Wildlife Manager Trainee - Game Warden

Arizona State Government; Arizona; Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Retirement system

Health care options

Job summary

Arizona Game and Fish Department seeks a Wildlife Manager Trainee to serve as field-based wildlife officers across Arizona. The role blends law enforcement and biology, requiring a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science or a related field and a path toward AZPOST peace officer certification.

Key duties include conducting patrols, investigations, wildlife surveys, and habitat projects while coordinating with stakeholders. Must be prepared for statewide postings and extensive background checks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science or closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Strong understanding of wildlife management principles and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct law enforcement patrols to enforce wildlife and related laws.
• Investigate wildlife and OHV violations and gather evidence.
• Assist in obtaining and maintaining AZPOST certification.
• Conduct wildlife surveys and analyze data to inform management decisions.
• Coordinate habitat improvement and outreach programs; support public education.

Skills

Wildlife management principles

Public safety awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science or closely related field

Job description

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.

Wildlife Manager Trainee - Game Warden

Job Location:

FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / STATEWIDE LOCATIONS

Posting Details:

Salary: $27.2603

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 9/30/2026

Job Summary:

Wildlife Managers (Arizona’s game wardens) 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. Degrees listed HERE meet the requirements for the Wildlife Manager position.

Job Duties:

• 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 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:

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. Degrees listed HERE meet the requirements for the Wildlife Manager position. 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.

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. Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

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:

• 12 annual leave days (vacation)
• 12 sick days with accumulation benefits
• 10 paid holidays
• Participation in the nationally recognized 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

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.

Retirement:

Positions in this classification participate in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS).

Contact Us:

Ryan Randall - Law Enforcement Training Coordinator [e-mail] If you have any questions please feel free to contact Nicole Baker at [e-mail] for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.