REC - Assistant Scientists (Interdisciplinary Scientists) Pool Search (8)

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Carbondale (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Roadside Ecology Center (REC) invites applications for eight full-time Interdisciplinary Scientists to conduct field-based ecological research and environmental compliance work supporting road ecology. These roles focus on multi-taxa surveys and mitigation evaluation to inform transportation projects.

Positions are assigned to either the Biological Team or the Wetland Team, requiring GIS proficiency, strong field skills, and collaboration across

Qualifications

• Requires Master’s degree in ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of professional ecological field survey experience.
• Proven record of peer-reviewed publication is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field surveys for multiple taxa (plants, animals, invertebrates) and obtain required permits.
• Prepare environmental compliance documents and progress reports for regulatory agencies.
• Perform wildlife surveys using standardized protocols and evaluate mitigation options.
• Collect and QA data using mobile devices, GPS, and standardized datasheets.
• Develop applied research projects and contribute to reports and publications.
• Create and analyze spatial datasets using GIS and produce maps for reports.

Skills

Field surveys

GIS proficiency

Data management

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in ecology or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

Description

The Roadside Ecology Center (REC) at Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale (SIU) invites applications for eight (8) full-timeInterdisciplinary Scientists. These positions conduct field-basedecological research and environmental compliance work in support ofthe Center’s mission to assess and mitigate the impacts oftransportation infrastructure on wildlife and ecosystems. The RECoperates through a long-term partnership between SIU and theIllinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), serving theenvironmental compliance needs of the southern third of Illinoiswhile advancing applied research in road ecology.

Positions are assigned to either the Biological Team—focused onwildlife, threatened and endangered species, and multi-taxasurveys—or the Wetland Team, focused on wetland delineation,functional assessment, and aquatic resources. All positions requiremulti-taxa competency, strong field skills, GIS proficiency, andcollaborative work across disciplines.

IDOT and the REC seek scientists who are research-minded,multi-taxa generalists. The research emphasis is on identifyingresource concerns, determining appropriate mitigation and offsetstrategies, evaluating current best management practices, andconducting defensible research on avoidance and minimization in thebuilt environment.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications andexperience, while also considering internal equity.

Examples of Duties

• Conduct field surveys for threatened and endangered speciesacross multiple taxa (plants, herpetofauna, birds, mammals,invertebrates, fish), including presence/absence surveys, habitatassessments, and population monitoring; obtain necessary state andfederal handling permits.
• Complete environmental compliance documentation—biologicalassessments, impact evaluations, and mitigation plans—for IDOTtransportation projects, and prepare technical reports forsubmission to IDOT and regulatory agencies.
• Biological Team: Execute wildlife surveys using standardizedprotocols, conduct road mortality assessments, and evaluate thepotential for and effectiveness of mitigation strategies forwildlife populations and ecosystem function. Wetland Team: Performwetland delineations following U.S. Army Corps of Engineersmethodology, conduct rapid functional assessments, completejurisdictional determinations, and assess mitigation siteperformance.
• Collect, manage, and quality-check field data using mobiledevices, GPS units, and standardized datasheets; respond totime-sensitive field requests and adapt to changing prioritiesduring construction seasons.
• Develop and implement applied research projects addressingknowledge gaps in road ecology, with emphasis on avoidance,minimization, and mitigation effectiveness; contribute findings topeer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and conferencepresentations.
• Create, maintain, and analyze spatial datasets using ArcGIS orQGIS; produce maps and spatial summaries for reports andpublications; contribute to Center-wide data managementsystems.
• Collaborate across biological and wetland teams; maintainprofessional relationships with IDOT personnel and regulatoryagency staff; mentor undergraduate and graduate students involvedin REC research.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Required for All Positions:

• Master’s degree in ecology, wildlife biology, botany,environmental science, natural resource management, or a closelyrelated field.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience conductingecological field surveys (academic research, consulting, or agencywork acceptable).
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publication in appliedecology or conservation biology, commensurate with theuniversity-level Assistant Scientist classification
• Demonstrated competency in species identification across atleast two major taxonomic groups.
• Proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS), including spatialdata creation, analysis, and map production.
• Driver’s license with clean driving record; physical ability toconduct field work in variable terrain and conditions, includingcarrying equipment up to 40 lbs.

Additional Requirements – Biological Team

• Experience conducting wildlife surveys using standardizedprotocols (e.g., point counts, acoustic monitoring, cameratrapping, mist netting) and familiarity with threatened andendangered species of Illinois or the Midwest.

Additional Requirements – Wetland Team

• Demonstrated experience conducting wetland delineationsfollowing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers methodology; proficiency inMidwest herbaceous wetland plant identification; familiarity withSection 404 permitting and wetland mitigation requirements.

Preferred (All Positions)

• PhD in a relevant discipline is strongly preferred, or five ormore years of professional experience in road ecology,transportation agency work, or environmental consulting.
• Familiarity with NEPA, ESA (Sections 7 and 10), or Clean WaterAct compliance processes; professional certifications (e.g., CWB,PWS).
• Proficiency with statistical software (R, Python); experiencewith remote sensing, spatial modeling, or advanced GIS; trackrecord of peer-reviewed publications or technical reports.
• Familiarity with Illinois flora, fauna, natural communities,and ecoregions, particularly southern Illinois.

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

Contact: Brent Pease, [e-mail]