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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

Job Location: Oregon

Apply for this position

This application form is used for both the Spotted Owl Crew Lead and Surveyor positions.

Biological and Other Relevant Experience

Please complete the sections below to provide information on your relevant background.

Allowed Type(s): .pdf, .doc, .docx

Availability and Preferences

Please describe your availability for work. Position starting dates vary by project and region, but typically start between March 15 and April 1. Ending dates also vary by project, and are typically between August 15 and August 31.

Professional References

Please provide up to 3 references and associated contact information. "See resume" is not an acceptable response.