Wildlife Technician

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Research Branch is recruiting to fill a regular full-time appointment for a Wildlife Technician position located in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Wildlife Technician will work under the direction of a Wildlife Specialist and the Terrestrial Research Program Manager to organize, coordinate, and conduct wildlife research studies in a field, office, or lab setting. The Wildlife Technician is primarily responsible for field data collection, data entry, assisting with data analysis, and assisting in the preparation of technical reports or peer-reviewed publications. Research studies may include reviewing wildlife survey methods, harvest analysis, habitat evaluations, special studies, or environmental inventories.

 The Wildlife Technician may be assigned to conduct wildlife research studies on a statewide or regional basis, and will work in the field in remote areas for extended overnight periods. This is a non-supervisory position.

The Wildlife Technician will also participate in Arizona Management System activities at the work unit, branch, or Department level. This position operates a variety of specialized equipment common to wildlife work and may be required to drive long distances. This position requires instate and out-of-state travel including overnight multiple-day field trips, and nightly, weekend, and holiday work may be occasionally required.

Major duties include:

• Conducting field surveys for various taxa including large mammals, small mammals, herpetofauna, and avian species. This position will also require conducting vegetation surveys and camera trap surveys. Major duties can also include trapping, marking, and tracking wildlife using aerial and/or ground telemetry techniques.
• Collecting field data and assisting with data analysis using statistical and spatial software. Assists With the preparation of reports and scientific manuscripts.
• Working in remote locations and camping in primitive conditions for up to 8 continuous days. Handles logistics for camps and fieldwork and maintains field equipment.
• Operating four-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs in rough terrain and entering and managing data using personal computers, statistical software, and geographic information systems.
• Participating in continuing education and performing other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must have knowledge of the southwest, wildlife ecology, scientific methods, wildlife research and management techniques, data collection methods, technical scientific writing, and proper operation, maintenance, and basic repair of field equipment and various vehicles, e.g. four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicles. In addition, must be knowledgeable and experienced with wildlife field research techniques, e.g., terrestrial and aquatic field investigation, species identification and habitat requirements, types of flora and fauna and their ecological support systems.

Candidates must be skilled in collecting field data, data entry, and assisting in the preparation of technical reports and scientific manuscripts. Must have the ability to use office equipment and perform both manual labor and office-related duties. Candidates must be able to communicate verbally and in writing and work alone and part as a team. Must be able to work in remote locations for extended periods where overnight camping will be required.

The preferred candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in a wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university with 6 months of relevant work experience.

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, then 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 nor 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).

All newly hired employees will be subject to the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification program.

Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

The State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:

* 13 days of vacation

* 12 sick days

* 10 paid holidays

* Participation in the nationally recognized Arizona State Retirement System

* Superior health care options

* Vision care, dental care, pharmacy benefits, and flexible spending account (options available)

* Life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance options are available

* Many more benefit programs are available

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.