Address:  YUMA, ARIZONA

Hiring Hourly Rate: $25.9622 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 06/30/2025

WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT SPECIALIST 1
“OHV Officer Trainee”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / YUMA, ARIZONA
FLSA-Non-Exempt / GRADE 21 / Hiring hourly Rate - $25.9622
CLOSE DATE: 06/30/2025

Wildlife Law Enforcement Specialists are field-oriented, commissioned peace officers responsible for conserving and protecting wildlife resources throughout the State of Arizona.

Application process:

Applicants shall apply through the recruitment site, www.azstatejobs.gov.
(Search for Jobs and select Game and Fish Department from agency dropdown)

We will contact you if you submit an application and are selected to move forward in the process. If you are not selected to move forward, then you will not be contacted. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to know how to prepare to become a Wildlife Law Enforcement Specialist.

When applying, applicants must attach the following:
Cover Letter - must include interest in being a certified police officer; experience in hunting, fishing, off-highway vehicles and boating
Resume & Unofficial transcript (combine; provide as 1 attachment)

This is an entry level law enforcement patrol and investigation of less complex cases; performs regularly assigned field patrol activities in association with the Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) program, enforces State law; communicates the laws and regulations to OHV users; assists other department law enforcement personnel with investigations as needed; provides public safety presence and assistance to the public as needed or assigned; enforces all state statutes as a fully certified peace officer with emphasis on OHV violations. Participates in special OHV enforcement operations (OHV Wolf pack patrols). Conducts field analysis of OHV related habitat damage issues and provides information to the supervisor. Conducts activities related to wildlife and fisheries management, responds to critical human wildlife conflicts; enforces Title 17 statues and wildlife rules and regulations. Promotes landowner and OHV access opportunities; prepares articles on OHV related issues; attends local and statewide coordination and planning meetings. Provides logistical support in preparation for and during various educational outreach activities. Completes necessary Department administrative paperwork; attends and participates in general Department training; attends Department meetings and ceremonies; completes other Department duties assigned. Responsible for an assortment of investigative equipment including various types of vehicles (pick-up, OHV, snowmobile etc), surveillance electronics, camera, DUI/OUI detection equipment. Completes necessary training & qualification to maintain peace officer certification.

Law Enforcement duties include:

- Conducting law enforcement patrols to ensure compliance with A.R.S Title 17 (game and fish laws), Title 5 (watercraft laws), Title 28 (Off highway vehicle enforcement), Title 13 (State criminal code), Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules and Orders, and all other State/Federal laws as necessary

- Conducting investigations and securing evidence related to wildlife, watercraft, OHV violations and other A.R.S. statutes when necessary and applicable

- Providing public safety and completing requirements necessary to obtain and maintain Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training (AZPOST) peace officer certification. Successful completion of Arizona Peace Officer certification and Department post-academy training is required.

- Servings as contact/spokesperson when appropriate; acting as liaison to nongovernmental organizations and other community groups

- Organizing, administering, and supervising volunteer efforts; acting as a Department representative in planning, coordinating, and implementing outreach efforts such as fishing clinics, hunt camps, scholastic shooting and archery events, and career days and fairs; acting as Department liaison to the public; acting as a hunter education instructor/trainer; completing environmental education and career classes at local schools when necessary; completing and submitting Department reports and memos in a timely manner and maintaining Department equipment.

You must complete the AZ POST academy and become a certified peace officer as part of the one-year probationary process. If you are unable to become a certified peace officer, you will not qualify for the Wildlife Law Enforcement Specialist position. A four year bachelor’s degree or wildlife related college course work is preferred but not a required condition of employment.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of principles and practices of wildlife management and strong interpersonal skills. The preferred candidate will have experience working in wildlife science or a related field, applying practical resource management activities and practices (may include volunteer and intern positions).

The preferred candidate will have strong interpersonal skills; have knowledge of Arizona’s diverse wildlife and habitat, participate in and have knowledge of fishing, hunting, camping and wilderness survival, and have the ability to fly in small aircraft and helicopters. Experience working in wildlife science or a related field is a plus (may include volunteer and intern positions).

For more information regarding the requirements necessary to become a Law Enforcement Specialist, please visit the Department’s website at www.azgfd.com. Navigate to the “Employment” page and select “Become a Wildlife Manager”. The requirements and other job information for the Wildlife Manager I position are very similar to those for the Law Enforcement Specialist I position.

The hiring process is quite extensive and requires a thorough background investigation including: a polygraph examination, a psychological assessment, a medical examination and physical condition assessment. Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

The position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11). The position requires maintenance of a home office for Department activities. Assigned Duty Post may be statewide and will be determined and based on department needs.

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).

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 or Ryan Randall at lawenforcementhiring@azgfd.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.