California Condor Monitoring Technician (Yurok Tribe, near Redwoods National Park)

Great Basin Institute (GBI), in cooperation with Northern California Condor Restoration Program (NCCRP), is recruiting up to two (2) AmeriCorps technicians to conduct California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) animal husbandry and population monitoring activities in Northern California and the broader region. Technicians will gain valuable endangered species conservation experience and have the privileged opportunity to contribute to the reintroduction and management of the first condors to exist in northern California since their extirpation more than a century ago.

NCCRP is a collaborative, multiagency, conservation partnership between The Yurok Tribe and Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP; National Park Service). NCCRP is committed to the restoration of California condors to northern California and the Pacific Northwest.

Primary Responsibilities:

Technician duties will be a mix of both office-based and field-based work, a mix that varies largely upon the status and needs of the condor flock. Schedules may vary based on project needs, but technicians will serve an average of 32 hours per week, typically with a four-days-on and three-days-off schedule. Technicians will coordinate with NCCRP and RNSP staff, as well as staff from partner organizations, and will report to the NCCRP Manager and the NCCRP Lead Field Biologist.

Technicians must be able to competently perform all necessary field duties, which are diverse and variable throughout the day, and which include:

• Field-tracking and monitoring condors via radio- and satellite-telemetry and visual observations;
• Collecting, entering, and managing data on condor activity, behavior, health, and other metrics using datasheets, tablets, and other devices, in both field and office settings;
• Maintaining NCCRP facilities, vehicles, and equipment, including cleaning and organizing, light construction, and vegetation management;
• Handling domestic and wild animal carcasses, including calves, goats, pigs, and deer, for use as condor food resources;
• Navigating by foot and vehicle in remote locations using GPS units, compass, and maps;
• Assisting with condor trapping and handling; and
• Interacting and sharing information in a professional manner with diverse audiences, including private landowners, the general public, and representatives from collaborating organizations.
• A positive attitude and interest in leveraging this opportunity to learn and develop a wildlife biology skillset is critical. 

Contract Timeline:
Through this announcement, NCCRP will hire two, 7-month appointments (28 weeks) beginning July 2024, or upon availability.

Extensions of up to several months can be available for individuals who have demonstrated superlative performance.

Location:
Technicians will be based near NCCRP headquarters in Orick, California, within Yurok Ancestral Territory and lands managed by Redwood National and State Parks, and mere minutes from the world’s tallest trees, the Pacific Ocean, and countless recreational opportunities.

Compensation and Benefits:
This is an AmeriCorps Volunteer position:

• Living Allowance: up to a total of $9,445.18 dependent on length of term served; approximately ~$410/biweekly.
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: Dependent on length of term served; $6,895.00 for 11-month appointment (Upon successful completion, the award may be used for past, present, or future educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans and Title IV accredited college tuition).
• Onsite housing provided at no cost in shared, dormitory-style accommodations (should housing be unavailable, an additional housing stipend will be provided.)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance is provided to all field members of GBI regardless of length of appointment, premiums of which are fully paid for by GBI.
• Members of the AmeriCorps Program are considered eligible for SNAP benefits, and members of GBI are considered eligible for ProDeals.

Job Qualifications:

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field, such as biology, ecology, environmental science, or wildlife management
• Experience with wildlife monitoring or surveying, such as field-tracking using radio-telemetry
• Experience working with California condors or other vulture or raptor species
• Experience working in remote and/or challenging field conditions
• Experience working with or for tribal organizations or people

Minimum requirements:

• Work safely and productively in a variety of work settings, during both day and night, in variable weather conditions, and both independently and in teams, to accomplish NCCRP objectives
• Collect and maintain complete and accurate data according to established protocols
• Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing
• Operate and maintain a diverse range of equipment, including binoculars and spotting scopes hand and power tools; and electronic equipment, such as tablets, computers, and GPS units
• Hike up to 10 miles/day on uneven terrain, and lift and move objects in excess of 50 lbs.
• Drive long distances for condor field-tracking or translocation
• Handle carcasses in varying states of decay
• Safely drive 4WD vehicles, such as pickups and ATVs, on poorly maintained roads
• Work in areas with large, wild mammals, such as black bears and mountain lions, including while handling carcasses
• Camp in primitive conditions for up to several days at a time
• Maintain productivity and a professional demeanor in challenging working conditions
• Comply with all necessary Yurok Tribe and RNSP policies and procedures required to meet NCCRP objectives, including meeting eligibility requirements to drive NCCRP vehicles, and to work with minors
• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (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

Candidates with standing as a member of a federally or state recognized Tribe or indigenous community are encouraged to apply.

This AmeriCorps position is open to US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents age 17 or older.