AGFD -- Become a wildlife manager

[Outdoor Writer]

GAME AND FISH NEWS       Sept. 28, 2020 Arizona Game and Fish Department   Become a wildlife manager: where adventure and mission meet     PHOENIX — If you know someone who is looking for a career where adventure and mission meet, we have news you should share: The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is now accepting applications for its wildlife manager position.  A wildlife manager position with AZGFD is a field-oriented, commissioned officer position whose duties include conserving and protecting Arizona’s wildlife resources for generations to come. No two days are the same for wildlife managers — they may start out the morning flying in a helicopter during a bighorn sheep survey and end the day following up on a tip that came into the Operation Game Thief hotline. “If you enjoy diversity, being in the outdoors and engaging with your community, this is a job that encompasses all of that,” said Lainie Antolik, law enforcement training coordinator for AZGFD. “Wildlife managers play an important role in conserving and protecting Arizona’s wildlife resources for future generations.” Job duties include, but are not limited to, wildlife surveys, hunt patrols, habitat projects, and off-highway vehicle and boating enforcement. Wildlife managers are the face of AZGFD in their communities and have the opportunity to engage with citizens while also ensuring that precious resources are conserved. “I have a love of conserving wildlife and the resource and was always interested in law enforcement — this is the perfect combination of the two,” said Antolik who has worked for AZGFD for 16 years. She started out as a wildlife manager patrolling the Douglas area, and now works to train and hire the next generation of wildlife managers. The application period is open through Oct. 25, and the details are available online. One important detail: Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a wildlife science or a closely related field. If you have any questions about the job or application process, please contact:  Milani Barron, Human Resources Staffing Manager mbarron@azgfd.gov or (623) 236-7319.