Become a Game Ranger

Ready for a Unique and Adventurous career that Enables you to Enjoy the Great Outdoors?

Where adventure and mission meet.
A Wildlife Manager position with the Arizona Game and Fish Department is a field-oriented, commissioned officer position whose duties include conserving and protecting Arizona’s wildlife resources for generations to come.

The application period for the Wildlife Manager position will be open year-round, and we will accept and review applications throughout the year. The Department will send a Wildlife Manager class through a police academy and subsequent training in January of every year. The cutoff date for applications to be considered for a January class will be September 1 of the year prior to the academy start date. We will contact you if you submit an application and are selected to move forward in the process. If you are not selected to move forward, then you will not be contacted. Feel free to reach out if you would like to know how to prepare to become a Wildlife Manager.

Learn about becoming a game ranger, also known as a wildlife manager

The Making of a Wildlife Manager – Part I
The Making of a Wildlife Manager – Part II
Podcast – becoming a Wildlife Manager

Minimum qualifications

• 21 years of age
• U.S. citizen
• Bachelor’s Degree in a wildlife science or closely related field from an accredited college or university
• Arizona drivers license, or ability to obtain one
• Pass AZ POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) medical exam including full physical, drug screening, hearing and vision tests
• Physical fitness

Hiring process, selection process and testing

Hiring and selection details

Duties, compensation and training

Duties, compensation and training details

An equal opportunity, reasonable accommodations employer, the Arizona Game and Fish Department complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need accommodation in the employment process or this document in an alternative format, please contact our office at (602) 789-3326 or TTY 1-800-367-8939 prior to the closing date of the job in which you are interested. The Arizona Game & Fish Department is responsible for managing Arizona’s fish and wildlife resource as an enduring public trust. In addition, the Department is charged with promoting safe and responsible use of watercraft and off-highway vehicles. Funding is provided from the sale of licenses and permits; watercraft registration fees; federal excise taxes on firearms, fishing equipment, boats, and other sporting goods; State lottery revenues; donations on State income tax forms; and various contracts and grants. Department policy is set by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, whose five members are appointed by the Governor. We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin, or disability.