The Arizona Game and Fish Commission, whose five members are appointed by the governor, are responsible for establishing policies and rules for the management, preservation, and harvest of Arizona’s wildlife. The Arizona Game & Fish Department is responsible for managing Arizona’s fish and wildlife resource as an enduring public trust. In addition, the department is charged with promoting safe and responsible use of watercraft and off-highway vehicles. Funding is provided from the sale of licenses and permits; watercraft registration fees; federal excise taxes on firearms, fishing equipment, boats, and other sporting goods; state lottery revenues; donations on state income tax forms; and various contracts and grants.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers paid internship opportunities to current students, graduate and undergraduate. Recent (within the past year) graduates are also eligible to apply.This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in gaining hands-on practical work experience while working with a diverse group of professionals in the fields of wildlife science, biological science, wildlife management, and many other professions within the Department.

Student interns are hired on a temporary basis and paid an hourly rate of $14.35 or $15.40 for returning interns. Interns are not benefit eligible and work at the discretion of the appointing authority. Interns may be employed through their approved assignment or the department determines that the work is no longer required.

Description of Duties: The Creel Survey Intern will be responsible for conducting comprehensive angler creel surveys at Alamo Lake, Arizona. Creel surveys of this lake will involve interviewing anglers to obtain catch, harvest, knowledge of aquatic invasive species, and human dimensions information. Duties will include interviewing anglers, identifying and measuring harvested fish, conducting counts of anglers at access points, shorelines, recording data, and entering data. Other duties will depend on funding but may include assisting in collecting water quality data, assisting with sport fish education and assisting with fish surveys on various waters in the region. Opportunities to assist other programs within the Region with other projects may also be available. Working on weekends and in remote locations will be required. The position will work out of the Yuma Regional office: field work will be conducted at Alamo Lake. This internship is set to run through December 2025 (or sooner depending on project need/funding).

The intern will gain experience and knowledge in fisheries management techniques and aquatics best management practices. Interns will develop a proficiency at native/non-native fish ID, proper data collection and organization, experience in logistical planning of fieldwork, and experience in maintenance/repair of field gear

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: The candidate must have the ability to start the position by 1/6/25.
The preferred candidate will have ability to interact with the public, willingness to work outdoors in inclement weather, and skill at identifying sport fish, interest in fishing, conservation, or fisheries management would be beneficial.

Eligibility requirements Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of curriculum leading towards a Bachelor’s or higher level degree on a full time basis (usually 12 semester hours) and pursuing a major in Wildlife Biology or closely related field applicable to the internship opportunity (subject to verification). Recent (within the past year) graduates are also eligible to apply.

• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above
• Ability to pass a post-offer physical examination
• Valid driver's license (free of restrictions, if applicable)
TO APPLY GO TO: AZSTATEJOBS.GOV
CLICK ON CURRENT OPENINGS; CLICK ON DEPARTMENTS AND SELECT GAME AND FISH DEPT FROM DROPDOWN.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then 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 nor 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).

All newly hired employees will be subject to the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification program.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is an equal employment opportunity agency.