California Condor Monitoring Member - Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex

EPIC • Fillmore, CA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 4 Members to contribute to the California Condor Recovery project at the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This position involves assisting FWS biologists with managing the free-flying population of California condors in Southern California. The role includes monitoring condors using radio telemetry, GPS, and visual observations, observing their behavior at feeding sites, roosts, and nests, and assisting with bi-annual trapping efforts. Members will also care for captive-raised condors prior to release, transport carcasses to feeding sites, and travel safely via UTV, 4WD vehicle, or foot in steep mountainous terrain. The position requires travel between Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge and Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge for fieldwork, as well as assisting with routine office work and maintenance tasks, and keeping detailed field notes. This placement is designed to facilitate professional development, exposure to land management agencies, and networking opportunities.

Requirements

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone (sometimes at night), and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to hike long distances off trail with field gear in adverse weather conditions including heat, cold, and buggy conditions while carrying a heavy pack.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in small teams.
• Ability to drive 4WD trucks and UTVs/ATVs to access field sites.
• Comfortable handling animal carcasses.

Nice To Haves

• Members can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Wildlife, or Natural Resources and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as wildlife conservation.
• Previous experience in wildlife field work.
• Ability and willingness to handle wildlife under supervision.
• Experience using radio telemetry.
• Deep interest in wildlife conservation and endangered species recovery.

Responsibilities

• Assist FWS biologists with managing the free-flying population of California condors in Southern California
• Monitor condors using radio telemetry, GPS, and visual observations
• Observe condor behavior at feeding sites, roosts, and nests
• Assist with bi-annual trapping efforts of condors and observing newly-released captive-bred individuals
• Care for captive-raised condors prior to their release, provide clean food and water, and conduct detailed behavioral observations
• Transport carcasses to feeding sites at night
• Travel safely via UTV, 4WD vehicle, or foot in steep mountainous terrain to reach field sites
• Travel between Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge and Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge to conduct field work
• Assist with routine office work and maintenance tasks
• Keep detailed field notes and follow data collection protocols to ensure accurate and consistent data

Benefits

• Living Allowance: $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service.
• Housing: Provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
• Gear Reimbursement: Up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases.
• Provided Training/Orientation: Position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include Defensive Driver, UTV training, and site-specific field training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree