WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / WILDLIFE CONTRACTS
5000 W CAREFREE HWY PHOENIX AZ 85086

Salary: $17.18 - $19.23/hr

Grade: 18

Closing Date: 12/23/2025

WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN
Bird Technician
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / WILDLIFE CONTRACTS / PHOENIX BASED
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT / FULL-TIME / END BY 6/5/2026
FLSA-NON-EXEMPT / GRADE 18 / HOURLY RATE $17.18 - $19.23

Under general supervision duties will include performing a variety of technical and entry level professional wildlife work in support of biologists and project administrators conducting various field work with an emphasis on birds. Primary duties will include conducting surveys for LeContes Thrasher Bendires Trasher and Purple Martin in addition to general point count surveys in Sonoran Desert habitats. Duties may also include data entry basic gear maintenance and coordination with clients including arranging access to military lands. This position will require the successful candidate to spend a great deal of time in the field with assignments that may require extended periods (4-5 days) working and residing in primitive field conditions including camping in the Arizona heat and operating 4x4 vehicles. The position requires occasional driving (Up to 3 hours/day) and regular overnight travel. The project timeline is January 15 2026 to end by June 5 2026.

The candidate will have knowledge of/in: wildlife science; Sonoran Desert bird identification by sight and sounds; job related federal state and agency laws rules regulations policies and procedures appropriate to assignment; wildlife and basic wildlife management techniques sufficient to perform the duties assigned; proper operation maintenance and basic repair of field equipment and vehicles; problem solving techniques.

The preferred candidate will be skilled in applying basic wildlife management techniques including knowledge of species identification and habitat requirements and basic bird survey methodology. (Bird handling is not required.) The ideal candidate will have the skills to navigate remote unmarked terrain and use a variety of field equipment (e.g. GPS units maps tablets ArcGIS software and cameras) and must be able to write and communicate effectively.

The candidate will have the ability to conduct bird surveys during all times of the day and year including driving a 4x4 and hiking in midday desert conditions. The candidate will have the ability to interact with the public and apply public relations; work alone and as part of a team; able to work outdoors in primitive field conditions; hike backpack and/or camp overnight for extended periods of time in hot environments while keeping a positive attitude.

The preferred candidate will have a bachelors degree in wildlife science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agencys 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 drivers license complete all required training and successfully pass all necessary drivers license record checks. The license must be current unexpired and neither revoked or suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to drivers 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.) R.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:Drivers 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 for assistance.