GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

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.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.

Desert Tortoise Adoption Program Intern

Job Location:

Address: 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Posting Details:

Hiring hourly rate: $16.50

Grade: 4

Closing Date: 03/08/2026

Job Summary:

The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers paid internship opportunities to current students, graduate and undergraduate. Recent (within the past year) graduates are also eligible to apply. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in gaining hands-on practical work experience while working with a diverse group of professionals in the fields of wildlife science, biological science, wildlife management, and many other professions within the Department.

Student interns are hired on a temporary basis and paid an hourly rate of $16.50. Interns are not benefit eligible and work at the discretion of the appointing authority. Interns may be employed through their approved assignment or the department determines that the work is no longer required.

INTERN
“Desert Tortoise Adoption Program Intern”
INFORMATION, EDUCATION, & RECREATION DIVISION
EDUCATION BRANCH / PHOENIX, ARIZONA BASED
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT - PART TIME / Assignment End by 11/20/2026
FLSA-NON-EXEMPT / GRADE 4 / Hourly rate $16.50
CLOSING DATE: 03/08/2026

Job Duties:

The Desert Tortoise Adoption Program Intern will assist with captive tortoise care and adoptions. Duties may include, but are not limited to: daily tortoise care, cleaning tortoise enclosures, facilities and grounds, behavioral observation, assisting with tortoise exams, diet preparation, record keeping and data entry, fielding calls or emails from the public, tracking supply inventory and conducting tortoise adoption outreach for the public. This position works outdoors in potentially extreme temperatures. The position will work out of the Phoenix Headquarters office. This internship is set to run April 2026 through November 2026. The assignment will typically work part time (30-39 hours weekly).

Selective Preference(s):

The preferred candidate will have strong attention to detail and have a passion for learning. The candidate must be comfortable working around animals and all aspects of caring for animals e.g. animal waste, etc.; be a team player, possess initiative and follow directions; have ability to bend/stoop/crawl and work in extreme temperatures; possess excellent observation and documentation skills. Ability to work with various types of hay/grass used in tortoise husbandry with the ability to lift, or carry 20-24 lbs.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of curriculum leading towards a Bachelor’s or higher level degree on a full time basis (usually 12 semester hours) and pursuing a major in Wildlife Biology or closely related field applicable to the internship opportunity (subject to verification)

• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above
• Valid driver's license (free of restrictions, if applicable)

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 nor 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 Milani Barron at mbarron@azgfd.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

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