Wildlife Education Curator

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. Wildlife Education Curator

Job Location:

Address: 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 Salary: $56,098 - $100,989 Grade: 24 Closing Date: 09/27/2026

Job Summary:

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR 2 “Wildlife Education Curator” INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND WILDLIFE RECREATION DIVISION / EDUCATION BRANCH PHOENIX, ARIZONA BASED FLSA – Exempt / SALARY GRADE 24 ($56,098 - $100,989) CLOSING DATE: 09/27/2026 The Arizona Game and Fish Department is currently seeking a Wildlife Education Curator to join our dynamic wildlife conservation education team! This role plays an integral part in ensuring our facility, husbandry and animal behavior management practices are upheld to the highest standards while managing our wildlife education and outreach programs.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced, driven and engaging curator who thrives in a role with broad responsibilities, rapid shifts in priorities and excels at facility based project management, problem solving, program development and evaluation. The preferred candidate must be a collaborative team player that understands the intricacies of providing a world class customer experience while ensuring the health and safety of the wildlife in our care.

The position will require occasional in‑state travel.

• Facility & Center Operations: Responsible for Wildlife Center operations to include serving as the subject matter expert in managing enclosure and facility design, fabrication, construction and maintenance of animal displays and enclosures, facility improvements and repairs.
• Animal Collection Management: Manages the Department’s non‑releasable live wildlife collection and the Desert Tortoise Adoption Program, assuring that all operations comply with established procedures, professional standards and governmental regulations.
• Compliance & Safety: Responsible for oversight of best practices through audits and inspections, drills, curation of SOP’s, compliance with safety protocols, emergency action plans and adherence to Department, state and federal policies and standards.
• Education & Outreach: Manages wildlife education and outreach programs by creating and implementing community programs including, but not limited to, classes, educator professional development, training, outreach programs and events.
• Team Leadership: Directs, motivates, trains and evaluates the performance of animal care and outreach/education staff, interns and volunteers to achieve the programmatic goals and objectives.
• Budget Management: Manages assigned budget, monitoring expenses for supplies, projects and services throughout the year. Reviews and analyzes activities, costs, operations and forecasts data to determine…