Bird Technician
- 537590
- PHOENIX
- GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT
- Temporary
- Closing at: Dec 23 2025 - 23:55 MST
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.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.
Bird Technician
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / WILDLIFE CONTRACTS
5000 W CAREFREE HWY PHOENIX, AZ 85086
Salary: $17.18 - $19.23/hr
Grade: 18
Closing Date: 12/23/2025
WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN
“Bird Technician”
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / WILDLIFE CONTRACTS / PHOENIX BASED
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT / FULL-TIME / END BY 6/5/2026
FLSA-NON-EXEMPT / GRADE 18 / HOURLY RATE $17.18 - $19.23
Under general supervision, duties will include performing a variety of technical and entry level professional wildlife work in support of biologists and project administrators conducting various field work, with an emphasis on birds. Primary duties will include conducting surveys for LeConte’s Thrasher, Bendire’s Trasher, and Purple Martin, in addition to general point count surveys in Sonoran Desert habitats. Duties may also include data entry, basic gear maintenance, and coordination with clients including arranging access to military lands. This position will require the successful candidate to spend a great deal of time in the field with assignments that may require extended periods (4-5 days) working and residing in primitive field conditions, including camping, in the Arizona heat and operating 4x4 vehicles. The position requires occasional driving (Up to 3 hours/day) and regular overnight travel. The project timeline is January 15, 2026 to end by June 5, 2026.
The candidate will have knowledge of/in: wildlife science; Sonoran Desert bird identification by sight and sounds; job related federal, state, and agency laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures appropriate to assignment; wildlife and basic wildlife management techniques sufficient to perform the duties assigned; proper operation, maintenance and basic repair of field equipment and vehicles; problem solving techniques.
The preferred candidate will be skilled in applying basic wildlife management techniques, including knowledge of species identification and habitat requirements, and basic bird survey methodology. (Bird handling is not required.) The ideal candidate will have the skills to navigate remote, unmarked terrain, and use a variety of field equipment (e.g. GPS units, maps, tablets, ArcGIS software, and cameras) and must be able to write and communicate effectively.
The candidate will have the ability to conduct bird surveys during all times of the day and year, including driving a 4x4 and hiking in midday desert conditions. The candidate will have the ability to interact with the public and apply public relations; work alone and as part of a team; able to work outdoors in primitive field conditions; hike, backpack and/or camp overnight for extended periods of time in hot environments while keeping a positive attitude.
The preferred candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Employment is 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, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked or suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
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).
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Nicole Baker at nbaker@azgfd.gov for assistance.
ARIZONA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (AMS)
All Arizona state employees operate within the Arizona Management System (AMS), an intentional, results-driven approach for doing the work of state government whereby every employee reflects on performance, reduces waste, and commits to continuous improvement with sustainable progress. Through AMS, every state employee seeks to understand customer needs, identify problems, improve processes, and measure results.
State employees are highly engaged, collaborative and embrace a culture of public service.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
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
