Wildlife Biologist – Owl Surveyor

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.

Responsibilities: 

• 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

Qualifications: 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!

Learn more about Turnstone Environmental Consultants Inc. and apply here.