California Condor Monitoring Technician

Description: 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 Field Leads and 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 Sequoia Park Zoo, Oakland Zoo, and Oregon Zoo.

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 and map and compass;
• Handle domestic and wild animal carcasses, including calves, goats, pigs, sheep, deer, and elk 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

Qualifications: (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.

Learn more about the Great Basin Institute and apply here.