AmeriCorps California Condor Monitoring Technician (Yurok Tribe, Orick, CA)

THE GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE•Orick, CA

14d•$1 - $1•Onsite

About The Position

The Great Basin Institute’s Research Associate Program, in cooperation with the Yurok Tribe, is recruiting two California Condor Monitoring Technicians for the Northern California Condor Restoration Program (NCCRP). Technicians conduct population monitoring and management activities for California condors in Northern California and the broader region. The position is primarily field-based and provides endangered-species conservation experience supporting the reintroduction and management of condors in Northern California. The Yurok Tribe launched the NCCRP in 2008 as a collaborative, multiagency partnership to restore condors to Yurok ancestral territory. The program works closely with Redwood National and State Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as other partners. Technicians report to the NCCRP Lead Field Biologist for daily duties and technical training, with program oversight from the NCCRP Manager and administrative coordination through the Great Basin Institute Research Associate Program Coordinator. The project takes place in Yurok Ancestral Territory and on lands managed by Redwood National and State Parks. Housing is provided at no additional cost. The region includes rainforest and coastline, receives substantial precipitation—roughly 60 to 80 inches annually, particularly from October through April—and generally has temperatures between the mid-40s and low-60s°F. The term begins in January 2027 and consists of 1,200 AmeriCorps service hours over approximately 41 weeks. The typical schedule is four days on and three days off, with a minimum of 32 hours per week; hours may vary within a pay period based on management needs. Work is mostly independent, and some tasks require nighttime hours. A mandatory 30-minute lunch break is required each service day and does not count toward service hours.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident and at least 17 years old.
Possess a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Be able to work safely during the day or night, independently and as part of a team.
Be comfortable hiking up to 10 miles per day in challenging weather and terrain.
Be able to move objects weighing over 50 pounds, including carcasses in varying states of decay.
Be comfortable spending significant time in areas with large wild mammals, such as black bears and mountain lions.
Have experience communicating professionally, orally and in writing, with diverse project stakeholders and the public.
Have experience using equipment such as binoculars, GPS units, or tablets.
Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status; eligibility to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award, subject to the limit of two full-time-equivalent awards; successful National Sex Offender Public Website name search and federal criminal background check; adherence to the Member Service Agreement; and compliance with its restrictions on prohibited activities.
Complete a background check, provide two to three acceptable professional references, and complete an I-9 as conditions of an offer.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
Experience with wildlife monitoring, especially condors or raptors.
Experience working in remote or challenging field conditions.
Experience working with or for tribal organizations or Indigenous people. Members of a federally or state recognized Tribe or Indigenous community are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Track and monitor condors using radio, satellite telemetry, and visual observations.
Observe and record captive and released birds’ activity, behavior, health, and metrics.
Navigate remote locations and challenging terrain on foot and in 4WD vehicles using GPS units, a compass, and maps.
Handle domestic and wild animal carcasses, including calves, goats, pigs, and deer, for use as condor food resources.
Maintain bird enclosures, facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
Follow Yurok Tribe, NCCRP, Redwood National and State Parks, Great Basin Institute, and AmeriCorps policies and procedures.
Respond to poaching events to prevent condors and other scavenger species from ingesting lead.
Participate in community outreach and education events.
Assist with condor trapping and handling.
Communicate and share information professionally with private landowners, the public, and representatives of collaborating organizations.
Perform other related duties as needed to meet organizational needs.

Benefits

Approximately $510.66 biweekly living allowance before taxes.
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,176.50 upon successful completion of the 1,200-hour term.
Company-paid comprehensive medical insurance.
Company-paid dental insurance, with an option to upgrade coverage.
Company-paid vision insurance.
$25,000 basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost.
Access to Pro Deals.
Eligibility for SNAP benefits.
Eligibility for federal student loan forbearance during service, subject to applicable requirements.
Eligibility for repayment of interest accrued on qualified student loans during service, subject to applicable requirements.
Housing provided at no additional cost.