Address:  5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Hiring hourly range: $17.45 - $20.19 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: 11/01/2026

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.

Major duties include:

• 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

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.

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.

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).

The State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:
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

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Milani Barron at mbarron@azgfd.gov for assistance. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.