AmeriCorps: California Condor Monitoring Technician (Northwestern CA)

Job Overview

The Northern California Condor Restoration Program (NCCRP) is a collaborative, multiagency, wildlife conservation partnership between The Yurok Tribe and Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP; National Park Service). NCCRP is committed to restoring California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) to northern California and the Pacific Northwest.

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), in cooperation with NCCRP, is recruiting up to two (2) AmeriCorps technicians to conduct condor population monitoring and management 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.

Technician duties are primarily field-based. Schedules will vary based on project need, but technicians will serve an average of 40 hours/week, typically on a four-days-on and three-days-off schedule. Technicians will coordinate with NCCRP and RNSP staff, as well as individuals from partner organizations, and will report to NCCRP senior staff, including the Program Manager and Lead Field Biologist.

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

Contract Timeline:
Through this announcement, NCCRP will hire two, 9-month appointments, from May 2023 to February 2024 (dependent on availability)

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

Special Benefits

• Living Allowance: $410 biweekly before taxes
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $4,546.50 for 9-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 available at no cost

Minimum Requirements

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; and
• Experience working with or for tribal organizations or people.

Minimum requirements:
• Work safely and productively in a variety of work settings, both independently and in teams, to accomplish Program objectives;
• 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;
• Collect and maintain complete and accurate data according to established protocols;
• Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing;
• Work long days in dynamic environments and variable weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain;
• 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;
• Safely drive 4WD vehicles, such as pickups and ATVs, on unmaintained roads;
• Camp in primitive conditions for up to several days at a time;
• Handle carcasses in varying states of decay;
• 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; and
• 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) Will not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.