Wildlife Technician

State of Arizona; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 1,932,000 - 2,752,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 vacation days

12 sick days

10 paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Management Division seeks a Wildlife Technician to organize, conduct field surveys for mammals, birds, and vegetation, and collect data for analysis and reporting in Phoenix, AZ. Fieldwork includes overnight camping and travel.

The role supports wildlife research and involves data entry, preparation of reports, and occasional field equipment maintenance; non-supervisory, salary grade 18, with a competitive hourly wage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science or closely related field.
• 6 months of relevant work experience.
• Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field surveys for wildlife taxa and vegetation, including trapping and telemetry.
• Collect field data and assist with data analysis and report preparation.
• Work in remote locations, camping for extended periods; manage field logistics and equipment.
• Operate four-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs; use GIS and statistics tools.
• Participate in continuing education and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Wildlife ecology

Scientific methods

Data collection

Technical writing

Field equipment operation

Vehicle operation

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science

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 Technician

Job Location:

Address: 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Posting Details:

• Hiring hourly range: $17.45 - $20.19
• Grade: 18
• Closing Date: 11/01/2026

Job Summary:

WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIV / RESEARCH BRANCH / PHOENIX, AZ BASED
FLSA-NON-EXEMPT / SALARY GRADE 18 / Hiring Hourly Range $17.45 - $20.19
CLOSE DATE: 11/01/2026
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Research Branch is recruiting to fill a regular full-time appointment for a Wildlife Technician position located in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Wildlife Technician will work under the direction of a Wildlife Specialist and the Terrestrial Research Program Manager to organize, coordinate, and conduct wildlife research studies in a field, office, or lab setting. The Wildlife Technician is primarily responsible for field data collection, data entry, assisting with data analysis, and assisting in the preparation of technical reports or peer-reviewed publications. Research studies may include reviewing wildlife survey methods, harvest analysis, habitat evaluations, special studies, or environmental inventories.

The Wildlife Technician may be assigned to conduct wildlife research studies on a statewide or regional basis, and will work in the field in remote areas for extended overnight periods. This is a non-supervisory position.

The Wildlife Technician will also participate in Arizona Management System activities at the work unit, branch, or Department level. This position operates a variety of specialized equipment common to wildlife work and may be required to drive long distances. This position requires instate and out-of-state travel including overnight multiple-day field trips, and nightly, weekend, and holiday work may be occasionally required.

Job Duties:

• Conducting field surveys for various taxa including large mammals, small mammals, herpetofauna, and avian species. This position will also require conducting vegetation surveys and camera trap surveys. Major duties can also include trapping, marking, and tracking wildlife using aerial and/or ground telemetry techniques.
• Collecting field data and assisting with data analysis using statistical and spatial software. Assists with the preparation of reports and scientific manuscripts.
• Working in remote locations and camping in primitive conditions for up to 8 continuous days. Handles logistics for camps and fieldwork and maintains field equipment.
• Operating four-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs in rough terrain and entering and managing data using personal computers, statistical software, and geographic information systems.
• Participating in continuing education and performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

The candidate must have knowledge of the southwest, wildlife ecology, scientific methods, wildlife research and management techniques, data collection methods, technical scientific writing, and proper operation, maintenance, and basic repair of field equipment and various vehicles, e.g. four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicles. In addition, must be knowledgeable and experienced with wildlife field research techniques, e.g., terrestrial and aquatic field investigation, species identification and habitat requirements, types of flora and fauna and their ecological support systems. Candidates must be skilled in collecting field data, data entry, and assisting in the preparation of technical reports and scientific manuscripts. Must have the ability to use office equipment and perform both manual labor and office-related duties. Candidates must be able to communicate verbally and in writing and work alone and part as a team. Must be able to work in remote locations for extended periods where overnight camping will be required.

Selective Preference(s):

The preferred candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in a wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university with 6 months of relevant work experience.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.
• Employment is also contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• 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:

• 13 days’ of vacation
• 12 sick days
• 10 paid holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• 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

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 Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Contact Us:

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Milani Barron at [e-mail] for assistance. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.