – 60K, DOE. Health Insurance and 401K. The position is a 2-year term position with possible extension based on funding availability.

Application Deadline: September 15, 2023, Starting Date: October, 2023
Location: AZGFD Headquarters, Phoenix, AZ

To Apply: Application through email only. Please send cover letter, resume and 3 references (combined into one (1) document – MS Word or PDF) with a subject line of – “MDF AZ Mule Deer Biologist Job Application” to conservation@muledeer.org.

Contacts: If you have questions, please contact Angelique Curtis – MDF Director of Conservation Programs at acurtis@muledeer.org.

Successful candidate will be required to pass a background check and drug test as condition of employment with MDF.
MDF is an equal opportunity employer and a drugfree workplace.
Additional requirements for working in a state office may be required.