GAME AND FISH DEPT

Delivering results that matter by providing best in class support services.
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 W. CAREFREE HWY, PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85086

Hiring Salary Range: $50,000-$72,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 05/02/2024

This Community Relations Specialist will participate in the development and implementation of short and long range goals and objectives for public affairs and community relations Will also execute communication strategies and tactics to support the branch's goals and objectives for the Department's mission.

-Plan, implement, and manage public Information communications programs that support the Department's mission.
-Write and prepare targeted public Information communications, including writing text, and taking photos or video, for the Department's digital and traditional communication channels.
-Ensure consistent implementation of the Department's brand across various platforms.
-Handle various aspects of media relations which includes; writing and distributing news releases and media advisories, making proactive pitches to news media, handling and coordinating agency responses to media queries, and assisting with critical incident communication.
-Set up staff informational exhibits at public events.
-Make public presentations before groups, interact and answer questions from constituents.
-Assist internal customers with public information planning and provide advice and counsel on media relations.
-Perform other duties as assigned

The candidate will have knowledge of all aspects of public affairs and community relations, journalism, and Arizona geography, and will be knowledgeable or have a strong interest in Arizona wildlife species, their habitats, ecology, and outdoor recreation. The candidate will be skilled in communication, writing, editing, organization, listening, problem solving, and production. The candidate will have the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities, meet deadlines, communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally, adapt to changing priorities, take initiative, and make decisions.

The preferred candidate should have at least 3 years of experience in professional public affairs work, news or feature writing, broadcast news, public relations, or related experience. On-camera skills preferred. Bilingual fluency in Spanish would be a plus but not required.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then 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 or 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.

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

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

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Amy Lacy at alacy@azgfd.gov for assistance.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.