GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 1 / PINETOP, ARIZONA BASED
2878 E. White Mountain Blvd. Pinetop, AZ 85935

Salary: $19.2308 - $20.1923/HR 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: 9/3/2026

WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN
“Mexican Wolf Technician”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 1 / PINETOP, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA-EXEMPT / SALARY GRADE 18 / HIRING RANGE: $19.2308 - $20.1923/HR


Start Your Career in Conservation: Support the Recovery of the Mexican Wolf!

Ready to translate your academic foundation in species recovery into vital on-the-ground action? We are seeking a motivated Wildlife Technician to join our elite Interagency Field Team to support the Mexican wolf recovery project. If you are eager to bridge the gap between theory and high-stakes field operations, possess a deep passion for the rugged backcountry, and want to contribute to one of the most critical recovery missions in the Southwest, your journey begins here!

The future of the Mexican wolf depends on precise science and dedicated field support. In this essential role, you will be the boots on the ground supporting specialized recovery efforts. From assisting with helicopter-based capture operations to the careful field-fostering of wolf pups, your contributions directly support the survival and expansion of this iconic species. You will gain invaluable experience while helping to shape the legacy of Mexican wolf conservation for generations to come.

What You’ll Do
• Support Mexican Wolf Field Ops: Assist senior staff with critical population surveys and capture operations, including aerial telemetry and helicopter-based efforts to monitor the wolf population.
• Hands-on Recovery Support: Gain experience in species recovery by assisting with wolf capture, handling, and the specialized fostering of pups in the field.
• Assist in Conflict Mitigation: Help investigate wolf reports and support proactive efforts to mitigate livestock depredation, learning how to ensure sustainable coexistence with stakeholders.
• Contribute to Data Collection: Collect biological field data and assist in utilizing GIS tools (ArcGIS Online/Pro) to maintain project databases and support accurate reporting.
• Collaborative Fieldwork: Work closely with the Interagency Field Team to implement operational tasks and support administrative and technical project requirements.
• Learn Stakeholder Engagement: Support public education efforts and learn how to engage with stakeholders to foster long-term community support for wolf conservation.

Why AZGFD?
At Arizona Game and Fish, conservation is personal. Our employees are deeply connected to the landscapes and wildlife they protect. We value stewardship, teamwork, partnerships, and professional growth, and we support our staff with training and career development opportunities. If you’re ready to make a measurable impact on wildlife conservation, we encourage you to apply and become part of Arizona’s conservation mission!

Provides field and office support to the Mexican wolf recovery project. Specific activities include monitoring and documenting wolves in Arizona (through use of remote cameras, radio telemetry, sign search, visual observation, and other means), collecting and utilizing roadkilled native ungulates for supplemental and diversionary feeding, monitoring and hazing nuisance and conflict-prone wolves, trapping and handling wolves to meet various project objectives, collecting biological samples for genetic analysis, collecting biological data in the field, communicating with various project stakeholders regarding project issues and objectives, utilizing several computer programs (including but not limited to ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office), conduct aerial telemetry from fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter, assist with capture efforts by helicopter, operate four-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, and snowmobiles, and hike into/work in remote areas. Assists with office administrative detail such as data entry, data maintenance and report writing, may provide technical expertise in a specialty area, participates in information and education activities of the project, and performs related work as required.

Major duties will include:

• Conducts field surveying, monitoring, trapping, handling, and management of the Mexican wolf. Collects and utilizes roadkilled native ungulates for supplemental/diversionary feeding to mitigate conflict and/or support pups.

• Collects biological samples and data in the field. Aids in reducing conflict and impacts of the Mexican wolf on program stakeholders. Field work is sometimes performed under extreme environmental conditions.

• Enters records and data into project database, reviews for thoroughness, accuracy, consistency, and completeness and aids in data compilation and analysis. Contributes to writing and reviewing project-related reports.

• Maintains assigned equipment, keeping in clean and safe working order.

• Assists Wolf Project Field Supervisor and Wolf Biologist with development and implementation of public interaction activities such as project updates, meetings, presentations, and direct interactions with stakeholders and constituents (in person and by phone/email) while exercising discretion in the dissemination of information about the project in accordance with established protocols.

• Provides input when requested on project priorities, work strategies, data analysis, and reports.

• Other duties as assigned, as relates to the position.

Candidate must have knowledge of/in: federal, state and agency laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures appropriate to assignment; radio telemetry equipment and technique/ability to use; wildlife research and management techniques; basic wolf and ungulate life histories; computer skills sufficient to enter data/write reports/organize and file documents; safe capture (trapping) and handling techniques for immobilizing and processing wolves and other by-catch; proper operation, maintenance and basic repair of field equipment and various vehicles, e.g., four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicles.

Candidate must have skills in: conducting aerial and ground-based radio telemetry; keeping accurate, thorough and detailed field notes; performing basic administrative support functions; monitoring job requirements and deadlines; composing a wide variety of correspondences/reports/summaries; responding to the public with tact, diplomacy, and appropriate timely information; responding to a wide variety of complex inquiries concerning the wolf recovery project and predator-prey life histories; operating four-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, and snowmobiles; navigating backcountry/remote areas using map/compass and GPS technology; safe firearm handling and use of less-than-lethal/scare munitions; handling and butchering of dead/roadkilled animals; utilization of various computer programs including ArcGIS Pro.

Candidate must have the ability to: work both alone and as part of a team effectively; work, hike, backpack outdoors in primitive field conditions and/or camp overnight for extended periods; work after dark and/or in challenging field conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain, lightning and snow; work irregular schedule including weekends; possessing a high level of common sense, independence and decision-making ability; possessing a positive attitude in a challenging and controversial work environment with vocal opponents.

• Previous experience working in a social environment where stakeholders are actively opposed to the work you are conducting, preferably efforts to restore/recover endangered and/or controversial species.
• Trapping and handling of carnivores, specifically wolves.
• The preferred candidate will have a bachelor's degree in wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited university.

Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

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 Nicole Baker at nbaker@azgfd.gov for assistance. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.