Fish Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT Join the only state agency in Arizona responsible for conserving and protecting more than 800 wildlife species. Be part of a passionate group of people who want to make a positive impact on outdoor recreation in Arizona by managing resources for safe, compatible opportunities for current and future generations. From fishing, boating and off-highway vehicle use to shooting sports, hunting and wildlife watching, Arizona Game and Fish supports it all. Our biologists use the best available science in their management actions, and our wildlife managers are on the ground in your communities making a difference every day. Opportunities abound beyond the field at AZGFD, so check us out and see what we're all about! Consider joining our workforce today. AZGFD celebrates the diversity of Arizona's people, landscapes and of course, wildlife. However you choose to enjoy Arizona's wildlife and wild places, the outdoors is open for all.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department manages fish and wildlife in Arizona and under the authority of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, creates and implements scientific methods and regulations to effectively manage fish and wildlife habitat via conservation, enforcement, hunting, fishing, watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation, and shooting sports. The Arizona Game and Fish Department dedicates itself to excellence, values its employees and supports a culture of stewardship, teamwork and partnerships.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency.
Waterways & Wildlife Habitat Construction Crew Lead
Job Location:
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION / DEVELOPMENT BRANCH / PHOENIX, ARIZONA BASED
5000 W. Carefree Hwy. Phoenix, AZ 85086
Posting Details:
Salary: $20.00 - $25.00/HR Grade: 18 Closing Date: 7/19/2026
Job Summary:
WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSTRUCTION CREW LEADER
"Waterways & Wildlife Habitat Construction Crew Lead"
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION / DEVELOPMENT BRANCH / PHOENIX, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA - NON-EXEMPT / SALARY GRADE 18 / HIRING HOURLY RANGE: $20.00 - $25.00/HR
Are you a skilled construction professional looking to take your talents out of the standard job site and onto Arizona's spectacular lakes and rivers? We are seeking a Waterways & Wildlife Habitat Construction Crew Lead with a passion for the outdoors to spearhead vital marine infrastructure and wildlife habitat projects across the state. This unique leadership role allows you to trade the mundane commercial grind for a dynamic career where your structural carpentry, welding, and heavy equipment skills are used to build and maintain the public boat launches, floating docks, and shoreline barriers that keep Arizona waterways accessible.
In this role, your construction expertise will directly impact public safety and conservation as you manage the technical deployment of heavy navigational buoy systems, execute complex concrete ramp repairs, and operate specialized work barges. You will lead a dedicated crew in adapting critical water infrastructure to changing lake levels, utilizing heavy rigging, GPS mapping, and rugged civil building techniques. If you have a strong command of heavy machinery, a solid working knowledge of watercraft, and the grit to lead infrastructure projects in challenging wilderness environments, we invite you to bring your construction experience to a career that truly makes a difference on the water.
What You'll Do
• Master the Waterways: Oversee the installation, inspection, and maintenance of regulatory buoys, navigational aids, and public docks across Arizona's iconic water bodies.
• Enhance Boating Access: Manage and direct a wide range of aquatic and shoreline projects, including boat ramps, fish hatcheries, earthen dams, and waterway containment structures.
• Lead the Frontline: Direct a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and contractors, ensuring every waterway project meets elite standards of quality and OSHA safety.
• Command Heavy Metal: Utilize your expertise in heavy equipment to execute shoreline grading and dredging for habitat enhancement and vegetation management.
• Guard the Gear: Take charge of high-value aquatic and land assets, managing over $190,000 in specialized marine equipment, watercraft and construction materials critical to our mission.
This isn't a 9-to-5 desk job. You will work irregular hours, weekends, and holidays on and off the water in some of the most remote and beautiful aquatic locations in the Southwest. You'll be lifting heavy, maneuvering watercraft, and navigating hazardous wilderness conditions to get the job done. Ready to leave your mark on the wild? Apply now and lead the crew that builds a safer, more accessible future for Arizona's waterways and wildlife!
