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 depending on location. Several project areas provide housing! 

LOCATION

Oregon (Coast Range, Cascades, SW Oregon)

SALARY RANGE & INCENTIVES

$3,207 – $4,507 Monthly ($18.50 – $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

March – 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
• Setup and Deploy acoustic recording units 
• 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 will be based on position, location, and experience.

Most positions will start in March or early-April depending on environmental conditions and specific location. Staff will be added as project areas become snow free and are accessible.  The survey locations are distributed throughout Oregon. Please indicate your willingness to travel, or strong preference for general work 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. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of one season of field survey experience is required. Spotted owl experience is strongly preferred, but not required if applicant has 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 peers in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!