CA Condor Nest Biologist

SUMMARY:

Under general direction of Director of Conservation and Science, the California Condor Nest Biologist is responsible for assisting the Santa Barbara Zoo and United States Fish and Wildlife Service with tracking and observing breeding and nesting condors, collecting quantitative behavioral data in accordance with established protocols, training nest monitoring volunteers, supervising volunteer and biological intern data collection efforts in regard to data quality and consistency, and entering, managing, analyzing and reporting data.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:

Monitoring of Breeding Behavior, Nest Searching, and Nest Monitoring:

• Provides the United States Fish & Wildlife Service’s Condor Recovery Program, Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, with necessary field support during the breeding and nesting seasons
• Regularly monitors condor GPS data to assess breeding and nesting activities
• Regularly checks for and responds to zoo e-mail for communications from Santa Barbara Zoo staff and external conservation partners
• Coordinate activities with the USFWS supervisory biologist to ensure effective and safe field operations

Data Collection and Management:

• Reviews volunteer and staff nesting data for consistency at least weekly
• Provides timely feedback regarding data quality to volunteer and staff nest observers
• Prepares and presents summary reports for the southern California condor field crew when appropriate
• Collects nesting behavioral data as needed

Volunteer Training and Management:

• Facilitates communication between nest monitors, paid and volunteer, to field managers and Director of Conservation and Science
• Coordinates with other institutions to train personnel and volunteers on protocols
• Compiles and manages nesting data sets
• Attends condor meetings when appropriate

Guest Experience/Education:

• Shares Nest Guarding Program activities with guests and donors as appropriate

Staff Development:

• Develops and facilitates training to enhance the technical ability of staff associated with condor nest guarding
• Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with volunteers and staff
• Coaches coworkers, volunteers and interns and provides informal feedback.

Operation and Business:

• Encourages, supports and exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well being of the field population of California condors and the continued development of the institution and the profession.

• Attends every other month all-employee meetings.

• Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Guest Relations

• Greets every guest with a smile.
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo.
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly.
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
• Associates with guests to assist and share information.
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures.
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.
• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge.
• Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• B.S. or M.S. degree in biology or related field with an understanding of behavioral research and data collection.

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license with good driving record is essential.
• Ability to complete an ATV/UTV safety course.
• Ability to complete first aid & CPR certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability:

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated effective problem solving ability.
• Good scientific writing skills.
• Must have applicable research and analysis skills, scientific writing and presentation ability.
• Attention to detail.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow oral and written direction.
• Ability to develop warm and friendly relationships at work.
• Ability to coach
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, conservation partners, and our guests.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work both independently and as part of a dynamic team.
• Applicable research and analysis skills.
• Scientific writing and presentation experience.
• Must be comfortable with off-road driving.
• Previous experience with rappelling and ascent of ropes in a high angle environment preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
• Requires the ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hilltop
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in rough terrain and thick vegetation.
• Ability to hike up to six (6) miles on rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions, and camp (sometimes alone) in remote areas for up to one (1) week.
• Ability to backpack and lift and carry up to forty (40) pounds
• Ability to rock climb effectively and safely, using ropes & rock climbing equipment.

Tools Used:

• Computer
• Microsoft Office package.
• GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS)
• Bibliographical reference software (e.g., EndNote).
• Statistical software (e.g., R)
• Safety equipment
• Radio
• Personal locator beacon
• Transportation
• 4WD vehicle
• ATV
• Condor monitoring equipment
• Radio telemetry
• Binoculars
• Spotting scope
• Biological monitoring equipment
• Navigational equipment

This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described.  Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.  No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.  The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time.  The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.