California Condor Internship - San Simeon, CA
Internship starts: Mid-August 2024
Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS) is seeking two enthusiastic, dedicated individuals to be a part of our California Condor Reintroduction 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 90+ condors. VWS currently operates two release sites in the remote coastal mountains of Big Sur and San Simeon.
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 every two-weeks. Field vehicles 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.
Applicants must have a clean driving record and be a U.S. Citizen. Preferred applicants will have:
Please submit cover letter and resume with three work related references
Internship starts: Mid-August 2024
Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS) is seeking two enthusiastic, dedicated individuals to be a part of our California Condor Reintroduction 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 90+ condors. VWS currently operates two release sites in the remote coastal mountains of Big Sur and San Simeon.
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 every two-weeks. Field vehicles 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.
Applicants must have a clean driving record and be a U.S. Citizen. Preferred applicants will have:
- BS Degree in Biological/Environmental related field of study
- Prior bird/ornithological, interpretive, and/or field biology experience
- 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
Please submit cover letter and resume with three work related references
Top News• Manufacturers Discontinue Non-Lead .22 LR - Help us bring back the non-lead .22!
• Central California Condor Vaccinations - 28 of 99 wild condors are vaccinated for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) • Watch the CONDOR canyon Trailer - A new wildlife documentary and true story, funded by the Doris Day and Terry Melcher Foundation. Vertical Divider
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more news
* If you find a sick/injured or deceased condor
Please do not attempt to handle or move them, contact us ASAP and we will come assist. |
Species Recovery
Bald Eagles
Restored a breeding population of Bald Eagles to the California central coast from 1986 - 2000
Restored a breeding population of Bald Eagles to the California central coast from 1986 - 2000
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Bald Eagles are breeding once again in the central California coast region thanks to a successful re-introduction project. During 1986 - 2000, we released 70 juvenile Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at our Big sur wildlife sanctuary. Our goal was to establish a population of four adult breeding Bald Eagle pairs, in the hopes of creating a self-sustaining population. At our last count, we found 30 nesting territories. The wild Bald Eagle population is thriving!
This video of a mother Bald Eagle feeding her chicks was filmed in San Simeon, CA, on June 13, 2024. These birds are the descendants of the 70 Bald Eagles released between 1986 and 2000. A testament to the success of the program! |
Seasonal Employment:
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Big Sur Discovery Center Interpreter
Start Date: May 13, 2024 Duration: Weekends/holidays from May 25 - Sept 2, 2024 and 4 days of training starting May 13. Now accepting applications Vertical Divider
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Or Mail:
Ventana Wildlife Society | DISCO 9699 Blue Larkspur ln, Ste 105 • Monterey, CA 93940 Or Fax: 831-455-2846 |
We are currently seeking an individual to promote and manage the Big Sur Discovery Center - focusing on sharing Ventana Wildlife Society's work with the endangered California Condor. The Big Sur Discovery Center is open on weekends and holidays through the summer season only, and is located within Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur. It is an interpretive center that highlights California Condor and Bald Eagle recovery, Ventana Wildlife Society and the Big Sur region’s wildlife. A new exhibit will be installed by Memorial Day.
Job Duties include, but not limited to:
- Participate in training prior to the Discovery Center opening.
- Keep hours of operation at our Big Sur Discovery Center (Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 10am-4pm).
- Be knowledgeable about California Condor restoration efforts, natural history, and VWS involvement; local natural history.
- Interact with visitors and promote VWS mission.
- Ensure the safety, well-being and comfort of guests.
- Sell merchandise. Submit weekly inventory & sales reports to administrative office.
- Be familiar with VWS Emergency Action Plan and able to administer First Aid / CPR effectively.
- Host groups and the general public at the Discovery Center and provide presentations
- Admin. duties include submitting payroll and incident reports as needed and assisting with evaluation of program.
Qualifications:
- Available for the assignment duration and the hours listed above.
- Have reliable transportation to the Big Sur Discovery Center, located at Andrew Molera State Park.
- Have an understanding of local natural history and ecology and be familiar with current environmental topics.
- Knowledge of Big Sur area (helpful)
- Certified in First Aid/CPR by start of employment.
- Able to hike (3 miles) and lift up to 40lbs safely.
- Have excellent customer service skills
- Able to work independently and take initiative
- Available on weekends & holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day
Working Conditions: Andrew Molera State Park is somewhat remote with lower visitation than other areas of Big Sur. The center is built within a historical structure in a natural area. This position is best for those who enjoy interacting with visitors, as well as quiet time with the company of lizards, insects and the occasional snake. Unless you live in Big Sur, it is worth noting the position will require commuting down Hwy 1 to and from Big Sur on weekends and holidays.
Compensation:
Part-time seasonal position, no benefits. $18/hour ($20/hour for bilingual English/Spanish)
Part-time seasonal position, no benefits. $18/hour ($20/hour for bilingual English/Spanish)
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Condor Releases
We will release 10 Rookie condors on two separate dates, starting at 9:00AM (PT) Tuesday, November 28 Tuesday, December 12 During these two Condor Releases, we will release a total of 10 young condors! With an educational focus, during these releases, you and a dozen teachers and students from their classrooms will be virtually transported to San Simeon, CA. Educators
We are specifically inviting teachers and their classrooms to zoom in for the experience. Before you attend virtually with your class, prepare by watching recordings of previous condor releases, below, as well as catching up on the current condor news with our archived Condor Chats. Sign up below for an email reminder and log in on the date you choose (or both!). |
Watch the 10 baby condors before they're released to the wild!
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Big Sur Condor Tours
**Tours are CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Please check back for summer 2022. Until then, please join our monthly Zoom-Chats, visit our Condor Cam, or sign up for our eNewsletter to get updates on tours and other information
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Beautiful Collection, Thoughtfully Made by Isa Catto Studio
Isa Catto Studio, one of our Artists Supporting Condors, chose Ventana Wildlife Society to donate 35% of all their condor merchandise sales for condor recovery!
SHOP ISA CATTO CONDOR MERCHANDISE
These links will take you directly to Isa Catto Studios website to make the purchase. |
$12 BUY NOW
Condor List-it Notebook |
$20 BUY NOW
Endangered Birds Notecards |
$165 BUY NOW
Condor Italian Silk Scarf |
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$215/$455 BUY NOW California Condor
Limited Edition Print |
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