Landscape Ecologist: Road Ecology & Spatial Planning Lead

Southern Illinois University Carbondale; Carbondale (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Roadside Ecology Center invites applications for a Landscape Ecologist to lead conservation planning, spatial prioritization, remote sensing, and ecological modeling across Illinois. The role collaborates with field scientists, the GIS Manager, graduate researchers, and IDOT partners to translate field data into landscape-scale strategies and to publish findings.

Qualifications include a master’s degree (PhD preferred), strong publication record,

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of professional experience as a Landscape Ecologist and/or Spatial Planner.
• 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 (multispectral imagery, LiDAR, land cover) for ecological applications.
• Experience conducting species distribution modeling, habitat suitability analysis, landscape connectivity modeling, or related methods.
• Strong technical writing skills with peer-reviewed publications or technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead landscape-scale conservation planning and spatial prioritization efforts.
• Design and conduct spatial analyses using remote sensing imagery, LiDAR, and land cover data.
• Develop, adapt, and maintain ecological models and spatial decision-support tools.
• Collaborate with field biologists, the GIS Manager, and graduate students to integrate field data into landscape models.
• Contribute to research projects, publish findings in journals and reports, and present to stakeholders.
• Support graduate researchers and interns on spatial analysis methods and scientific communication.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging remote sensing technologies and best practices in landscape ecology.

Skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Scientific writing

Communication

Spatial analysis

Education

Master’s degree in landscape ecology, conservation biology, ecology, environmental science, geography, or closely related field

PhD in landscape ecology, conservation biology, geography, or related field (preferred)

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

R

Python

Google Earth Engine

LiDAR data processing

Remote sensing

Job description

Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Roadside Ecology Center invites applications for a Landscape Ecologist to lead conservation planning, spatial prioritization, remote sensing, and ecological modeling across Illinois. The role collaborates with field scientists, the GIS Manager, graduate researchers, and IDOT partners to translate field data into landscape-scale strategies and to publish findings.

Qualifications include a master’s degree (PhD preferred), strong publication record,