Wildlife Aircraft Pilot (Part-time)

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

4d • $29 - $40 • Onsite

About The Position

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 Part-Time 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.

Requirements

• FAA Commercial Single-Engine Land (SEL) pilot certificate with an instrument rating.
• Current FAA Class I or Class II medical certificate.
• A minimum of 2,000 logged SEL flight hours.
• Verifiable low-level flight experience.
• A tailwheel endorsement with a minimum of 200 logged tailwheel hours.
• 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.
• This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, and 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 or 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).

Responsibilities

• 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 AGFD 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
• 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.

Benefits

• 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
• Paid Parental Leave program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed