Help restore critical habitat and educate the community!

Position Title: Habitat Restoration Technician
Project Sponsor: The Peregrine Fund - World Center for Birds of Prey

Position Summary: The Peregrine Fund is a leading conservation organization with a mission to conserve birds of prey worldwide. We achieve our mission by saving imperiled raptor species, addressing landscape-level threats, protecting areas of high conservation value, and through environmental education. The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey (WCBP) is the organization’s headquarters located just south of Boise, Idaho. At the WCBP, we host over 50,000 visitors annually, including 5,000+ students on field trips. We are a leader in environmental education, and we are a hub for local volunteerism.

The WCBP is situated in the Snake River plain, which was historically dominated by the sagebrush steppe ecosystem. Sagebrush steppe once stretched across much of the arid west, but has experienced drastic declines in recent decades. Healthy sage-steppe habitat is increasingly rare near Boise, and what is left is highly degraded and dominated by invasive species. Our intention is to create healthy sagebrush-steppe habitat at the WCBP and involve our community in the restoration efforts.

Successful restoration work takes many hands, and our habitat project provides an excellent opportunity for volunteerism. Much of the work (planting, weeding, watering) can be easily taught and is best done with a large group. As such, we consistently attract large work groups committed to giving back to the community in a tangible way. The successful candidate will take the lead on implementing habitat restoration on The Peregrine Fund’s 580-acre property.

Member Duties:

Field work

• Assist with planning and facilitation of restoration projects
• Coordinate and lead volunteer service groups in the field
• Plant, water, and propagate native and Firewise plants
• Support development of onsite seed collection and storage techniques for restoration
• Participate in the field component of a restoration ecology course taught through Boise State University
• Plan and create plant identification placards and develop an educational nature trail with plant identification placards
• Trail maintenance
• Manual labor including weed-whacking, mowing, and use of burn torch

Education

• Teach new volunteers and the public about restoration efforts
• Teach visiting students of field trips about the importance of habitat
• Engage with students and the public about conservation and The Peregrine Fund

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Must possess high school diploma or equivalent or commit to earning one prior to receiving award.
• Must be fluent in English.
• Must be able to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
• Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through PCEI.
• Must complete and submit all PCEI AmeriCorps paperwork/reports in a timely manner.
• Must commit to and attend and complete all PCEI AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national
• Must wear AmeriCorps uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.
• Must have a cooperative manner and the ability to serve as part of a diverse team.
• Must have regular and reliable attendance and dependability.

Preferred Skills:

• Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written
• Demonstrated ability to organize and inspire a dedicated community of volunteers
• Must be a flexible self-starter, and a team player
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Application suite
• Passion for education and the conservation of biodiversity
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license

Member Benefits Include:

• A taxable, monthly living allowance totaling $11,000 for a 5.5-month /900-hour term.
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award in the amount of $3,697 that can be used to repay qualified student loans or for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
• Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable.)
• Basic medical insurance for those who qualify.
• Childcare allowance for those who qualify.
• Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities.
• Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals and conduct all activities in full accessible settings.

Project Location and/or Transportation Needs: Personal vehicle would be necessary to travel to and from The World Center for Birds of Prey, 5668 W Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709

Dates of Service: approximately 6 months, between January 2025 and July 2025 (These dates are TBD).