Turnstone Environmental Consultants is thrilled to announce that we are expanding our team and hiring our 2025 team of passionate and enthusiastic Wildlife Biologists!  At Turnstone, we pride ourselves on our commitment and contribution to conserving and managing natural resources through innovative and sustainable solutions. As a Wildlife Biologist on one of our owl projects, you will play a crucial role in conducting field studies, collecting ecological data, and contributing to the development of strategies to enhance wildlife conservation and management efforts. Join us in our mission to make a positive impact on our ecosystems and communities.
 
For nearly 30 years, Turnstone has hired seasonal wildlife biologists in order to successfully complete a wide variety of projects. Our success is due in large part to our fantastic seasonal staff. From field coordinators, to crew leaders, to biologists and technicians, it takes a range of talents and skill sets to make the magic happen.
A top priority for Turnstone is the quality of our team. The quality of survey results is directly affected by the caliber of our field crews; with the best work being performed by skilled field crews with extensive training and experience in wildlife surveying, orienteering and operating in a wide variety of terrain.
 

Owl Surveyor

Turnstone is currently seeking to fill multiple Strix  owl surveyor positions throughout Oregon. These are full-time, temporary-seasonal positions. A limited number of part-time positions may be available.

 

Essential Duties
  • Conduct nighttime broadcast surveys for northern spotted owls; identify, record, and map locations of spotted owls and other owl and raptor species include barred owls, great horned owls, northern pygmy owls, and northern goshawks
  • Conduct daytime surveys after spotted owl detections in order to locate nests and determine nesting status
  • Significant job related travel, including night time travel on forest roads
  • Record clear, concise, and accurate field data
  • Communicate clearly with crew leader, project manager, and landowners

Surveys will be on federal, state and private forested lands. All of the exact work locations are yet to be determined but will be throughout western and southern Oregon. Employment dates are approximate and are project-dependent. Housing will be provided for several positions/locations; a field vehicle will be provided unless the employee chooses to use a personal vehicle for reimbursement. Compensation will be based on position, location, and experience.

Most positions will start in mid-March or early-April depending on environmental conditions and specific location. Some candidates may have an opportunity to begin in early March. Survey locations are distributed throughout Oregon and some positions will require significant daily travel. Please indicate your willingness to travel, and any limits or strong preference for general location in your cover letter. There may also be opportunities to work on a variety of other interesting and collaborative field projects related to special-status wildlife species for the right candidate.

If you are interested in consideration as a crew leader, please indicate your interest in your cover letter and clearly identify your relevant leadership experience and skills in your application materials.

Interviews are currently underway and will continue until all positions are filled. Once positions are filled, this application will remain as an open continuous announcement for applicants interested in any future openings that may occur with increased workloads.

 

 

 

Location

Oregon (Coast Range, Cascades, Siskiyou Mountains)

 

Salary Range & INCENTIVES

$3,207 – $4,507 Monthly ($18.50 – $26.00 Hourly)

Wage is dependent upon project and applicant experience.

May also be eligible for:

    • Bonus Days/Overtime
    • Hardship Bonus
    • Season Completion Bonus
    • Lodging/Camping Stipend
    • Housing (depending on project)
    • Federal Mileage Reimbursement
    • Personal Vehicle Use Stipend

 

Dates of Employment

March 01, 2025 – August 31, 2025

 

To Apply

To apply, please complete the application below on this page. SORRY BUT TO KEEP THINGS ORGANIZED EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Application review and interviews to begin immediately and will continue until positions are filled.

 

 

 

Minimum Requirements

A minimum of one year of field survey experience is required. Spotted owl survey experience is preferred, but may not be required if applicant has avian or other relevant field experience. Having a B.S. degree in wildlife biology or related field is preferred (but not required) for owl surveyors and required for crew leads. The successful applicant will possess the following characteristics:

