Moving back to Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson: houses, job market, to buy)

[Laras1]

Hi! I am moving back to Arizona and just posted a thread regarding Tucson. I really like Tucson, but concerns with the job market there, I am, also considering Phoenix or any of the surrounding cities. My background is with animals, conservation, animal welfare, museums and libraries. My career goals are to do something with wildlife, either conservation or behavior. I am, also, considering graduate school. Does anybody know of any job openings in the areas I mentioned? I have heard that the Phoenix area is doing pretty well in the job market. Any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thank you,

Lara

[viridianforest]

While I'm uncertain about how that career field's outlook is in the Phoenix area or the Tucson area, you may want to simply check around at the national parks and such.

In Tucson, I'm sure you've probably heard of the Sonoran Desert Museum and I'm not sure what we've got around the metro area. Perhaps start looking in places like that. Although, before you completely decide where you're going - think of some other states that may have more opportunities, too. Once again, I'm not sure what states those would be, but I can imagine there are plenty of opportunities out there somewhere.

Good luck!

[goolsbyjazz]

Well both the Phoenix and Wildlife World zoo have expanded and may be good places to look. You also may want to try state and federal wildlife areas. If those don't pan out you may also want to check out PETCO or Pet Smart. Good luck.

[yukon]

Sounds like you might also be a good fit with non-profits in those fields. There are quite a few here. Another good place to look for established non-profits in those fields would be in Santa Fe and Albuquerque NM, but the vibe in NM will be very different from AZ.

[Andrew Wilson]

I would honestly think the Phoenix area would be better in the long term, we have the Wildlife World Zoo, The Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Gardens, Butter Fly Wonderland and the OdySea Aquarium are some of the first things that come to mind. There is a decent amount of non-profits that are around, but I am not really familiar with the job openings for these places. I couldn't give you any real specifics.

As far as grad school goes, U of A in Tucson is probably the best option for wildlife and conservation. Though ASU in Tempe is also pretty good. I have just heard that U of A is better. Not really sure though.

I think finding a place to stay in Tucson may be a bit easier, but if you plan to buy anything then Phoenix is a better bet because houses in Phoenix hold their value and often appreciate really well, I don't think you are going to get that as much in Tucson.

In a lot of ways I think your situation is sort of a toss up between the two. If you can't find a job in wildlife conservation in Phoenix than I think you could easily get a job doing something else. It would be a bit harder in Tucson to find something if a job in conservation fell through. But, I think in Tucson has more opportunity for the kind of thing you are looking for. (like I said I couldn't really say for certain, but that is what I have heard)

I hope that helps somewhat, I am not familiar with the sort of field you are interested in, sorry I couldn't be more of a help on that. If you have any more questions let me know though, I would be happy to help.

[phoenixmike11]

Lara- Phoenix in general has a better job market than Tucson. Also, if u move back and do not land the exact postion u want getting a temp, contract or interim position in Phoenix will be easier- check idealist.org for non profit job listings and sign up to get ASU free newsletter which lists non profit jobs along with news and info about the non profit sector https://lodestar.asu.edu/content/asu...ofit-news-lcnn