GAME AND FISH DEPT

Address:  5000 W Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 

Assignments Statewide

Hiring Hourly Range: $25.9620 

Grade: 21

WILDLIFE MANAGER 1
“Wildlife Manager Trainee”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / STATEWIDE LOCATIONS
FLSA-Non-Exempt / SALARY GRADE 21 

Wildlife Managers are field-oriented, commissioned peace officers responsible for conserving and protecting wildlife resources throughout the State of Arizona. This unique position incorporates law enforcement and biology and requires a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Application process:

The application period for the Wildlife Manager position will be open year-round, and we will accept and review applications throughout the year. The Department will send a Wildlife Manager class through a police academy and subsequent training in January of every year. The cutoff date for applications to be considered for a January class will be September 1st of the year prior to the academy start date. We will contact you if you submit an application and are selected to move forward in the process. If you are not selected to move forward, then you will not be contacted. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to know how to prepare to become a Wildlife Manager.

When applying, applicants MUST attach the following:
- Resume & Unofficial transcript (combine; provide as 1 attachment)
- Cover Letter - include interest in being a certified police officer; include experience in hunting, fishing, OHV, Boating

Law Enforcement duties include:

- Conducting law enforcement patrols to ensure compliance with A.R.S Title 17 (game and fish laws), Title 5 (watercraft laws), Title 28 (Off highway vehicle enforcement), Title 13 (State criminal code), Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules and Orders, and all other State/Federal laws as necessary

- Conducting investigations and securing evidence related to wildlife, watercraft, OHV violations and other A.R.S. statutes when necessary and applicable

- Providing public safety and completing requirements necessary to obtain and maintain Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training (AZPOST) peace officer certification. Successful completion of Arizona Peace Officer certification and Department post-academy training is required.

- Biological duties include initiating and conducting wildlife surveys; analyzing survey and wildlife harvest data; formulating district wildlife harvest objectives; initiating and conducting wildlife research projects; anticipating wildlife needs and initiating appropriate water and habitat projects, proposals and budget requests; monitoring the status of threatened and endangered species; coordinating with other resource management agencies on wildlife population issues

- Resolving human/wildlife conflicts; addressing wildlife depredation complaints; coordinating and implementing habitat improvement, access, and Landowner Incentive Program projects.

- Reviewing, analyzing and commenting on environmental documents; recommending modifications to projects affecting wildlife habitat; conducting habitat inventories; conducting field analysis of habitat related issues

- Conducting fish surveys; performing aquatic ecosystem surveys; participating in formulating fish stocking programs; investigating, monitoring and determining cause and mitigation of fish losses; monitoring the status of threatened and endangered species.

Additional duties include serving as contact/spokesperson when appropriate; acting as liaison to nongovernmental organizations and other community groups; organizing, administering, and supervising volunteer efforts; acting as a Department representative in planning, coordinating, and implementing outreach efforts such as fishing clinics, hunt camps, scholastic shooting and archery events, and career days and fairs; acting as Department liaison to the public; acting as a hunter education instructor/trainer; completing environmental education and career classes at local schools when necessary; completing and submitting Department reports and memos in a timely manner and maintaining Department equipment.

Position requires a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Candidates should have a working knowledge of principles and practices required for wildlife management and have a basic understanding of A.R.S Title 17 (game and fish laws), Title 5 (watercraft laws), Title 28 (Off highway vehicle enforcement), Title 13 (State criminal code), Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules and Orders, and all other State/Federal laws.

The preferred candidate will have strong interpersonal skills; have knowledge of Arizona’s diverse wildlife and habitat, participate in and have knowledge of fishing, hunting, camping and wilderness survival, and have the ability to fly in small aircraft and helicopters. Experience working in wildlife science or a related field is a plus (may include volunteer and intern positions).

For more information regarding the requirements necessary to become a Wildlife Manager, please visit the Department’s website at www.azgfd.com. Once on the page, click “Employment” on the bottom right hand side of the webpage and then “Wildlife Manager Game Ranger”.

The hiring process is quite extensive and requires a thorough background investigation including: a polygraph examination, a psychological assessment, a medical examination and physical condition assessment. Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

The position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11). The position requires maintenance of a home office for Department activities. Assigned Duty Post may be statewide and will be determined and based on department needs. 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
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

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 Milani Barron at mbarron@azgfd.gov or Lainie Antolik at lantolik@azgfd.gov for assistance.