FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / AVIATION BRANCH / PHOENIX, AZ BASED
318 West Deer Valley Road Phoenix, AZ 85027

Salary: $29.16 - $40.00 

Grade: 25

Closing Date: Open Until Business Needs Are Met (1st Review of Resumes 11/02/2026)

WILDLIFE AIRCRAFT PILOT
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / AVIATION BRANCH / PHOENIX, AZ BASED
FLSA – Non-exempt / SALARY GRADE 25 / HIRING HOURLY RANGE $29.16 - $40.00

Adventure Meets Purpose: Fly with Arizona Game and Fish!

Are you an experienced aviator looking for a unique flying opportunity that goes far beyond routine airport-to-airport routes? Do you thrive in dynamic, low-level flight environments and want your hours in the cockpit to directly protect the rugged landscapes of the Southwest? The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking a skilled, passionate Wildlife Aircraft Pilot to join our dedicated Aviation Section. At AZGFD, we are the sole state agency responsible for conserving and protecting more than 800 wildlife species. From the Grand Canyon to the Sonoran Desert, our mission is to ensure safe, compatible outdoor recreation for current and future generations. As a Department pilot, you will be the eye in the sky making our science-based conservation work possible.

The Mission: Why This Position is Unlike Any Other
This is not your average piloting job. You will operate single-engine land aircraft across diverse and demanding landscapes. Your primary responsibilities will include:
• Precision Low-Level Wildlife Surveys: Navigate terrains at 100 to 200 feet above ground level (AGL) at minimal airspeeds. You will masterfully maneuver the aircraft to help biologists safely survey, classify, and locate wildlife.
• International Flight Operations: Take your skills across borders with required international missions flying into Mexico to support collaborative cross-border conservation efforts.
• Tactical Aerial Missions: Utilize your aviation expertise to conduct radio telemetry tracking, aerial photography, wildlife and personnel transport, and critical day-and-night law enforcement patrols to ensure officer and public safety.
• Leadership & Readiness: Inspect aircraft and maintenance records for strict FAA compliance, maintain hangar facilities, and serve as Chief Pilot when needed.

What You Bring to the Cockpit
We are looking for an exceptional pilot who respects the unique aerodynamics of low-altitude flight and commands precision control under challenging conditions.

Qualifications:
• FAA Commercial Single-Engine Land (SEL) pilot certificate with an instrument rating.
• Current FAA Class I or Class II medical certificate.
• A minimum of 2,500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) time in airplanes.
• Considerable, provable experience in low level flight operations such as wildlife surveys, pipeline patrol, forestry, fire fighting, etc.
• 50 hours Pilot in Command experience in turboprop aircraft and 200 hours of tail wheel experience with tailwheel endorsement is preferred.

The Selection Process
Because of the highly specialized nature of this role, top candidates will be required to pass a flight interview in a Department aircraft alongside the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Chief Pilot.

Are You Ready to Fly for Conservation?
The outdoors is open for all, and we want you to help us protect it. If you have the tailwheel experience, the precision skills for low-level flying, and a desire to make a lasting impact on Arizona's wildlife, we want to hear from you. Apply today and take your aviation career to a whole new level!

The Aviation Section of the Arizona Game and Fish Department is under the Field Operations Division and is responsible for all aviation activities conducted in conjunction with AZGFD and Commission directed activities. Aviation support is provided for various missions consisting mainly of wildlife surveys, radio telemetry, law enforcement patrols (day and night) for officer and public safety, search and rescue, aerial photography, wildlife and personnel transport. The Wildlife Aircraft Pilot will be responsible for providing safe and efficient operation of Department aircraft for the various Department missions.

Major duties include:

• Operates single engine land aircraft, responsible for inspecting aircraft flight and maintenance records for compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations

• Prepares all paperwork required by AZGFD and Aviation Section

• Assists with cleaning of aircraft and general maintenance of hangar and office facilities

• Serves as chief pilot in his/her absence

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of FAA regulations and their applications, aircraft performance, aerodynamics, and flight dynamics particularly at low level flight (100-200 feet above ground level); knowledge of geography and topography of the State of Arizona, GPS navigation units, computer programs and portable electronic devices.

Skilled in low level flight related to wildlife management or other experience such as forestry, crop spraying, or other related low level experience, and be skilled to maneuver aircraft safely at extremely low levels, at minimal airspeed, under less than optimum and often hazardous conditions, maintaining precise heading and altitude for long periods of duration, remain constantly alert for in-flight safety hazards; skilled flying tail-wheel and tricycle geared aircraft under a variety of flight conditions, operating in remote areas and over rugged terrain.

Ability to maneuver the aircraft to safely survey, classify and/or locate wildlife; communicated with Air Traffic Control and the ability to work and interact with a variety of personalities and mission profiles. This position requires the ability to fly internationally into Mexico.

• Considerable, provable experience in low level flight operations such as wildlife surveys, pipeline patrol, forestry, fire fighting, etc.
• 50 hours Pilot in Command experience in turboprop aircraft.
• 200 hours of tail wheel experience with tailwheel endorsement is preferred.

Our work environment offers training opportunities and encourages career development.

• FAA Commercial Single-Engine Land (SEL) pilot certificate with an instrument rating.
• Current FAA Class I or Class II medical certificate.
• A minimum of 2,500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) time in airplanes.
• Ability to travel to Mexico with a valid passport.

As part of the selection process potential candidates will be required to pass a flight interview in a Department aircraft with the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Chief Pilot.

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job.

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 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 State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:

• Vacation leave
• Sick leave
• 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

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Nicole Baker at nbaker@azgfd.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.