GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Delivering results that matter by providing best in class support services.

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.

State Wildlife Veterinarian

Job Location:

Address: 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Posting Details:

Salary: $77,958 - $141,454 

Grade: 28

Closing Date: 05/17/2026

Job Summary:

STATE VETERINARIAN
“State Wildlife Veterinarian”
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION / TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE BRANCH
PHOENIX, ARIZONA BASED
FLSA- Exempt / SALARY GRADE 28 / SALARY RANGE $77,958 - $141,454
CLOSING DATE: 05/17/2026

The State Wildlife Veterinarian manages the Wildlife Health Program, and is responsible for monitoring the health and disease status of terrestrial wildlife populations in Arizona. Additionally, the State Wildlife Veterinarian provides animal care during translocations and captures; provides support to wildlife management programs; provides training for wildlife biologists; coordinates with state and federal agencies on wildlife health and disease management and policies; and much more.

Job Duties:

The State Wildlife Veterinarian position compiles and maintains records of animal disease outbreaks, intervention methods, and effects. Develops strategies for the detection, control, and eradication of wildlife diseases using principles of epidemiology to identify critical control points and risk reduction. Assists in drafting statutes and rule changes to prevent and manage wildlife diseases. Builds agency wildlife health and disease response capacity through training and resource development. Represents the Department at meetings and conferences with stakeholders, and state, tribal, regional and national agencies and associations by providing explanations of agency policies and procedures. Develops professional working relationships with state, tribal, regional and national agencies and associations by providing explanations of agency policies and procedures. Develops professional working relationships with state, federal and tribal agencies to coordinate and enhance wildlife health and disease response. Maintains the records required by the DEA for valid Controlled Substances registrations and prescribes regulated pharmaceuticals for fish and wildlife treatment, immobilization, anesthesia, and euthanasia. Collects biological samples, performs necropsies and laboratory testing, and submits specimens to diagnostic laboratories to determine the health status, cause of death or other physiological parameters of wildlife. Performs research on aspects of wildlife disease and health, efficacy of pharmaceuticals, and wildlife disease agents. Captures and immobilizes wildlife. Provides veterinary care and treatment. Generates reports for Department biologists, supervisors, the Director, the Commission or public as appropriate. Supervises, trains, and assists the Assistant Wildlife Veterinarian, Wildlife Health Program technicians, interns, and volunteers. Evaluates program needs, develops budget requests, and applies for appropriate grants