AGENCY INTERNAL ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY - MUST BE CURRENT AZGFD EMPLOYEE
WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT SPECIALIST SENIOR
“Investigator”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA, AZ BASED
FLSA- NON-EXEMPT / GRADE 22 (hiring range $30.00 - $38.00)
CLOSING DATE: 08/17/2025
The Law Enforcement Specialist Senior performs investigative work related to wildlife, watercraft, off-highway vehicles and related environmental laws and regulation violations. Responsible for revocation case tracking and submission to the AZGFD Commission for civil action/license revocation. Conducts patrols and special projects such as checkpoints, secures and tracks evidence, prepares and executes search warrants, maintains regional intelligence files and acts as intelligence liaison with investigators from other LE agencies. Responsible for the use and accountability of investigative funds and specialized equipment.
Major duties include:
- Conduct LE patrols and investigations for violations to Title 17, Title 5 and appropriate OHV related title 28 violations. Secures and manages evidence, prepares reports and disseminate findings to the County attorney, court and other enforcement agencies.
- Prepares and executes search warrants. Serves as primary contact.
- Secures and tracks evidence. Prepares and executes search warrants, maintains regional intelligence files and acts as intelligence liaison with investigators from other enforcement agencies. Responsible for the use and accountability of investigative funds and specialized equipment. Serves as Regional standardization officer for OGT and WILDS reporting.
- Provides specialized help such as conducting forensic analysis of smart phones, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices used in the commission of wildlife crimes.
- Provides specialized help towards wildlife law enforcement investigative services and expertise in license fraud and social media/networking investigations.
- Patrols, investigates and assists regional officers with complex case work, search warrants, proactive repeat offender projects, proactive decoy projects, proactive unmarked and undercover patrols and projects. May assist any region in planning, coordinating and evaluating complex law enforcement investigations. May work in cover/undercover capacity on occasion.
- Maintain good working relationship with prosecuting attorneys, courts, other law enforcement agencies and other resource management agencies
- Maintain Arizona State Peace Officer certification. Ensure compliance with ARS title 17, wildlife laws: ARS title 5, water-sports; ARS title 28, relating to Off-Highway vehicle laws and other statutes. Prepare civil action/license revocation reports
- Other duties as assigned
Knowledge of: Knowledge of wildlife law enforcement rules, regulations, policies, procedures and techniques and other federal, state and agency laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures appropriate to assignment. Legal procedure involved in investigation, apprehension and prosecution of violators. Principles in search and seizure. Wildlife management principles practices, and natural biological processes; routine patrol techniques and practice. The preferences of perspectives of communities and the general public.
Skill: Skill in use of law enforcement equipment, e.g., evidence kit, fingerprinting kit, firearms, surveillance, service of search warrants, routine patrol. Communicating with the public.
Ability: Ability to apply law enforcement rules, regulations, policies, procedures and techniques. Apply federal, state and agency laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures appropriate to assignment. Apply legal procedures involved in investigation, lead or participate in the service of search warrants, apprehension and prosecution of violators. Deal with the public, including potentially dangerous individuals carrying firearms and other potential weapons. Communicate orally and in writing. Work alone and as part of a team. Work irregular hours, including on weekends and holidays and at night. Work outdoors in Arizona's geographic and weather extremes. Interpret the case law related to search and seizure and apply those principles in real time; Apply basic survival and first response (medical assistance) skills.
Must be current AZGFD employee to apply!
The candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) certification is required and maintained. AZPOST General Instructor certification, AZPOST Specialty Instructor School and Wildlife Investigator Covert Academy completion is preferred.
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.
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
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
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.