Work Assignments and Duties for a Wildlife Manager

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.

Wildlife Manager duties

Wildlife Managers are a valuable resource to Arizona. They are the Department’s main enforcement officers and are required to carry and use firearms. Wildlife Managers are assigned to Wildlife Manager districts where they are required to be the Department “on the ground” point of contact, as well as the local area expert in wildlife, fisheries and habitat management. They are the most visible Department representative and, in essence, serve as the Department’s ambassador within local communities.

Duties will vary by Wildlife Manager district and include:

  • Recommending and assisting with habitat improvement projects
  • Conducting game surveys and making hunt recommendations
  • Assisting with wildlife and fisheries surveys and management activities
  • Performing information and education activities such as public outreach
  • Conducting Hunter Education programs
  • Conducting wildlife law enforcement patrol and investigations
  • Making arrests and serving warrants
  • Preparing comprehensive case reports
  • Testifying in court
  • Operating four-wheel drive vehicles and watercraft

Work assignments

The Department Headquarters are located in Phoenix; Wildlife Manager districts are located in six regions throughout the state. There is no guarantee of placement into a community of choice and the initial work assignment may be anywhere statewide. While applicant desires are considered, work assignments will be made in the best interest of the Department. A Wildlife Manager’s post-of-duty is their residence and they are required to maintain an office in their home to perform official state business related to the position.

The Department has 74 Wildlife Managers who are assigned to one of the six regional offices. As Wildlife Manager districts become available, there may be opportunities for Wildlife Managers to transfer to other districts to broaden and enhance their experiences within the Department.

Regional offices:

Region 1, Pinetop
Region 2, Flagstaff
Region 3, Kingman
Region 4, Yuma
Region 5, Tucson
Region 6, Mesa
Regional Map

Compensation

Beginning salary is based on the education and experience of the applicant. Newly hired Wildlife Manager I’s, and Law Enforcement Specialist I’s will be on probation for at least one year.

After completion of initial probation, Wildlife Managers and Law Enforcement Specialists may apply for any position within the Department for which they qualify.

Wildlife Manager I (19) – $54,001
Wildlife Manager II (20) – $58,565 – $79,200
Wildlife Manager Senior (22) – $63,524 – $87,570

Benefits

  • Medical—Dental—Vision—Pharmacy
  • Annual Leave—Sick Leave
  • Short and Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Ten Paid State Holidays Annually
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Credit Union
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Eligible for Retirement Under the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System
    Military Service can now be purchased, up to 4 years, even if used to qualify for military retirement.

Contact us with questions

Lainie Antolik
Law Enforcement Training Coordinator
623 236-7312 lantolik@azgfd.gov
Milani Barron
Human Resources Staffing Manager
623 236-7319 mbarron@azgfd.gov

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