WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSTRUCTION TECHNICIAN
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA, ARIZONA BASED
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT / FULL-TIME / END BY 5/15/2026
FLSA-NON-EXEMPT / GRADE 17 / HOURLY RATE $17.18 - $20.36
This position will serve as staff for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region IV. As a Habitat Technician, you will be responsible for performing a wide variety of construction tasks requiring technical skills in use of tools and equipment to construct, maintain and/or repair wildlife waters, habitat structures, devices or areas throughout the region. This may also include camping out for multiple days in remote areas. This position will also closely coordinate with the regional volunteer program and work directly with volunteers to execute projects and daily tasks. You will ensure compliance with Department procedures, maintain high standards of quality, and meet project deadlines while adhering to safety protocols and OSHA standards. Additionally, you will manage and maintain materials and equipment, including handling items valued over $30,000 and tools/equipment valued over $100,000. The end date is May 15, 2026.
Major responsibilities include:
- Construct, maintain and repair habitat development projects per Department policies, procedures and standards, and OSHA construction safety standards.
- Load and unload project materials and personnel from trucks and helicopters, strictly adhering to all related Department and OSHA safety policies and standards.
- Safe highway and off-road operation of Department off-highway vehicles (OHV), four-wheel drive 3/4 ton, 1 and 1.5 ton utility vehicles and skid steer loaders as well as heavy duty water trucks (if applicable).
- Operation and maintenance of a large variety of Department hand tools, power tools, welders and other construction equipment, camp gear and work areas.
- Accurate and timely completion of required Department electronic records and paperwork, including ETE entries, diaries, travel reimbursement forms, position resource files, Department surveys, purchasing documents and other required documentation for position.
- Acquisition and safe transportation of construction materials and other supplies to and from Department projects, per municipal, state and federal laws and rules.
- Attend and participate in Department training opportunities and meetings and provide quality customer outreach and supervision in the field when applicable.
- Attend and participate in Department training opportunities and meetings and provide quality customer outreach and supervision in the field when applicable.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
General knowledge of a variety of construction trades (carpentry, plumbing, working with cement, welding, painting). Knowledge of basic survey equipment, levels, string line, power tools, generators and welders. Handling and applying of hazardous materials associated with fiber glassing, PVC plumbing and other Industrial water-proofing materials. Be able to read, comprehend and apply information from Manufacturer's Safety Data Sheets for all applicable materials used. Transport of Department and other agency personnel and volunteers and materials via aircraft; knowledge of different helicopter models, loading order and weight distribution of passengers, weight limitations affected by temperature and wind, rigging long-line loads with cargo nets and chokers and basic knowledge of ground - to - pilot hand signals. Two-way radio communications requiring knowledge of the Department radio system including vehicle and hand held radios. Map reading and knowledge in determining approximate location using hand-drawn and computer-generated topographical maps. Basic use of global positioning system devices, such as acquiring way points and applying to topographical interfaces. Basic knowledge of rendering First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automatic electronic defibrillator. Knowledge of vehicle operations including OHVs, four-wheel drive pick-ups, 1 and 1.5 ton crew trucks and heavy duty water trucks. Knowledge of all laws and rules pertaining to operating vehicles requiring a Commercial Drivers License if applicable.
Fence building skills, including lay-out, staging and installation of barbed and smooth wire, pipe rail and chain link fence materials. Skills in effective and safe use of pneumatic devices such as jack hammers, rock drills and post pounders. Other skills related to power tools such as chain saws, gas-powered cutting saws and cement mixers. Plumbing skills including assembling PVC, HOPE, copper, galvanized and steel pipe systems. Welding skills including stick and MIG types, and proper oxygen acetylene cutting torch operation. Concrete skills including forming, reinforcing, mixing and pouring concrete. Masonry skills include using mortar to adhere natural rock or concrete blocks to habitat enhancements. Developing skills specific to habitat enhancement construction and maintenance materials used in the fabrication of steel rain collection aprons and skills related to fiber glassing. Safe loading and transporting materials over long distances on rough and remote roads, while driving and maintaining specialized, heavy duty four-wheel drive vehicles. Camping in extremely remote areas for extended periods of time, while developing strong inter-personal communication skills. Continuously developing the skill of team building with other Department staff and volunteers. Safely operate and work around Heavy Equipment as needed.
Most of the construction skills necessary to successfully perform in this position are obtained from previous work or life experiences. Although a college degree or college-level courses would benefit a person in this position, especially as they relate to the biological aspect of this position, they are not necessary to perform the duties of a Wildlife Habitat Construction Technician. Successful employees have levels of experience in various construction trades, farming, ranching or from trade schools. Trade skills that are most useful include carpentry, welding, plumbing and concrete finishing. Technicians lacking essential skills can usually learn those skills on the job from others within 2 years. Successful individuals in this position exhibit good communication skills, an appreciation for wildlife and wildlife management in Arizona and the ability to adjust to dynamic work conditions in remote settings.
- OSHA 10/30 Certification
- Forklift/Telehandler Certification
- First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification
- Arizona Commercial Driver’s License (Class A) with Tanker Endorsement
While not required, candidates who possess a current, valid state-issued Class A commercial driver’s license with tanker endorsements are strongly preferred. Preferred candidates will also have the ability to: Maintain a valid, unexpired license that is not suspended or revoked; Successfully pass driver’s license record checks; Complete any required driver training; Maintain an acceptable driving record if operating a vehicle on state business
KSAs are typically obtained through experience and/or education in: outdoor construction and/or maintenance work involving operation of a variety of construction equipment. Any combination of training and experience that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) may be substituted.
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).
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 Nicole Baker at nbaker@azgfd.gov for assistance.