REC - Assistant Scientist (Landscape Ecologist)

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

Description

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.

Examples of Duties

• 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.

Qualifications

Minimum 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Required Documents:

Please submit a letter of application, CV/Resume, and three references.

Contact:

Brent Pease, [e-mail]