Landscape Ecologist & Spatial Modeling Lead

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Carbondale (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Illinois University Carbondale invites applications for a Landscape Ecologist to lead conservation planning, spatial prioritization, and modeling at the Roadside Ecology Center. The role centers on road ecology, wildlife habitats, and landscape-scale analyses to guide mitigation investments in Illinois.

You will collaborate with the GIS Manager and graduate researchers, publish findings, and develop decision‑support tools.

Qualifications

• 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
• Peer‑reviewed publications in applied ecology or conservation biology
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and at least one ecological modeling or statistical platform (R, Python, GEE, or equivalent)
• Experience processing remote sensing datasets (multispectral imagery, LiDAR, land cover)
• Experience conducting species distribution modeling or connectivity analyses
• Strong technical writing skills with ability to produce publications or technical reports
• Valid driver’s license

Responsibilities

• Lead landscape-scale conservation planning and spatial prioritization
• 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 data into landscape models
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and technical reports, and present results to stakeholders
• Support graduate research associates and interns on spatial analysis methods and scientific communication
• Maintain knowledge of emerging remote sensing technologies and best practices in landscape ecology

Skills

Geospatial analysis

Statistical modeling

Scientific writing

Remote sensing

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Education

Master's degree in landscape ecology

PhD in landscape ecology

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

R

Python

Google Earth Engine

Job description

Southern Illinois University Carbondale invites applications for a Landscape Ecologist to lead conservation planning, spatial prioritization, and modeling at the Roadside Ecology Center. The role centers on road ecology, wildlife habitats, and landscape-scale analyses to guide mitigation investments in Illinois.

You will collaborate with the GIS Manager and graduate researchers, publish findings, and develop decision‑support tools.