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.

Wildlife Aircraft Pilot

Job Location:

Address: 318 W Deer Valley Road, Phoenix, AZ

Posting Details:

Hiring hourly range: $29.16 - $40.00

Grade: 25

Closing Date: 01/12/2026

Job Summary:

WILDLIFE AIRCRAFT PILOT
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / AVIATION BRANCH / PHOENIX, AZ BASED
FLSA – Non-exempt / PART TIME
SALARY GRADE 25 / HIRING HOURLY RANGE $29.16 - $40.00
CLOSING DATE: 01/12/2026

The Aviation Section of the Arizona Game and Fish Department is under the Field Operations Division and is responsible for all aviation activities conducted in conjunction with AGFD and Commission directed activities. Aviation support is provided for various missions consisting mainly of wildlife surveys, radio telemetry, law enforcement patrols (day and night) for officer and public safety, search and rescue, aerial photography, wildlife and personnel transport. The Wildlife Aircraft Pilot will be responsible for providing safe and efficient operation of Department aircraft for the various Department missions.

Job Duties:

Operates single engine land aircraft, responsible for inspecting aircraft flight and maintenance records for compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations
Prepares all paperwork required by AGFD and Aviation Section
Assists with cleaning of aircraft and general maintenance of hangar and office facilities
Serves as chief pilot in his/her absence
Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of FAA regulations and their applications, aircraft performance, aerodynamics, and flight dynamics particularly at low level flight (100-200 feet above ground level); knowledge of geography and topography of the State of Arizona, GPS navigation units, computer programs and portable electronic devices.

Skilled in low level flight related to wildlife management or other experience such as forestry, crop spraying, or other related low level experience, and be skilled to maneuver aircraft safely at extremely low levels, at minimal airspeed, under less than optimum and often hazardous conditions, maintaining precise heading and altitude for long periods of duration, remain constantly alert for in-flight safety hazards; skilled flying tail-wheel and tricycle geared aircraft under a variety of flight conditions, operating in remote areas and over rugged terrain.

Ability to maneuver the aircraft to safely survey, classify and/or locate wildlife; communicated with Air Traffic Control and the ability to work and interact with a variety of personalities and mission profiles. This position requires the ability to fly internationally into Mexico.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

FAA Commercial Single-Engine Land (SEL) pilot certificate, instrument rating
FAA Class I or Class II medical
2000 flight hours (SEL) to include verifiable previous low-level flight experience and a tailwheel endorsement with a minimum of 200 hours of logged tailwheel time.

As part of the selection process potential candidates will be required to pass a flight interview in a Department aircraft with the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Chief Pilot.

Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

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

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.