Fish Commission Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PROGRAM PROJECT SPECIALIST 2
"Aviation Branch Office Manager"
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / AVIATION BRANCH / PHOENIX BASED
FLSA-NON-EXEMPT / GRADE 19 / HIRING HOURLY RANGE $21.00 - $26.00
Are you a high-performing administrative professional looking for a career with true purpose? The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking an Aviation Branch Office Manager to serve as the organizational engine of our Field Operations Aviation section. This is not a typical, repetitive desk job. In this role, you will leverage your mastery of budgeting, procurement, and logistics to directly support our flight crews and hangar operations. If you are highly organized, thrive under minimal supervision, and want to channel your elite administrative talents into a thrilling aviation environment that protects Arizona's wildlife, we want you on our team!
The Impact You Will Make:
As the Aviation Branch Office Manager, you are the operational backbone of the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Aviation section. Working directly with the Chief Pilot, your financial precision and administrative leadership ensure our aircraft stay in the sky to protect Arizona's diverse wildlife and vast natural habitats. Every budget you balance, purchase order you clear, and compliance report you finalize directly impacts the safety and efficiency of our flight missions. You do not just manage paperwork; you empower our pilots to carry out critical conservation and law enforcement missions across the state.
What We Are Looking For:
We are seeking a high-caliber, self-motivated professional who thrives under minimal supervision and commands a high degree of discretion. You are someone who balances analytical financial management with exceptional interpersonal communication.
 Financial Gatekeeper: You bring mastery in budgeting, procurement compliance, and data-driven reconciliation.
 Problem Solver: You look at complex administrative challenges and build structured, efficient operating procedures.
 Collaborative Leader: You easily connect with internal agency teams, external vendors, and federal oversight bodies.
 Aviation Enthusiast (Preferred): Familiarity with aviation terminology and operations gives you a distinct competitive edge.
Why AZGFD?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is a nationally recognized leader in wildlife conservation. By joining the Field Operations Aviation section, you become part of a passionate, mission-driven team that values autonomy, professional growth, and dedication to the great outdoors. If you're ready to make a measurable impact on wildlife conservation, we encourage you to apply and become part of Arizona's conservation mission!

Working under minimal supervision this position provides direct administrative support for the Field Operations Aviation section working directly with the Chief Pilot and staff, directs and participates in administrative and business management functions including procurement, accounts payable, and budgets for the aviation section. Responsible for materials receiving, developing operating procedures, preparing technical reports and assisting the Chief pilot in formulating and implementing policies and procedures relative to fiscal services and other general business activities for the Aviation division.
This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures with a requirement to come into the office a minimum of 2-3 days each week at 318 West Deer Valley Road Phoenix, AZ 85027. Remote work eligibility requires completing the training period, meeting performance standards, and ongoing departmental approval.
Major duties include:
Reviews and assists with input and auditing of various reporting metrics. Inputs, tracks and codes purchasing requisitions. Process invoices and change orders as needed. Assists in the preparation of budgets and budget transfers. Prints and reviews aviation budget reports. Obtains quotes in compliance with State Procurement Laws.
Enters fuel receipts into the aviation fuel tracking log, receives fuel invoices from the fuel card vendor, audits and reconciles the monthly fuel usage and billing and provides reporting. Serves as the Aviation sections record retention representative and assists the Chief Pilot in formulating and implementing policies and procedures relative to fiscal services and other general business activities.
Responsible for all aspects of procurement, accounts payable and budgets. Conducts research, develops and prepares spreadsheets. Enters information into aviation data spreadsheets. Maintains and updates Aviation Section files. Responsible for electronic materials receiving, developing operating procedures, plans, manuals and technical reports. Prepares budget transfers.
Orders, tracks and distributes office and hangar supplies to support aviation staff. Assists vendors with delivery of large shipments. Receives mail and shipment and distributes accordingly. Acts as the Aviation Sections Property Manager by conducting proper inventory procedures and paperwork.
Manages and oversees office equipment, building maintenance and repairs. Works with vendors on scheduling services as needed.
Answers phone calls, redirects calls and takes messages. Assists and provides customer service to internal and external customers by phone, email and in person. Coordinates section activities and is responsible for building and ground maintenance repair and maintenance. Maintains and tracks inventory.
Directs accounting and bookkeeping operations and the preparation of financial statements and statistical reports. Reconciles monthly P-Card and Ghost Card statements. Reviews and processes travel claims and submits claims to payroll. Prepares out-of-state travel forms for staff when necessary. Makes travel arrangements for pilots.
Assists in design, revision, consolidation, updates and maintains forms and procedures affecting aviation staff Assists in the preparation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) documents. Inspects office and hangar fire extinguishers for monthly compliance.
Represent the section with the Department's Administrative Support Team (AST) and instructs and trains personnel on business related processes.
Attends meetings, seminars and aviation and or administrative training related to the Aviation Section's mission.

 Other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge in/of: Department Operations Manual, policies and procedures and their application; operating procedures, programs and regulations pertaining to the Aviation Section; data gathering and summarization methods and techniques; report preparation; project management; customer service principles and techniques; basic knowledge of office equipment and maintenance; general awareness of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) documentation frameworks and hangar safety standards.
Candidate must have skills in: a full range of complex administrative functions of a responsible and confidential nature; excellent oral and written communication skills; working with people; use of office equipment, copier, fax, scanner and telephone; application of computer software such as word processing, spreadsheet, database and email programs; working independently and under indirect and direct supervision; problem solving skills, filing and cross referencing.
Candidate must have the ability to: manage and balance varied administrative functions; gather and summarize data; compose reports; exercise a high degree of discretion and independent judgment; analyze and resolve routine problems; communicate administrator's instructions; schedule meetings including appropriate preparation and follow-up; interact with other administrative departments or outside representative; work closely with others; delegate to and supervise the work of others.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of aviation terminology and an understanding of aviation operations is preferred.

This position requires driving a vehicle as an essential function of the job.

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

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:
* 13 days' of vacation
* 12 sick days
* 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

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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 Nicole Baker at nbaker@azgfd.gov for assistance.