The Santa Barbara Zoo is looking for a Part-Time, Temporary Condor Biologist to join our Conservation & Science Team.
Position Status: Part-time, Temporary, Non-exempt Compensation: $27.60 per hour
You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position
SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Director of Conservation and Science, the California Condor Biologist is responsible for biological research and fieldwork, assisting the Santa Barbara Zoo and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service with the management of the free-ranging population of reintroduced California Condors in southern California. Collaborates 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, and reporting data.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Conducts and/or takes part in biological surveys and censuses on the number, health, and/or distribution of California Condors in the wild
Monitors and/or assists in the capture, handling, observations of, and tracking of California Condors in the wild
Gathers and records physiological and spatial data on California Condors in the wild
Assisting with the preparation of wildlife reports:
Includes retrieval and analysis of data from information management systems
Includes development of graphs, charts, or illustrations using various software and spreadsheet programs
Guest Experience/Education:
Shares California Condor Recovery Program activities with guests and donors as appropriate
Staff Development:
Develops and facilitates training to enhance the technical ability of staff associated with Condor Recovery
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
Coordinates activities with the USFWS supervisory biologist to ensure effective and safe field operations
Regularly checks for and responds to zoo e-mails for communications from Santa Barbara Zoo staff and external conservation partners
Remains available and responsive via email, mobile phone, and text messages during working hours and when in range of voice and/or data transmission
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 for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
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 essential functions.
Education & Experience:
Four-year college 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
Must be able to operate safely a 4WD vehicle
Ability to complete an ATV/UTV safety course
Ability to complete CPR & Wilderness First Aid certification
Knowledge, Skills, & Ability:
Knowledge of principles, practices, and terminology related to wildlife biology and wildlife management
Ability to use a variety of specialized tools and equipment required to conduct wildlife studies/surveys
Ability and willingness to conduct aerial telemetry missions with partners to track the wild CA condor flock
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Demonstrated effective problem-solving ability
Must have applicable research and analysis skills, scientific writing, and presentation ability
Good scientific writing skills
Attention to detail
Ability to coach successfully
Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to follow oral and written direction
Ability to develop warm and friendly relationships at work
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, conservation partners, and our guests
Scientific writing and presentation experience
Must be comfortable with off-road driving
Approximately 40% to 70% travel and fieldwork in CA, involving occasional overnight in the field
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, lift, and carry up to forty (40) pounds
Physical exertion such as long periods of walking; Bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching for similar activities; lifting heavy items
Tools Used:
Computer
Microsoft Office package, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Database software, including Microsoft Access
GIS software (e.g., Movebank, ArcGIS)
Bibliographical reference software (e.g., EndNote).
Statistical software (e.g., R)
Safety equipment
Radio
Personal locator beacon
2-way radios
Navigational equipment (e.g., compass, handheld GPS unit)
4x4 vehicles
ATVs and UTVs
Wildlife monitoring and reintroduction tools and equipment
Radio telemetry equipment
Spotting scopes
Binoculars
Streaming camera hardware, software, and network elements
Game cameras
BENEFITS & PERKS:
Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
Free parking M-F, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities
You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position
Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
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.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.