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 a crew leader and 3-4 seasonal field biologists to conduct surveys for an amphibian and terrestrial mollusk survey project. Work on avian survey projects after the end of the amphibian/mollusk season may be available for those interested. These surveys follow exacting protocols, and surveyors will be required to work independently in backcountry areas.  A field vehicle will be provided unless the employee chooses to use a personal vehicle for reimbursement. Housing will be provided near the amphibian/mollusk project area. The position involves hiking through forest terrain, and enduring regular periods of inclement weather. This is an excellent opportunity to work on a variety of interesting and collaborative field projects related to special-status wildlife species!

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:

• Overtime/Bonus Days
• Federal Mileage Reimbursement

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT
Late April to June (Possibility for additional extension beyond June)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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

Positions start sometime in April, dependent upon environmental conditions. Amphibian & mollusk surveys will continue until complete or until weather conditions are no longer conducive for surveys, assumed to be sometime in June. After that time, surveyors may have the option to relocate from the Willard project area to one of our marbled murrelet or spotted owl survey projects. (For more information on the essential duties and working environment of these surveys, see our Marbled Murrelet and Owl Surveyor job ads; camping for these projects may be required). 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. If you are interested in the amphibian/mollusk project through June but not interested in continuing in July on other avian projects – you will still be considered, please indicate as such in your application. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
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, and basic  identification skills. Crew leaders should have previous supervisory experience in a field crew setting and/or previous experience with amphibians and/or terrestrial mollusks. Self-motivation, enthusiasm for the research goals and learning and/or 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!