Turnstone Environmental Consultants is hiring seasonal Wildlife Biologists for an amphibian and mollusk survey in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest 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 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.

Come join the Turnstone Environmental team, and spend your spring hiking in the Washington Cascades, surveying for rare amphibians and mollusks!

Amphibian and Mollusk SURVEYOR

Turnstone is currently hiring 4-5 seasonal field biologists to conduct surveys for an amphibian and terrestrial mollusk survey project. These are full-time, temporary seasonal positions. These positions are well suited for early-career wildlife professionals who are motivated to build strong field skills, value accuracy and responsibility, and are comfortable working independently in forested terrain.

Essential Duties

• Daytime off-trail hiking in steep terrain using maps and GPS for navigation
• Conduct terrestrial habitat searches for target species; identify, record, and map locations of detections
• Driving forest roads
• Record clear, concise, and accurate field data
• Communicate clearly with crew leader and project manager

These surveys follow exacting protocols, and surveyors will be required to work independently in backcountry areas.  A field vehicle will be provided. The position involves hiking through forest terrain and enduring regular periods of inclement weather.

Extending to Marbled Murrelet and/or Spotted Owl surveys may be available for qualified and enthusiastic candidates. This is an excellent opportunity to work on interesting and collaborative field projects related to a variety of special-status wildlife species!

Location

Survey area in the Washington Cascades near Trout Lake, WA. Housing will be provided in the vicinity.

Salary Range & INCENTIVES

$2,900 - $4,000 Monthly ($17.00 - $23.00 Hourly), plus housing

Salary range is dependent upon project and applicant experience.

Dates of Employment

Amphibian and mollusk surveys start in mid/late April, the exact date is dependent upon environmental conditions. Surveys will continue until weather conditions are no longer conducive for surveys, assumed to be sometime in early/mid June.

We are also planning to offer some surveyors the option to extend their employment to work on Marbled Murrelet and Spotted Owl surveys. Surveyors working on these projects would be offered an earlier (late March/early April) start date and/or a later (August) end date.

Desired qualifications

Applicants should have either or both a completed B.S. degree in wildlife biology or a closely-related field, and preferably at least one season of wildlife field survey experience. Amphibian, terrestrial mollusk, and/or avian survey experience are strongly desired but not required if the applicant has strong field skills. Self-motivation, enthusiasm for the research goals, learning and improving field 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.
• 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.

Successful candidates will gain valuable experience in field herpetology, malacology, 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!

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.