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.

Investigator - Wildlife Law Enforcement Specialist Senior Covered

Job Location:

Address: 9140 East 28th Street, Yuma, Arizona 85365

Posting Details:

Hiring hourly range: $30.00 - $38.00

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 03/01/2026

Job Summary:

WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT SPECIALIST SENIOR
“Investigator”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA, AZ BASED
FLSA- NON-EXEMPT / GRADE 22 (hiring range $30.00 - $38.00)
CLOSING DATE: 03/01/2026

The Law Enforcement Specialist Senior performs investigative work related to wildlife, watercraft, off-highway vehicles and related environmental laws and regulation violations. Responsible for revocation case tracking and submission to the AZGFD Commission for civil action/license revocation. Conducts patrols and special projects such as checkpoints, secures and tracks evidence, prepares and executes search warrants, maintains regional intelligence files and acts as intelligence liaison with investigators from other LE agencies. Responsible for the use and accountability of investigative funds and specialized equipment.

Job Duties:

Major duties include:

- Conduct LE patrols and investigations for violations to Title 17, Title 5 and appropriate OHV related title 28 violations. Secures and manages evidence, prepares reports and disseminate findings to the County attorney, court and other enforcement agencies.

- Prepares and executes search warrants. Serves as primary contact.

- Secures and tracks evidence. Prepares and executes search warrants, maintains regional intelligence files and acts as intelligence liaison with investigators from other enforcement agencies. Responsible for the use and accountability of investigative funds and specialized equipment. Serves as Regional standardization officer for OGT and WILDS reporting.

- Provides specialized help such as conducting forensic analysis of smart phones, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices used in the commission of wildlife crimes.

- Provides specialized help towards wildlife law enforcement investigative services and expertise in license fraud and social media/networking investigations.

- Patrols, investigates and assists regional officers with complex case work, search warrants, proactive repeat offender projects, proactive decoy projects, proactive unmarked and undercover patrols and projects. May assist any region in planning, coordinating and evaluating complex law enforcement investigations. May work in cover/undercover capacity on occasion.

- Maintain good working relationship with prosecuting attorneys, courts, other law enforcement agencies and other resource management agencies

- Maintain Arizona State Peace Officer certification. Ensure compliance with ARS title 17, wildlife laws: ARS title 5, water-sports; ARS title 28, relating to Off-Highway vehicle laws and other statutes. Prepare civil action/license revocation reports

- Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: Knowledge of wildlife law enforcement rules, regulations, policies, procedures and techniques and other federal, state and agency laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures appropriate to assignment. Legal procedure involved in investigation, apprehension and prosecution of violators. Principles in search and seizure. Wildlife management principles practices, and natural biological processes; routine patrol techniques and practice. The preferences of perspectives of communities and the general public.

Skill: Skill in use of law enforcement equipment, e.g., evidence kit, fingerprinting kit, firearms, surveillance, service of search warrants, routine patrol. Communicating with the public.

Ability: Ability to apply law enforcement rules, regulations, policies, procedures and techniques. Apply federal, state and agency laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures appropriate to assignment. Apply legal procedures involved in investigation, lead or participate in the service of search warrants, apprehension and prosecution of violators. Deal with the public, including potentially dangerous individuals carrying firearms and other potential weapons. Communicate orally and in writing. Work alone and as part of a team. Work irregular hours, including on weekends and holidays and at night. Work outdoors in Arizona's geographic and weather extremes. Interpret the case law related to search and seizure and apply those principles in real time; Apply basic survival and first response (medical assistance) skills.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

The candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) certification is required and maintained. AZPOST General Instructor certification, AZPOST Specialty Instructor School and Wildlife Investigator Covert Academy completion is preferred.

The hiring process is quite extensive and requires a thorough background investigation including: a polygraph examination, a psychological assessment, a medical examination and physical condition assessment. 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).

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).

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

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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