Field Assistant – California Condor

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The Peregrine Fund protects the earth’s 525 species of raptors, partnering with local people on five continents to inspire action and preserve essential habitat. Support comes from donors, corporations, and government grants. We were founded in 1970 to rescue the Peregrine Falcon from extinction by pioneering ways to breed and release them across North America. With that historic success, our mission grew to encompass all raptor species worldwide. Today we:

• Restore critically endangered species
• Research little-known species
• Train and support students
• Engage all ages with environmental education
• Conserve habitat

Our employee benefits program plays a vital role in demonstrating our commitment to our employees. We are pleased to offer eligible employees a benefits program that is comprehensive and among the best among our peer institutions, including a 403(b) retirement program as well as health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.

The Peregrine Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The successful applicant will be required to complete a background screening before final offer of employment is made.

POSITION SUMMARY

The field assistant works at our California Condor release site in northern Arizona. For background information on the California Condor program, interested candidates should visit The Peregrine Fund's California Condor web page or Condorcliffs on Facebook. The success of the California condor release effort depends greatly on the dedication of our field biologists; only serious, highly motivated individuals are selected. New team members can expect a year-long introductory period including a six-month evaluation followed by annual evaluations after being promoted beyond the introductory period.

This is not a desk job. Applicants must be highly energetic and willing to work long days while maintaining a positive attitude.

Full-time positions start at $20,800 per year based on 26 bi-weekly pay periods. Housing is provided.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

As a member of the team, the duties of the field assistant include monitoring the movements of free-flying condors using radio telemetry and taking detailed behavioral notes.

RESPONSIBILITES AND SCOPE

• Monitor California Condor movements
• Utilize radio telemetry
• Take detailed notes on individual bird, flock and interspecies behavior
• Trap, capture and restrain California Condors for medical procedures and transfers in a manner that is safe for both birds and staff
• Provide immediate medical care as necessary and assist in medical procedures for raptors
• Interact and share information on these charismatic birds with the general public
• Responsible for management of project equipment, including vehicles, radios, optical, and computer equipment
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Able to carry heavy supplemental condor food and water, sometimes in the dark over rough terrain
• Undergraduate degree in biology or related field
• Related fieldwork experience
• Able to tolerate climate extremes
• Able to work independently in remote areas
• Confident in operating standard 4WD trucks and ATV’s over remote back roads
• Proficient in the maintenance and functionality of project equipment
• Able to operate at a high level of independence and within a team is a must

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate degree in biology or related field
• Previous experience using telemetry, GPS units, and making behavioral observations and notes

WORKING CONDITIONS

The job requires long, sometimes strenuous days in the field. Employees can expect to work four days on, followed by three days off, per week. There will be occasions, however, where schedules may need to be adjusted based on programmatic and personnel needs.

Expect to work in one of the most beautiful areas in the southwestern United States, including Grand Canyon National Park, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Zion National Park and surrounding areas. The climate can vary from extremely hot in the summer months to brutally cold during parts of the winter. Based out of The Peregrine Fund’s central office near Marble Canyon, Arizona, field technicians will spend some days monitoring birds from blinds and living in a tent above the Vermilion Cliffs release site. Other days will be spent at nearby National Parks monitoring condors and sharing the condor’s story with the public and camping is a requirement.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit applications as soon as possible by sending a cover letter stating your interest in the position and a date of earliest availability. Attach your current resume or CV including at least two references with their contact information. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in your application being dismissed. Please include your full mailing/email address and a phone number where you can be reached.

Please submit cover letters and resumes as attachments to email to Hiring Manager, employment@peregrinefund.org