AmeriCorps California Condor Monitoring Technician (Yurok Tribe, Orick, CA)

The Research Associate Program at Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with Yurok Tribe, is recruiting two (2) California Condor Monitoring Technicians to participate in the Northern California Restoration Program (NCCRP).

Technicians will conduct California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) population monitoring and management activities in northern California and the broader region. All three of the volunteer positions will be slated for approximately a 9 month term . As a volunteer, this individual may be reimbursed for qualified living expenses up to $255.33 per week.

While daily duties change depending on the needs of the flock and the seasons, this is primarily a field-based position. Technicians will report to the NCCRP Lead Field Biologist for day-to-day duties and technical training, with program oversight from the NCCRP Manager, and their GBI Research Associate Program Coordinator for administrative tasks.

The Yurok Tribe initiated the NCCRP in 2008 as a collaborative, multiagency, conservation partnership to restore this cultural and ecologically significant species to the Yurok ancestral territory in what is now Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. The Yurok Tribe works in close collaboration with Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as other partner organizations such as the Los Angeles Zoo and Oregon Zoo.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Track and monitor condors via radio, satellite-telemetry and visual observations;
• Observe and record captive and release bird activity, behavior, health, and metrics;
• Navigate by foot and 4WD vehicle in remote locations and challenging terrain using GPS units, compass, and maps;
• Handle domestic and wild animal carcasses, including calves, goats, pigs, and deer, for use as condor food resources;
• Maintain bird enclosure, facilities, vehicles, and equipment;
• Adhere to Yurok Tribe, NCCRP, RNSP, GBI, and AmeriCorps policies and procedures;
• Respond to poaching events to prevent condors and other scavenger species from lead ingestion;
• Participate in community outreach and education events;
• Assist with condor trapping and handling; and
• Professionally communicate with diverse audiences, including private landowners, the general public, and representatives from collaborating organizations.

Timeline:

• Start date of July 2026;
• 1200 hour term (approximately 45 weeks);
• Schedule is typically 4 days on, 3 days off, minimum 32 hours/week, but hours may flex within a pay period according to management needs; and
• Work is mostly independent and some tasks require nighttime hours.

Location:

The project itself takes place within Yurok Ancestral Territory, and lands managed by Redwood National and State Parks. The Yurok Tribe is currently the largest Tribe in California, with more than 5,000 enrolled members. The Tribe provides numerous services to the local community and membership with its more than 200 employees.

The nearest small town is Orick, California which has convenience stores and gas stations. Larger communities like Arcata, CA (about 35 miles south) and Klamath, CA (about 21 miles north) have more amenities. Cal Poly Humboldt is about a 40-minute drive south in Arcata, CA.

The Redwoods and surrounding areas start the southernmost boundary of the Pacific Northwest with lush, expansive rainforests and coastlines. This region receives significant precipitation, roughly 60 to 80 inches per year particularly from October through April, but oceanic influences tend to keep temperatures fairly consistent between mid-40s to low-60s°F.

Compensation and Benefits:

Living Allowance: approximately $510.66 biweekly (before taxes);

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (1200 Hour): $5,176.50 upon successful completion of term;

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Access to Pro Deals; and
• Eligibility for SNAP benefits, Loan Forbearance, and Loan Interest Accrual Repayment.

Housing: Will be provided to the selected participant at no additional costs.

Segal Education Award:

After successfully completing an AmeriCorps term of service members are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Award varies based on term of service. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

Student Loan Forbearance:

If you are currently paying on any federal student loans you have the option to put those loans into forbearance during your time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, that will allow you to cease payments while serving.

Interest Accrual Repayment:

As an AmeriCorps alum, you are eligible to have the National Service Trust pay all or a portion of the interest that accumulated on your qualified student loan(s) during your term of service. These payments are made in addition to the Education Award, and are not deducted from your Education Award balance. To be eligible to have accrued interest paid: The loan must have been placed in forbearance for the service period, and you must have successfully completed a term of service and received an Education Award.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility:

AmeriCorps Volunteers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Qualifications:

Required:
(This AmeriCorps position is open to US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents age 17 or older)

• Possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record;
• Ability to work safely during the day or night, independently and in teams;
• Comfortable with the following:
  • Hiking up to 10 miles/day in challenging weather conditions and topography;
  • Moving objects over 50 lbs., including carcasses in varying states of decay;
  • Spending significant time in areas with large, wild mammals, such as black bears and mountain lions;
• Experience communicating professionally with diverse project stakeholders and the public, both orally and in writing;
• Experience using equipment like binoculars, GPS units, or tablets; and
• AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limited to earning equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) name search and federal criminal background check, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, ecology, environmental science, or related field;
• Experience with wildlife monitoring, especially condors or raptors;
• Experience working in remote and/or challenging field conditions; and
• Experience working with or for tribal organizations or people.

Members of a federally or state recognized Tribe or indigenous community are encouraged to apply.