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.

Sport Fish Research Technician

Job Location:

Address: 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Posting Details:

Hiring hourly range: $17.45 - $20.00

Grade: 18

Closing Date: 05/17/2026

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Aquatic Research Program Manager, the Sport Fish Research Technician will be responsible for providing support and assistance to project biologists in the collection of biotic and abiotic data for sport fish related research projects.

Job Duties:

Major duties include:

- Conducts field fisheries surveys following standardized protocols (e.g. electrofishing, use of net capture techniques, radio telemetry surveys, creel surveys, and other standard techniques to sample aquatic ecosystems).

- Assists with conducting controlled laboratory experiments related to research projects.
- Compiles, enters, and quality checks biological and physical data, and may assist with analysis. May serve as a daily field lead to interns or volunteers under guidance of the biologist supervisor.) May assist with the collection of field data and general project implementation, including assessing manpower, equipment and project needs.

- May assist with literature review, logistics, study plan development, and report writing as needed.

- Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

The candidate must have knowledge of basic fish capture techniques, basic biology (particularly sport fishes), scientific method and analytical thought, professional standard data collection and analysis, statistics, and basic report preparation methods. The candidate will have skill in handling, tagging and measurement of various aquatic wildlife, navigation in remote wilderness settings, use of various field equipment including proper operation, maintenance and basic repair, basic first aid and survival techniques. The candidate will have the ability to work irregular hours, including weekends, in remote locations for extended time in areas where primitive camping may be required. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing and be able to work alone or as part of a team.

Selective Preference(s):

The preferred candidate will have experience with aquatic field investigation and have knowledge of species identification and habitat requirements. The preferred candidate will have skill in preparing and writing technical reports and the ability to apply field data compilation, tabulation and analysis techniques.

The preferred candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science or a closely related field.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, and 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).

All newly hired employees will be subject to the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification program.

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.

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

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

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