This volunteer opportunity focuses on management of the free flying population of California Condors in Southern California. Selected applicants will track this population throughout its range using radio telemetry and by ground-truthing GPS transmitter data. Volunteers will observe condor behavior at feeding sites, roosts and nests. Field work requires the ability to work independently and as a team; work and sometimes camp in remote areas during inclement weather or harsh environmental conditions; travel via ATV, 4WD vehicle, or by foot, in steep mountainous terrain; carry 50lb carcasses to feeding sites; keep detailed field notes; follow data collection protocols for the collection and entry of accurate and consistent data; and assist in routine office work Monitoring Technicians will track this population throughout its range using radio telemetry and by ground-truthing GPS transmitter data.
Timeline and Compensation:
o 6-month appointment beginning March 2016, or upon availability
o $40/day field per diem
o Education Award*: $2,865
o USFWS housing provided during 10-day service period
*AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future education experiences, including payment of qualifying federal student loans. Loan forbearance and accrued interest payment on qualifying student loans is also available.
Location:
The Hopper Mountain NWR Complex manages four National Wildlife Refuges, and is headquartered in Ventura, California. It serves as the lead office for the California Condor Recovery Program (http://www.fws.gov/refuge/hopper_mountain/). Located in the southern Los Padres National Forest region, Hopper Mountain NWR is 70 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 70 miles east of Santa Barbara.
Qualifications:
o Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences (e.g., biology, ecology, wildlife management, or related field) or coursework and related experience;
o Previous experience following protocols for field sampling and data collection and related experience in data entry, collection and management;
o Understanding of issues related to threatened and endangered species, and familiarity with the ecology of the study region preferred;
o Previous experience in using radio telemetry to locate free-ranging animals preferred;
o Experience in the use of GPS units for navigation and collecting spatial data;
o Possess strong organizational skills;
o Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 2-5+ miles daily on uneven terrain while carrying a pack sometimes exceeding 50 lbs.;
o Willingness and ability to camp at primitive sites for several consecutive nights;
o Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices;
o Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;
o Experience safely operating 4WD vehicles and ATVs; and
o 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.
How to Apply:
Applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references rarecruitment@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please include where you found this position posted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please.
https://www.thegreatbasininstitute.org/job/california-condor-monitoring-technicians
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
