Wildlife Aircraft Pilot (Full-time)
About The Position
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is hiring a full-time Wildlife Aircraft Pilot for its Aviation Branch in Phoenix, Arizona. The pilot provides safe and efficient operation of Department aircraft in support of AZGFD and Commission-directed activities, including wildlife surveys, radio telemetry, law enforcement patrols, search and rescue, aerial photography, and wildlife and personnel transport. The role operates single-engine land aircraft across varied and demanding terrain, including precision low-level flight at 100–200 feet above ground level and international missions into Mexico. It also involves aircraft and maintenance-record inspections for FAA compliance, completing required paperwork, assisting with aircraft cleaning and hangar and office upkeep, and serving as chief pilot in the Chief Pilot’s absence. Candidates must pass a flight interview in a Department aircraft. Employment is contingent on a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate restrictions.
Requirements
- FAA Commercial Single-Engine Land (SEL) pilot certificate with an instrument rating.
- Current FAA Class I or Class II medical certificate.
- At least 2,500 hours of Pilot in Command (PIC) time in airplanes.
- Considerable, provable experience in low-level flight operations, such as wildlife surveys, pipeline patrol, forestry, or firefighting.
- Ability to travel to Mexico with a valid passport.
- Knowledge of FAA regulations and their application, aircraft performance, aerodynamics, and flight dynamics, particularly during low-level flight.
- Knowledge of Arizona geography and topography, GPS navigation units, computer programs, and portable electronic devices.
- Skill in safely maneuvering aircraft at very low altitudes and minimal airspeeds under challenging or hazardous conditions while maintaining precise heading and altitude and monitoring safety hazards.
- Skill flying tailwheel and tricycle-gear aircraft under varied flight conditions, including operations in remote areas and over rugged terrain.
- Ability to communicate with Air Traffic Control and work with varied personalities and mission profiles.
- Ability to drive or use a vehicle as an essential function of the job.
- Pass a flight interview in a Department aircraft with the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Chief Pilot.
- Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Nice To Haves
- 50 hours of Pilot in Command experience in turboprop aircraft.
- 200 hours of tailwheel experience with a tailwheel endorsement.
Responsibilities
- Operate single-engine land aircraft safely and efficiently for Department missions.
- Conduct low-level wildlife surveys and maneuver aircraft to help biologists survey, classify, and locate wildlife.
- Support radio telemetry, law enforcement patrols during the day and night, search and rescue, aerial photography, and wildlife and personnel transport.
- Conduct required international flight operations into Mexico.
- Inspect aircraft and flight and maintenance records for compliance with FAA regulations.
- Prepare paperwork required by AZGFD and the Aviation Section.
- Assist with cleaning aircraft and maintaining hangar and office facilities.
- Serve as chief pilot in the Chief Pilot’s absence.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Vacation leave
- Sick leave
- 10 paid holidays
- Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System, with enrollment eligibility effective after 27 weeks of employment
- Health care options
- Vision care
- Dental care
- Pharmacy benefits
- Flexible spending account options
- Life insurance options
- Long-term disability insurance options
- Short-term disability insurance options
- Paid parental leave program
- Training opportunities and career development
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
