Commission Qualifications

Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner Qualifications Background Information: According to ARS 17-201, laws of the state relating to wildlife shall be administered by the Game and Fish Department. Control of the Department is vested in the Game & Fish Commission. The Commission, by law consists of five members, appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. Not more than three members shall be of the same political party, and no two members may be residents of the same county. Members shall be well informed on the subject of wildlife and requirements for its conservation. Appointments shall be for a term of five years and shall expire on the third Monday in January of the appropriate year. The Commission is directly responsible for setting policy, prescribing rules, oversight and approval of the Department's budget. The Arizona Game & Fish Department, which has an extremely diverse wildlife management responsibility, is composed of approximately 600 employees and has a budget of approximately sixty million dollars. In addition to its wildlife management oversight responsibilities, the commission is also responsible for law enforcement of Arizona waterways, off-road highways as well as the enforcement of game and fish laws. It addition, the it is responsible for the management and operation of Commission owned land, buildings, shooting ranges. Specific powers and duties are prescribed by statute and may be found in ARS 17-231. In order to effectively implement the broad spectrum of responsibilities, a potential commissioner should exhibit the following characteristics and skills in addition to having some knowledge of wildlife conservation. Ability to receive diverse input from a broad spectrum of Arizona citizens and make decisions based on facts, good science and best interests of wildlife and its habitat (not simply respond to any one constituency group or political advocacy interest). Exhibit ability to carry out fiduciary responsibilities of the Commission, by having financial background, demonstrated knowledge of budgeting process and oversight of budget implementation. Knowledge of and experience in conducting structured private and/or public meetings. Demonstrate leadership ability through experience in serving on a Board or Commission of a for profit or not for profit corporation and or owning/managing an entity which would require similar leadership skills. Ability and willingness to commit time and energy necessary to carry out the numerous responsibilities dictated by the department's diverse operational requirements and travel to discuss topics with citizens throughout the state. Demonstrate ability to evaluate, manage and oversee Director of the Department. Ability to interface and effectively work with multiple state and federal agencies. Ability to work closely with the State Legislature and Governors Office to implement budgets, rules, and statutes. Is a consumptive user or comes from a direct background where hunting and fishing has been a part of their family heritage and background. It is preferred that the individual be a resident of the state of Arizona for a minimum of ten to fifteen years and if not have a clear understanding of Arizona heritage including ethnic diversity of its people, past and current challenges facing wildlife conservation, culture and economic background and how that interrelates with Arizona wildlife and its habitat.

Background Information:

According to ARS 17-201, laws of the state relating to wildlife shall be administered by the Game and Fish Department. Control of the Department is vested in the Game & Fish Commission. The Commission, by law consists of five members, appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. Not more than three members shall be of the same political party, and no two members may be residents of the same county. Members shall be well informed on the subject of wildlife and requirements for its conservation. Appointments shall be for a term of five years and shall expire on the third Monday in January of the appropriate year.

The Commission is directly responsible for setting policy, prescribing rules, oversight and approval of the Department's budget. The Arizona Game & Fish Department, which has an extremely diverse wildlife management responsibility, is composed of approximately 600 employees and has a budget of approximately sixty million dollars. In addition to its wildlife management oversight responsibilities, the commission is also responsible for law enforcement of Arizona waterways, off-road highways as well as the enforcement of game and fish laws. It addition, the it is responsible for the management and operation of Commission owned land, buildings, shooting ranges. Specific powers and duties are prescribed by statute and may be found in ARS 17-231.

In order to effectively implement the broad spectrum of responsibilities, a potential commissioner should exhibit the following characteristics and skills in addition to having some knowledge of wildlife conservation.

Ability to receive diverse input from a broad spectrum of Arizona citizens and make decisions based on facts, good science and best interests of wildlife and its habitat (not simply respond to any one constituency group or political advocacy interest).
Exhibit ability to carry out fiduciary responsibilities of the Commission, by having financial background, demonstrated knowledge of budgeting process and oversight of budget implementation.
Knowledge of and experience in conducting structured private and/or public meetings.
Demonstrate leadership ability through experience in serving on a Board or Commission of a for profit or not for profit corporation and or owning/managing an entity which would require similar leadership skills.
Ability and willingness to commit time and energy necessary to carry out the numerous responsibilities dictated by the department's diverse operational requirements and travel to discuss topics with citizens throughout the state.
Demonstrate ability to evaluate, manage and oversee Director of the Department.
Ability to interface and effectively work with multiple state and federal agencies.
Ability to work closely with the State Legislature and Governors Office to implement budgets, rules, and statutes.
Is a consumptive user or comes from a direct background where hunting and fishing has been a part of their family heritage and background.
It is preferred that the individual be a resident of the state of Arizona for a minimum of ten to fifteen years and if not have a clear understanding of Arizona heritage including ethnic diversity of its people, past and current challenges facing wildlife conservation, culture and economic background and how that interrelates with Arizona wildlife and its habitat.