OWL SURVEYORS

Turnstone is currently seeking to fill multiple Strix owl (northern spotted owl/ barred owl), Surveyor positions and a Crewlead position in several areas of Oregon. These are full-time, temporary-seasonal positions. A limited number of part-time positions may be available. The survey season is underway and we are currently adding staff to a few project areas that provide housing! 

LOCATION

Oregon (NW Coast Range, SW Oregon near Crater Lake)

SALARY RANGE & INCENTIVES

$3,120 – $4,522 Monthly ($18.00 – $26.00 Hourly)

Wage is dependent upon project and applicants experience.

May also be eligible for:

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

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT

April – August 31, 2024

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. Salary range is roughly equivalent to $18-26/hour. Salary 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. Staff will be added as project areas become snow free and open up later inthe spring.  Survey locations are distributed throughout Oregon. 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 of a small crew, 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 experience is strongly 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!