Wildlife Aircraft Pilot (Full-time)

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

15d • $29 - $40 • Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking a skilled, passionate Full-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. 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, international flight operations, tactical aerial missions, and leadership & readiness. 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 AGFD 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.

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.
• 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.
• Must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

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: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed