Crew Lead – Marbled Murrelet

Come join the Turnstone Environmental team, and spend your summer hiking through Oregon’s Coast Range!

Turnstone is currently hiring multiple crew leaders to manage field crews and 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.

Location

We typically have field crews based in the beautiful Oregon towns of Astoria, Corvallis, Forest Grove, McMinnville, Tillamook, and potentially southern Oregon.

Salary Range & INCENTIVES

$3,200 – $3,975 Monthly ( equivalent to $18.50 – $23 Hourly)

Salary range is dependent upon project and applicant experience.

Season Completion Bonus, plus the potential for performance bonus!

Reimbursement for work use of personal field-capable vehicle, if desired

Field housing (depending on location)

Dates of Employment

Early/Mid-April 2024 – Late-July/Early-August 2024 (possibility of extension)

Due to protocol requirements, mission critical work periods include April 22-26, June 27-28, and July 1-21; work schedule can be more flexible during other parts of the field season—please inquire during interview. Some weekend work may be necessary.

Job Duties

• Day-to-day organization and leadership for field crew, including mentoring and coordinating field logistics
• Communicating information between your field crew and your supervisor, maintaining open communication with your supervisor throughout the field season and providing daily updates
• Facilitating weekly crew meetings and safety discussions
• Responsible for composition, corrections, and maintenance of the season survey schedule for crew
• Submit weekly or bi-weekly updates to your supervisor with all data collected by your crew, ensuring data accuracy
• Review and submit timesheets and mileage logs for your field crew
• Conduct marbled murrelet surveys following an established protocol
• Work independently in the early morning hours (including pre-dawn) in the forest
• Use GPS and basic navigational tools to locate and set up survey stations
• Hike off-trail in the dark through steep and strenuous terrain following an existing flag line
• Record, transcribe and submit accurate survey data

All crew leaders will be provided with extensive training prior to starting surveys. Typically, housing is provided for our field crews. Occasional camping is often preferred and may be necessary at times. A field vehicle will be provided unless the employee chooses to use a personal vehicle for reimbursement.

There may also be opportunities before, after, or during the field season to work on a variety of other interesting and collaborative field projects for the right candidates.

Interviews are currently underway and will continue until all positions are filled. Once positions are filled, this application will remain as an open continuous announcement for applicants interested in any future openings that may occur with increased workloads.

Desired Qualifications

Applicants should have  a B.S. degree in wildlife biology (or a closely related field).  2-3 previous seasons of field experience are required. Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Previous experience in a leadership role on a field crew, and/or with any of the duties detailed above.
• Excellent communication and management skills – ability to maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor, as well as uphold team morale throughout the field season.
• Excellent time and data management skills
• A strong work ethic, integrity, quality, and accuracy in adhering to scientific protocols
• The ability to tackle the rigors of field work, feel comfortable hiking alone each day in steep and variable terrain, and willingness to spend long hours in the field and work odd hours, including very early morning
• Knowledge of navigating with a compass, GPS and topographic map
• Working knowledge of western bird identification (or willingness to learn)
• Flexible, detail-oriented, resourceful, and comfortable working independently
• A valid state-issued driver’s license with clean driving record and the ability to navigate forest roads of variable condition and operate a 4WD vehicle
• Basic computer skills: Microsoft suite (Access, Word, Excel), Garmin Basecamp software, manage digital data forms ad cloud files, and general computer knowledge. Knowledge of Avenza mobile app a plus.
• Applicants must have normal vision and hearing, must submit hearing test results prior to starting work
• A general appreciation of the natural wonders of the Oregon coast and willingness to explore them.

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!

Turnstone is committed to building a diverse team where differences are valued and respected. Women, minorities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.