Community Relations Specialist

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.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.

Community Relations Specialist

Job Location:

INFORMATION EDUCATION & RECREATION DIV / MARKETING AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS BRANCH / PHOENIX, AZ BASED
5000 W. Carefree Hwy. Phoenix, AZ 85086

Posting Details:

Salary: $50,000-$72,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 1/9/2026

Job Summary:

COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST
INFORMATION EDUCATION & RECREATION DIV / MARKETING AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS BRANCH / PHOENIX, AZ BASED
FLSA-Exempt / SALARY GRADE 21 / HIRING SALARY RANGE $50,000-$72,000

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking a talented Community Relations Specialist who is passionate about conservation and public service and wants their work to make a lasting impact on Arizona's wildlife and wild places.

This position plays a critical role in advancing the Department's mission to conserve and protect more than 800 wildlife species by connecting people to science-based wildlife management and responsible outdoor recreation. As a Community Relations Specialist, you will help tell the stories of Arizona's landscapes, species, and the professionals working every day to safeguard them. Through strategic communication, media relations, and direct public engagement, you will build understanding, trust, and support for conservation efforts across the state.

You will collaborate with biologists, wildlife managers, and leadership to translate complex conservation issues into clear, engaging messages for diverse audiences. Your work will help ensure Arizonans and visitors understand how wildlife is managed, why stewardship matters, and how outdoor recreation can be enjoyed safely and sustainably—now and for future generations.

This role is ideal for a skilled communicator who values teamwork, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is motivated by meaningful work that serves both people and wildlife. At AZGFD, your communications will do more than inform—they will inspire conservation, strengthen community relationships, and support the long-term protection of Arizona's natural heritage.

Job Duties:

The Community Relations Specialist supports the development and implementation of short-term and long-term public affairs and community relations goals and objectives. This position executes strategic communication plans and tactics that advance branch priorities and directly support the Department's mission to conserve and protect Arizona's wildlife and natural resources.

Major duties may include:

• 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.

• Create opportunities to engage constituents, convey narratives, and facilitate dialogue with diverse stakeholders.

• Assist internal customers with public information planning and provide advice and counsel on media relations.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

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. On-camera skills preferred. Bilingual fluency in Spanish would be a plus but not required.

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. Edit, rewrite, proofread copy, perform editorial research, evaluate story quality, originate and develop new article/issue ideas, and write non-fiction material. Guide agency staff on communications and constituent relations strategies. Collaborate and participate with/on projects and teams. Provide exemplary customer service.

Selective Preference(s):

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.

Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

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 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.) R

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).

Benefits:

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 pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Contact Us:

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Nicole Baker at for assistance.

---