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Job Opportunity: Marbled Murrelet Surveyors (OR)

Turnstone Environmental seeks Marbled Murrelet Surveyors on federal, state and private forest lands in western Oregon. Deadline to apply: rolling, priority deadline 03/31/2021.

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 multiple field biologists to conduct surveys for the marbled murrelet, a threatened species of seabird that nests primarily in coastal old growth forests. These positions are considered full-time seasonal. Surveys will be on federal, state and private lands in beautiful western Oregon. Marbled murrelet surveys follow an exacting protocol, and surveyors will be required to work independently during pre-dawn hours in remote areas. The work involves extensive travel, hiking off-trail in the dark (often long distances), navigating forest terrain, enduring regular periods of inclement weather and often working multiple days in a row (some weekend work will be required).

Surveyors will be stationed with their crew in one of several communities in western Oregon, to include but not limited to general areas around Astoria, Corvallis, Forest Grove, McMinnville, and Tillamook. Positions begin mid-April and run through late July or early August, with the possibility of extension and/or earlier start depending on project needs. Mandatory marbled murrelet training and surveyor certification will be held in Northern California in late April prior to the start of surveys. The company is committed to a safe workplace and will have a variety of measures in place in response to COVID-19. Full-season project commitment is necessary from mid-April to early August 2021. Please note that opportunity to take leave for non-emergency reasons during the summer season is limited and should be discussed when interviewing for the position. Essential work periods as follows for the 2021 survey season: April 18-23, June 24-25, and July 1-21 (including July 4). Opportunities to work on other projects after the end of the murrelet season may be available for the excellent employee. Salary is $2500-3200/month ($14.42 – 18.46/hr), depending on experience. Shared field housing at no cost to the employee may be provided for the duration of work, depending on the project. Occasional camping is expected. A work vehicle will be provided (carpooling may be necessary); surveyors that use an appropriate personal vehicle for project activities will be reimbursed via a monthly stipend of $800.

Minimum Requirements:
Applicants with a completed B.S. degree in wildlife biology or a closely-related field and at least one field season of experience are strongly preferred. Marbled murrelet experience is not required if the applicant has solid field skills, basic bird identification skills, and an interest in avian biology. A portion of the work each day is pre-dawn and can be physically and mentally demanding. An ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics:

  • Excellent time and data management/organization skills.
  • A consistent track record of working in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Proficiency using a compass, GPS and topographic map to navigate.
  • Excellent physical condition, with the ability to tackle the rigors of field work, comfortable hiking alone off-trail in steep and variable terrain and underbrush in the dark and/or in inclement weather.
  • Experience living and working in rural and remote field and office settings.
  • Working knowledge of western bird identification by sight and sound.
  • The ability and willingness to spend long hours in the field and work odd hours, including very early morning.
  • Integrity, quality, and accuracy in adhering to scientific protocols.
  • The ability to record accurate and reliable field data.
  • Ability to adapt to sudden changes in work schedules due to weather conditions, survey results, and other variables.
  • Basic computer skills: Microsoft suite (Access, Word, Excel), Garmin Basecamp software, manage digital data forms and cloud files, and general computer knowledge. Knowledge of the Avenza mobile app a plus.
  • Flexible, detail-oriented, resourceful, and comfortable working independently while living as part of a team.
  • A valid state-issued driver’s license with clean driving record and the ability to navigate forest roads of variable condition and operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle.
  • Applicants must have normal vision and hearing, with required proof (hearing screen results) to be submitted prior to the start of work.

To Apply:
To apply, please complete an application and prepare a resume and cover letter to be submitted through the employment section of our website. EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. When applying, please indicate location preference in your cover letter, if desired. Interviews are currently underway, don’t wait to apply!

Company website: https://www.turnstoneenvironmental.com/