The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers paid internship opportunities to current students, graduate and undergraduate. Recent (within the past year) graduates are also eligible to apply. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in gaining hands-on practical work experience while working with a diverse group of professionals in the fields of wildlife science, biological science, wildlife management, and many other professions within the Department.
Student interns are hired on a temporary basis and paid an hourly rate of $14.35 or $15.40 for returning interns. Interns are not benefit eligible and work at the discretion of the appointing authority. Interns may be employed through their approved assignment or the department determines that the work is no longer required.
The Creel Survey Intern will be responsible for conducting comprehensive angler creel surveys at River Reservoir, Tunnel Reservoir, Bunch Reservoir, Carnero Lake and Lee Valley Reservoir, Arizona. Creel surveys of these lakes will involve interviewing anglers to obtain catch, harvest, knowledge of aquatic invasive species, and human dimensions information. Duties will include interviewing anglers, identifying and measuring harvested fish, conducting counts of anglers at access points, shorelines, recording data, and entering data. Other duties will depend on funding but may include assisting in collecting water quality data, assisting with sport fish education and assisting with fish surveys on various waters in the region. Opportunities to assist other programs within the Region with other projects may also be available. Working on weekends and in remote locations will be required. Fieldwork may involve long days outdoors in varying conditions and occasional overnight travel. This internship is set to run through November 2025.
The intern will gain experience and knowledge in fisheries management techniques and aquatics best management practices. Interns will develop a proficiency at native/non-native fish ID, proper data collection and organization, experience in logistical planning of fieldwork, and experience in maintenance/repair of field gear.
If needed, housing will be available at the Pinetop Game and Fish office bunkhouse.
The preferred candidate will have ability to interact with the public, willingness to work outdoors in inclement weather, and skill at identifying sport fish, interest in fishing, conservation, or fisheries management would be beneficial.
The candidate must have the ability to start the position by 04/01/25.
Eligibility requirements
Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of curriculum leading towards a Bachelor’s or higher level degree on a full time basis (usually 12 semester hours) and pursuing a major in Wildlife Biology or closely related field applicable to the internship opportunity (subject to verification). Recent (within the past year) graduates are also eligible to apply.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above
• Ability to pass a post-offer physical examination
• Valid driver's license (free of restrictions, if applicable)
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).
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).
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Milani Barron at mbarron@azgfd.gov for assistance. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an equal employment opportunity agency.