By Jonathan Eberle |

The Governor’s Office has opened the application process to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, inviting eligible residents with an interest in wildlife and conservation to apply.

The five-member commission is responsible for setting policy, rules, and regulations governing the state’s wildlife management, fisheries, and related outdoor recreation activities, including watercraft and off-highway vehicle operations. In addition to establishing regulations, commissioners provide guidance to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

By law, the commission is structured to reflect both geographical and political diversity. The vacancy must be filled by a resident from one of the following counties: Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Pima, Pinal, Yuma, or Yavapai. Applicants are required to state their political party affiliation and must not have switched party registration within the last two years.

Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30. Interested candidates can apply through the state’s Boards and Commissions website and are asked to provide their residential address, party affiliation, resume, and any additional supporting materials or letters of recommendation.

The Game and Fish Appointment Recommendation Commission will review submissions in October and conduct in-person interviews before forwarding recommendations to the Governor’s Office.

For questions about the review process, applicants may contact Madeline Gaffney with the Arizona Game and Fish Department at mgaffney@azgfd.gov. Additional inquiries can be directed to the Governor’s Office of Executive Appointments at bc@az.gov.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.