  • Strong data collection skills
  • Ability to learn owl vocalizations and identify target species by sight and sound
  • Comfortable with a schedule that may include night, day or split shifts averaging 9-12 hours
  • Flexible, detail-oriented, resourceful, and comfortable working independently in the field and as part of a team
  • Integrity, quality and accuracy in adhering to scientific protocols
  • Consistent record of working in a safe and efficient manner
  • Physical fitness and the ability to hike off trail in steep and brushy conditions, sometimes in the dark and/or in inclement weather
  • Proven field skills: orienteering, GPS, map reading
  • Ability to safely operate 4WD vehicles and navigate paved and forest roads of various surfaces and conditions
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Good vision and hearing
  • Comfortable using electronic (PDF) data forms and Adobe Reader
  • A solid sense of humor and joy of working in an outdoor setting

Successful candidates will gain valuable experience in field ornithology, endangered species surveys, advanced field skills, and get a chance to see what a career in environmental consulting could look like, all while working closely with a diverse team of other motivated folks in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

 

Wildlife Biologist – Marbled Murrelet

Come join the Turnstone Environmental team, and spend your summer hiking throughout Oregon’s Coast Range, surveying for the endangered marbled murrelet!

Turnstone is currently seeking to fill multiple Marbled Murrelet surveyor positions throughout Oregon. These are full-time, temporary-seasonal positions.

Job Duties
  • Conduct marbled murrelet surveys following an established protocol
  • Work independently in the early morning hours (including pre-dawn) in the forest
  • Use GPS and basic navigational tools to locate and set up survey stations
  • Record, transcribe and submit accurate survey data and other administrative paperwork
  • Communicate clearly with crew leader, project manager, and peers

All surveyors will be provided with extensive training prior to starting surveys. This work involves a lot of solo driving, hiking through the woods in the dark along pre-determined routes (no trails!), and enjoying regular periods of inclement weather!

Typically, housing is provided for our field crews. Occasional camping is often preferred and may be necessary at times. A field vehicle will be provided unless the employee chooses to use a personal vehicle for reimbursement.

There may also be opportunities before, after, or during the field season to work on a variety of other interesting and collaborative field projects for the right candidates.

Interviews are currently underway and will continue until all positions are filled. Once positions are filled, this application will remain as an open continuous announcement for applicants interested in any future openings that may occur with increased workloads and/or personnel changes.

LoGISTICS

Turnstone is currently seeking to fill marbled murrelet surveyor positions throughout western Oregon. These are full-time, temporary-seasonal positions. A limited number of part-time positions may be available.

Location

Oregon (Coast Range)

Salary Range & INCENTIVES

$2700 -$3700/ month (equivalent to $15.50-$21.35hourly)

Reimbursement for work use of personal field capable vehicle, if desired

Season Completion Bonus!

Field housing (depending on location)

Salary range is dependent upon project and applicant experience.

Dates of Employment

Mid-April 2025 to late-July/Early August 2025 (possibility of extension).

Due to protocol requirements, mission critical work periods include April 20-25, June 26-27, and July 1-21; work schedule can be more flexible during other parts of the field season—please inquire during interview. Some weekend work may be necessary.

To Apply

To apply, please complete the application below on this page. EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Application review and interviews to begin immediately and will continue until positions are filled.

 

 

Desired Qualifications

Applicants should have or be working towards a B.S. degree in wildlife biology (or a closely related field).  Previous field experience is preferred, but not required.   Additional preferred qualifications include:

  • A strong work ethic, integrity, and accuracy in adhering to scientific protocols and in recording data
  • A strong work ethic, and desire to learn new protocols and explore the Oregon Coast
  • The ability to tackle the rigors of field work, feel comfortable hiking alone each day in strenuous terrain, and willingness to spend long hours in the field and work odd hours, including very early morning.
  • Knowledge of navigating with a compass, GPS and topographic map
  • Working knowledge of western bird identification (or willingness to learn)
  • Flexible, detail-oriented, resourceful, and comfortable working independently while also being part of a larger team
  • A valid state-issued driver’s license with clean driving record and the ability to navigate forest roads of variable condition and operate a 4WD vehicle
  • Applicants must have normal vision and hearing, must submit hearing test results prior to starting work
  • A general appreciation of the natural wonders of the Oregon coast and a willingness to explore them.

Successful candidates will gain valuable experience in field ornithology, endangered species surveys, advanced field skills, and get a chance to see what a career in environmental consulting could look like, all while working closely with a diverse team of other motivated folks in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

Turnstone is committed to building a diverse team where differences are valued and respected. Women, minorities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.