The Research Associate Program at Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with Yurok Tribe, is recruiting three (3) 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. Two volunteer positions will be slated for approximately 7 months and one volunteer position will be slated for approximately 9 months. 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 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 Los Angeles Zoo and Oregon Zoo.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Track and monitor condors via radio- and 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, compass, and maps;
• Handle domestic and wild animal carcasses, including calves, goats, pigs, and deer, 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.

Timeline:

• Expected to begin in March 2025, two to conclude in October 2025, one to conclude December 2025;
• Schedule is typically 4 days on, 3 days off, minimum 32 hours/week, but hours may flex within a pay period according to management needs;
• Work is mostly independent and some tasks require nighttime hours.

Location:

The project itself takes place within Yurok Ancestral Territory, and lands managed by Redwood National and State Parks. The Yurok Tribe is currently the largest Tribe in California, with more than 5,000 enrolled members. The Tribe provides numerous services to the local community and membership with its more than 200 employees. 

The nearest small town is Orick, California which has convenience stores and gas stations. Larger communities like Arcata, CA (about 35 miles south) and Klamath, CA (about 21 miles north) have more amenities. Cal Poly Humboldt is about a 40-minute drive south in Arcata, CA.

The Redwoods and surrounding areas start the southernmost boundary of the Pacific Northwest with lush, expansive rainforests and coastlines. This region receives significant precipitation, roughly 60 to 80 inches per year particularly from October through April, but oceanic influences tend to keep temperatures fairly consistent between mid-40s to low-60s°F.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: This is a volunteer position which may be eligible for reimbursement of qualified living expenses, up to $255.33 per week. 

• Qualified living expenses may include groceries, car payment, gas, car insurance, and other essentials.

Education Award: These positions may qualify for an education award, provided at the conclusion of their volunteer position*

• 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.
• *Position benefits may vary based on availability. More details to be provided upon the start of applicant review.

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance; eligible to enroll on the first day of the month following the first day of work;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost; 
• Personal leave and holidays;
• Access to Pro Deals; and
• Eligible to apply for SNAP benefits.

Housing:

• Will be provided to the selected participant at no additional costs; shared, dormitory-style accommodations. 

Qualifications:

Required:

• 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; and
• Experience using equipment like binoculars, GPS units, or tablets.

Preferred:

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