Job Duties:
Description of Duties: Wildlife Habitat Crew Leaders play a critical role in overseeing the activities of Navigational Aids and Boating Access, Wildlife Habitat Construction, Heavy Equipment, volunteers and contractors. Their primary responsibility is to manage and direct construction and maintenance projects aimed at enhancing, protecting, or creating wildlife habitats, as well as structures used by Department staff and the public. This includes a diverse range of projects such as Navigational buoy and dock relocation and maintenance on Arizona Waterways, Wildlife areas, conservation facilities, livestock enclosure fences, shooting facilities, Wildlife Water Developments, access roads, administrative structures, vegetation management, earthen dams, and fish hatcheries. Crew Leaders ensure compliance with established maintenance and construction procedures, OSHA regulations, and environmental guidelines, while maintaining high standards of quality and meeting project deadlines. They are responsible for organizing workflows, managing material loading and delivery, and demonstrating effective leadership to both subordinates and volunteers. Additionally, they handle administrative tasks such as performance reviews and adherence to Department and State policies. Crew Leaders also manage the proper storage, maintenance, and transportation of materials and equipment valued up to $40,000 and tools and equipment worth over $150,000. A working knowledge of Arizona waterways, navigational aids, and Heavy Equipment is also required for this role. And all other duties assigned.
Work Conditions: Work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays indoors and outdoors in Arizona's geographic and weather extremes. Considerable exposure to extreme weather conditions and hazardous conditions. Includes travel to remote work areas in a variety of vehicles. Outdoor work involves heavy lifting, walking and climbing over rugged terrain and camping out for extended periods in wilderness areas, sometimes in inclement weather conditions.
Major duties may include:
• Supervise the construction, maintenance, and repair of habitat development or maintenance projects. Maximize subordinate productivity and use of Department resources.
• Assist and supervise the Navigational Aids Crew with maintaining safe travel and boating accessibility for the public on Arizona Waterways.
Inventory, inspect, replace, and maintain tools, equipment, and vehicles in proper working order.
• Coordinate project activities for crew and other governmental agencies, volunteers, Department personnel, and contractors.
• Complete and ensure that subordinates complete Departmental paperwork, including time diaries, surveys, purchasing documents, inventories, material deliveries, time sheets, and travel reimbursement forms.
• Support other activities of other Department work units, Branches and Regions, and other government agencies as requested.
• Ensure job safety, including the proper use of hazardous materials, hand and power tools, vehicles, aircraft, and construction equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
The candidate will have knowledge of supervisory techniques, Department policies, procedures, and mission; verbal and written communication; project management; wildlife behavior and habits; construction and maintenance including general knowledge of a variety of construction trades (e.g. carpentry, plumbing, masonry & cement, welding, and painting); water development components including HDPE or PVC, fiberglass, metal, or concrete tanks and troughs, pipe rail and wire fences, metal and PVC plumbing, and historical and modern building infrastructure; hydrology and evaluating; basic knowledge of safety for working around aircraft (mainly helicopter); and basic knowledge of first aid, CPR.
The candidate will be skilled in management and leadership; construction and maintenance; proper use of tools common to construction and maintenance projects; and camping for long periods of time.
The candidate will have the ability to understand construction trades and management; administrative processes; project management techniques; communication; and be able to perform in all types of conditions.
Selective Preference(s):
• Progressive, hands-on experience managing and executing shoreline or aquatic construction projects, including the fabrication, maintenance, and installation of public docks, boat ramps, containment structures, and fish hatcheries.
• Demonstrated proficiency in placing, inspecting, and anchoring state-regulated buoys, lateral channel markers, regulatory markers, and other waterway navigation equipment.
• Progressive experience in outdoor construction, habitat restoration, or remote field operations.
• A proven track record in construction team leadership and the operation of motorized/automotive construction equipment is highly preferred.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
• Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• Position requires OSHA 10/30 certification, Forklift/Telehandler certification and First Aid CPR certification (must obtain within 6 months of hire).
• Position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid State of Arizona Driver's License appropriate to the assignment; Class A CDL with tanker endorsements (must obtain within 6 months of hire).
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: Driver's License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits:
The State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:
* 13 days' of vacation
* 12 sick days
* 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
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:
Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
Contact Us:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Nicole Baker at nbaker@azgfd.gov for assistance.