Raptor/Woodpecker Biologist

Turnstone is currently hiring a crew leader and seasonal field biologists to conduct surveys for American three-toed woodpeckers, flammulated and great gray owls, and northern goshawks. These surveys follow exacting protocols, and surveyors will be required to work independently in backcountry areas. Surveys will be conducted during both day and nighttime. Broadcast response surveys will be conducted for all species, with follow-up daytime nest searches completed for all species detections. Housing and a field vehicle will be provided unless the employee chooses to use a personal vehicle for reimbursement. The position involves extensive travel, hiking through forest terrain, and enduring regular periods of inclement weather. The potential need for snowmobiling and/or snowshoeing in the early season may be necessary.

 

Location

La Grande, Oregon

 

Salary Range & INCENTIVES

$2,900 – $3,600 Monthly ($17.04 – $22.50 Hourly), plus housing

Salary range is dependent upon project and applicant experience.

May also be eligible for:

    • Bonus Days
    • Season Completion Bonus
    • Federal Mileage Reimbursement

 

Dates of Employment

April 3, 2023 – late July, 2023 (possibility for extension)

 

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.

 

Essential Duties
  • Conduct broadcast surveys for target species; identify, record, and map locations of detections
  • Conduct daytime surveys after detections in order to locate nests and determine nesting status
  • Night time travel on forest roads, daytime off-trail hiking
  • 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. Positions start in early-April, dependent upon environmental conditions. 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 to be considered 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

Applicants should have either or both a completed B.S. degree in wildlife biology or a closely-related field, and at least one season of wildlife field survey experience. Raptor and/or woodpecker survey experience and/or identification skills are strongly desired but not required if the applicant has strong field skills, basic bird identification skills, and an interest in avian biology. Self-motivation, enthusiasm for the research goals and learning and/or improving bird identification skills, and an ability to tackle the rigors of field work are a must. A good attitude towards shared field housing situations is necessary. An ideal candidate will possess all of the following characteristics:

  • A consistent track record of working in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Excellent field skills: orienteering, GPS, map-reading skills, hiking alone in backcountry terrain in the dark and/or inclement weather.
  • Working knowledge of western bird identification by sight and sound.
  • The ability and willingness to spend long hours in the field and work odd hours, including early morning.
  • Integrity, quality, and accuracy in adhering to scientific protocols.
  • The ability to record accurate, legible and reliable field data.
  • Flexible, detail-oriented, resourceful, and comfortable working independently or as part of a team.
  • A valid driver’s license and the ability to navigate forest roads and operate 4WD vehicles and snowmobiles.

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!

 

This job is no longer accepting applications.