GAME WARDEN - WILDLIFE MANAGER 1 TRAINEE

State of Arizona; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate individual for the Wildlife Manager Trainee role. This position combines law enforcement and biology, focusing on conserving and protecting Arizona's diverse wildlife. As a Wildlife Manager, you'll be on the front lines, conducting wildlife surveys, enforcing laws, and ensuring safe outdoor recreation. Join a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact on the environment and wildlife conservation. If you have a degree in wildlife science and a love for nature, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health and dental insurance

Paid parental leave

Sick leave

Vacation with paid holidays

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife science or related field required.
• Knowledge of game and fish laws and wildlife management principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct law enforcement patrols to ensure compliance with wildlife laws.
• Initiate and conduct wildlife surveys and research projects.

Skills

Wildlife Management

Law Enforcement

Biological Research

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science

Job description

GAME WARDEN - WILDLIFE MANAGER 1 TRAINEE

Join to apply for the GAME WARDEN - WILDLIFE MANAGER 1 TRAINEE role at State of Arizona

GAME WARDEN - WILDLIFE MANAGER 1 TRAINEE

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the GAME WARDEN - WILDLIFE MANAGER 1 TRAINEE role at State of Arizona

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

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.

GAME WARDEN - WILDLIFE MANAGER 1 TRAINEE

Job Location:

Address: STATEWIDE LOCATIONS

Posting Details

Hiring Hourly Rate: $25.9622

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 06/30/2025

Job Summary

WILDLIFE MANAGER 1

“Wildlife Manager Trainee”

FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / STATEWIDE LOCATIONS

FLSA-Non-Exempt / GRADE 21 / Hiring hourly Rate - $25.9622

CLOSE DATE: 06/30/2025

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

Applicants shall apply through the recruitment site, www.azstatejobs.gov.

(Search for Jobs and select Game and Fish Department from agency dropdown)

We will contact you if you 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

Cover Letter - must include interest in being a certified police officer; experience in hunting, fishing, off-highway vehicles and boating

Resume & Unofficial transcript (combine; provide as 1 attachment)

Job Duties

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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

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.

Selective Preference(s)

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).

Pre-Employment Requirements

For more information regarding the requirements necessary to become a Wildlife Manager, please visit the Department’s website at www.azgfd.com. Navigate to the “Employment” page and select “Become a Wildlife Manager”.

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.

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 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

Contact Us

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Milani Barron at [e-mail] or Ryan Randall at [e-mail] for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Internship

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Government Administration

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at State of Arizona by 2x

Get notified about new Conservation Officer jobs in Phoenix, AZ.

GAME WARDEN - WILDLIFE MANAGER 1 TRAINEE

Staff Environmental Scientist - Natural Resources (Multiple Locations)

Park Ranger Supervisor*Urban - Parks and Recreation

Environmental Assistant Project Manager - Natural Resources (Multiple Locations)

Park Ranger, Urban - Parks and Recreation Department

Environmental Project Manager - Natural Resources (Multiple Locations)

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.