Condor Program Biologist

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.

Condor Program Biologist.pdf