Equipment & Training
Equipment
Wildlife Managers are well equipped and are issued duty gear required to perform the job. Law enforcement items include: gun, holster, uniform belts, handcuffs and case, magazine pouch, baton, police vest. Camping and patrol items include binoculars, spotting scope, toolbox, ice chest, animal control pole, etc. A patrol vehicle equipped with lights, siren and radio is issued to each Wildlife Manager. Vehicles such as ATV’s and boats may be utilized depending on the activities associated with the Wildlife Manager district. Wildlife Managers are provided a monthly uniform allowance.
Training
Wildlife Manager trainees are required to attend and successfully complete intensive training at an AZPOST accredited law enforcement academy to become a certified peace officer in the State of Arizona. While attending the academy, trainees are employees and will be paid by the Department. The academy is both mentally and physically challenging, so trainees must prepare themselves for these conditions.
Prior to attending the law enforcement academy, Wildlife Manager trainees are required to attend the Department’s one-week pre-academy training at Phoenix headquarters to provide them with specific Department information and equipment. Following the law enforcement academy, trainees will attend a 13-week Wildlife Manager Training post-academy to become wildlife enforcement officers. A portion of the Wildlife Manager post-academy training is conducted at Phoenix headquarters, while a portion requires travel throughout the state and may require extensive camping. Trainees then participate in the 10-week Field Training Officer (FTO) program. It is the trainee’s responsibility to find housing in the Phoenix area or find other accommodations (i.e., commute from current residence) for the duration of the process.
