JOB TITLE: Condor Program Biologist
BASED: Marble Canyon, Arizona
MISSION
Conserving Birds of Prey Worldwide
WORK WITH US
The Peregrine Fund protects the earth’s 559 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 Condor Program Biologist 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 <Arizona Minimum> wage based on 26 bi-weekly pay periods. Housing is provided.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
As a member of the team, the duties of the Condor Program Biologist include monitoring the movements of free-flying condors using radio telemetry and taking detailed behavioral notes.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Track condor movements using radio telemetry
Record daily observations of condor movements and behaviors
Observe young condors through a spotting scope for many consecutive hours
Hike through the rugged landscape of the Vermilion Cliffs to haze condors
Drive 4WD trucks and ATV’s over rugged terrain and occasionally snowmobiles
Land navigation using GPS, compass and maps
Lift and carry weights of up to 50lbs
Pick-up and transport calf carcasses from the dairy in Phoenix to the field office
Eviscerate calf carcasses to provide supplemental food for the condors, occasionally at night
Ability to hike several days, independently in the backcountry
Camp independently away from field housing for up to 4 days at a time
Take detailed notes on individual birds, flock and interspecies behavior
Daily data entry into multiple databases
Trap, capture and restrain California Condors for medical procedures and transfers in a manner that is safe for both birds and team members
Provide immediate medical care as necessary and assist in medical procedures for raptors
Responsible for upkeep of project equipment, including vehicles, radios, optical, and computer equipment
Interact and share information on these charismatic birds with the general public
Live in a close personal proximity with other crew members
Tolerate long days in often extreme weather conditions of weather heat or cold
Other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Undergraduate degree in biology or related field
Related fieldwork experience
Able to tolerate climate extremes
Able to carry heavy supplemental condor food and water, sometimes in the dark over rough terrain
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.
To apply - Send via email a single file attachment (PDF preferred) including a cover letter clearly stating the reasons for your interest in this position, your resume or CV, and contact information for 3 references to: employment@peregrinefund.org. Please include the job title you are applying for in the Subject line.
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