Turnstone is a small, locally owned environmental consulting firm. We help our clients protect and manage shared natural resources with solutions that are practical, forward thinking, and built on a foundation of good science. We are passionate, motivated, and team-oriented professionals who all started as seasonal field technicians ourselves and now strive to be leaders in the wildlife field.

Turnstone is currently hiring 1-2 field biologists to conduct terrestrial mollusk and avian surveys in NW Oregon; these positions are considered full-time seasonal. Surveys will be conducted for a variety of mollusk (snail and slug) species, the northern spotted owl, and the marbled murrelet, a threatened species of seabird that nests primarily in coastal old growth forests. Survey work will take place on Mt. Hood in May and June and near Willamina, OR in July; housing is not provided and employees should be able to get themselves to/from the work areas each week. All surveys follow an exacting protocol, and surveyors will be required to work independently during both pre-dawn and nighttime hours in remote areas. The work involves extensive travel, hiking off-trail (occasionally long distances and/or in the dark), navigating forest terrain, and enduring regular periods of inclement weather. Regular backcountry camping may be required. Positions begin early May and run through mid-July, with the possibility of extension. Training and surveyor certification will be held prior to the start of surveys. Opportunities to work on other projects after the end of the season may be available for the excellent employee.

Salary is $2800-3200/month, depending on experience and position. A company-owned work vehicle will be provided; surveyors that use a personal vehicle for project activities will be reimbursed via a monthly stipend of $800.

At least 1-2 seasons of field experience and a completed B.S. degree in wildlife biology or a closely-related field is strongly preferred. Species-specific is highly desirable but not required if the applicant self-motivation, enthusiasm for the project goals and learning and/or improving identification skills, and an ability to tackle the rigors of field work are a must. A portion of the daily work is pre-dawn and can be physically and mentally demanding. 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.
• Avid hikers with an ability to tackle the rigors of field work who are comfortable hiking alone in off-trail 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 a 4WD vehicle.
• Applicants must have normal vision and hearing, with required proof (hearing screen results) to be submitted prior to the start of work.

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