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 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 this summer https://www.ventanaws.org/discovery_center.html
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)
Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS) is a non-profit in Monterey County, California. Our mission is to conserve native wildlife and their habitats through research, restoration, and education. We focus on removing barriers to meaningful outdoor experiences including transportation, financial, cultural and language barriers. Our main programs include:
-Weekly youth and teen nature classes during the school year (ages 4-7 / 6-9 / 9-12 / 13-24)
-Week long summer day camps with one overnight camp out (ages 8-12)
-Three-hour Wee Ones in the Woods (ages 4-7)
-Presentations on the California condor for youth and adult groups
-Youth / family nature prescription programming and community building in East Salinas
-Weekly youth and teen nature classes during the school year (ages 4-7 / 6-9 / 9-12 / 13-24)
-Week long summer day camps with one overnight camp out (ages 8-12)
-Three-hour Wee Ones in the Woods (ages 4-7)
-Presentations on the California condor for youth and adult groups
-Youth / family nature prescription programming and community building in East Salinas
California Condor Internship
Internship starts: August 29, 2022
Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS) is seeking 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 $425 every two weeks. Field vehicles will be provided for all condor project related activities. Interns must possess their own means of transportation for non-work related/personal travel on days off.
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 2022 through February 2023 (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
Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS) is seeking 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 $425 every two weeks. Field vehicles will be provided for all condor project related activities. Interns must possess their own means of transportation for non-work related/personal travel on days off.
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 2022 through February 2023 (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 working 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
