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.

Tortoise Technician - Temporary

Job Location:

Address: 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Posting Details:

Hiring hourly range: $17.1820

Grade: 18

Closing Date: 04/14/2026

Job Summary:

WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN (7 positions)
“Tortoise Technician”
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / WILDLIFE CONTRACTS / PHOENIX, AZ BASED
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT / Full Time / End by 11/13/2026
FLSA-Non-Exempt / GRADE 18 / Hourly Rate $17.1820
CLOSING DATE: 04/14/2026

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 tortoise field work.

Job Duties:

Primary duties will include conducting desert tortoise surveys, observing and identifying reptile species, collecting and summarizing survey data; assisting in project implementation; wildlife capture; providing field support for program and/or projects. Assignments may require extended periods working and residing in primitive field conditions and operating 4x4 vehicles. The project timeline is June 22, 2026 to end by November 13, 2026.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

The candidate will have knowledge of/in: 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 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.

Selective Preference(s):

The preferred candidate will be skilled in applying basic wildlife management techniques, including knowledge of species identification and habitat requirements, types of flora and fauna and their ecological support systems and disease recognition sufficient to perform duties. The ideal candidate will have the skills to learn and apply more specific and/or advanced policies, procedures, and techniques, basic professional standard data collection, analysis, mathematics, basic report preparation methods, and communicate verbally and in writing.

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, 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 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