REC - Assistant Scientist (Landscape Ecologist)

The Roadside Ecology Center (REC) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale invites applications for a Landscape Ecologist. This position provides technical and scientific leadership for the Center’s conservation planning, spatial prioritization, remote sensing, and ecological modeling activities. Working at the intersection of transportation infrastructure and landscape science, the Landscape Ecologist applies advanced geospatial tools and quantitative methods to determine where and how the effects of roads and land use on wildlife, habitats, and ecosystem processes can best be avoided, minimized, and mitigated across Illinois. The Landscape Ecologist works independently and collaboratively with field scientists, the GIS Manager, graduate research associates, and IDOT partners to design spatial analyses and modeling frameworks that translate field-collected data into landscape-scale conservation strategies. This position serves as the Center’s lead for identifying priority areas for mitigation investment, evaluating the effectiveness of conservation actions, and advancing the practice of road ecology through applied research and peer-reviewed publication.

• Lead landscape-scale conservation planning and spatial prioritization efforts, identifying where mitigation investments and avoidance strategies will deliver the greatest ecological return. 
• Design and conduct spatial analyses using remote sensing imagery, LiDAR, and land cover data to map habitat condition, model species distributions, assess landscape connectivity, and evaluate cumulative infrastructure effects across Illinois. 
• Develop, adapt, and maintain ecological models and spatial decision-support tools that enable IDOT environmental planners to assess project-level impacts within a landscape context and prioritize conservation actions programmatically. 
• Collaborate with field biologists, the GIS Manager, and graduate students to integrate field-collected occurrence and survey data into landscape models, ensuring that spatial prioritization frameworks are grounded in field-validated ecological conditions. 
• Contribute to the design and implementation of Center research projects; prepare and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports, and present results at professional conferences and to IDOT agency stakeholders. 
• Support graduate research associates and, where applicable, interns or field technicians on spatial analysis methods, ecological modeling techniques, and scientific communication. 
• Maintain current knowledge of emerging remote sensing technologies, machine learning applications, and best practices in landscape ecology, road ecology, and conservation planning.

• Master’s degree in landscape ecology, conservation biology, ecology, environmental science, geography, or a closely related field 
• Minimum of three years of professional experience as a Landscape Ecologist and/or Spatial Planner. 
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publication in applied ecology or conservation biology, commensurate with the university-level Assistant Scientist classification 
• Demonstrated proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and at least one ecological modeling or statistical platform (R, Python, Google Earth Engine, or equivalent).
• Experience processing and analyzing remote sensing datasets, including multispectral imagery, LiDAR, or land cover products, for ecological applications. 
• Experience conducting species distribution modeling, habitat suitability analysis, landscape connectivity modeling, or other landscape-scale prioritization methods. 
• Strong technical writing skills with demonstrated ability to produce peer-reviewed publications or technical reports for agency audiences. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team; valid driver’s license required.

• Ph.D. in landscape ecology, conservation biology, geography, or related field with a focus on spatial ecology or applied conservation planning, or five or more years of professional experience as a landscape ecologist in road ecology, transportation agency work, or environmental consulting. 
• Familiarity with road ecology, transportation infrastructure impacts on wildlife, or landscape connectivity analysis in the context of linear infrastructure. 
• Familiarity with decision science frameworks (e.g., structured decision-making) 
• Knowledge of Illinois or Midwestern flora, fauna, and natural communities, particularly species of conservation concern. 
• Familiarity with NEPA, ESA Section 7, or other environmental compliance frameworks relevant to transportation projects.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an R1 Opportunity University with a statewide economic impact of $2.7 billion dollars.  We offer 200+ undergraduate degrees, minors and specializations, 79 master’s degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 acres, with additional acreage in University Farms, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, and other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life, it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere, and many employees commute from nearby counties.

The Southern Illinois region is distinct from the rest of the state, boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest, many state parks, national wildlife areas, and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area, with a variety of eateries and a growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, an official wine appellation designation. The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community, hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm of the area, with a lake and forest on campus, as well as traditional collegiate architecture, quad, and residential halls. Students enjoy outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus, including in the three million volume Morris Library. To learn about employee benefits, employee tuition waivers, and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit: https://jobs.siu.edu/.
 

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran. The university will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations.