California Condor Internship (2)

Internship Start Date: Early-mid August 2024

Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS) is seeking two enthusiastic, dedicated individuals to be a part of our California Condor Recovery Program in San Simeon, CA. VWS has been reintroducing endangered California condors to the central coast region since 1997 and currently monitors a flock of 100 condors. VWS currently operates two release sites in the remote coastal mountains of Big Sur and San Simeon. 

This position is primarily based out of San Simeon with some work in Big Sur. The position involves releasing and monitoring captive/free-flying California condors utilizing radio telemetry, participating in supplemental food placements, nest observation, public education, as well as other flock management activities. 

Interns will be provided field housing and will receive a stipend of $550 and 4 hours of vacation time per pay period (every two weeks). A field vehicle will be provided for all condor project related activities.

Applicants must be comfortable spending extended periods of time in an isolated location with one other individual. Interns work an average of 40 hours/week, with some days exceeding 8 hours depending on program needs. Schedule can consist of 4 days on and 3 days off or 5 days on and 2 days off depending on the work required for each week. The full internship runs from August 2024 through February 2025 (6 months). Start and end dates are somewhat negotiable. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable field experience with an endangered species while living on the breathtaking California central coast. 

Preferred applicants will have: 

• BS Degree in Biological/Environmental related field of study. 
• Prior bird/ornithological, interpretive, and/or field biology experience. 
• Must be a US Citizen or legal permanent resident.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record. 
• Experience with driving 4WD vehicles on dirt roads.
• Experience with radio telemetry. 
• Experience working long days outdoors in remote locations in inclement weather conditions.
• A knowledge of basic field safety and/or a CPR certificate. 
• Good physical conditioning and the ability to hike in steep rugged terrain in inclement weather conditions. 
• Ability to safely lift and move carcasses in excess of 50-75 pounds. 
• Ability to handle rotten carcasses (not for the squeamish). 
• Outgoing personality with an interest in natural interpretation and sharing with the public. 
• A strong interest in both avian research and restoration. 

In a single PDF document, please submit a cover letter and resume with three work related references to VWS Wildlife Biologist Kara Fadden at karafadden@ventanaws.org.

For more information about the research, restoration and education activities of our organization, visit: www.ventanaws.org or @ventanawildlifesociety on instagram.