Description
Turnstone Environmental Consultants is hiring seasonal Wildlife Biologists to support Strix owl survey projects across Oregon for the 2026 field season. 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. Seasonal staff are not an afterthought at Turnstone; they are central to collecting high quality information that supports real land management decisions. 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. Turnstone upholds this standard of excellence through clear protocols, experienced leadership, and robust logistical support, while cultivating an efficient and enjoyable work environment that brings many field staff back season after season.
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 driving on forest roads
- Collect clear, concise, and accurate field data
- Communicate clearly and professionally with crew leader, project manager, landowners and agency representatives
Surveys are conducted on federal, state, and private forested lands. Exact work locations are project-dependent and distributed throughout western and southern Oregon. Employment dates are approximate and may vary by project.
Housing is provided at no cost, for many positions and locations. A field vehicle is provided unless an employee elects to use a capable personal vehicle for reimbursement.
Most positions will start in mid-March or early-April depending on environmental conditions and project 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, including extended drives to and from survey areas.
Please indicate your willingness to travel, and any limits or strong preference for general location in your cover letter.
For well qualified candidates, there may be opportunities to contribute to additional field projects involving special status wildlife species; extending work later into the season.
Crew Leader roles are limited, but applicants interested in consideration as a Crew Leader should clearly state their interest in their cover letter and describe relevant leadership experience and crew oversight skills in their application materials.
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:
- Housing provided at no cost for many project locations (shared housing near field sites)
- Season Completion Bonus
- Bonus Days/Overtime
- Lodging/Camping Stipend
- Federal Mileage Reimbursement
- Personal Vehicle Use Stipend
DATES OF EMPLOYMENT
March 01, 2026 – August 31, 2026
TO APPLY
To apply, please visit our website and complete an application (https://turnstoneenvironmental.com/jobs/owl-surveyor/). TO KEEP THINGS ORGANIZED EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Application review will begin in early January, 2026. Hiring decisions will be made on a rolling basis once review begins and will continue until all positions are filled. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and early submission is encouraged! After positions are filled, this announcement may remain open as a continuous posting for applicants interested in future openings that may arise due to increased project workloads.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Turnstone Environmental Consultants, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a respectful and harassment-free workplace. Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of one year of field survey experience is required. Spotted/Strix 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 8-12 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
- 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!
