Description
The Roadside Ecology Center (REC) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) invites applications for eight (8) full-time Interdisciplinary Scientists. These positions conduct field-based ecological research and environmental compliance work in support of the Center’s mission to assess and mitigate the impacts of transportation infrastructure on wildlife and ecosystems. The REC operates through a long-term partnership between SIU and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT),…
serving the environmental compliance needs of the southern third of Illinois while advancing applied research in road ecology.
Positions are assigned to either the Biological Team—focused on wildlife, threatened and endangered species, and multi-taxa surveys—or the Wetland Team, focused on wetland delineation, functional assessment, and aquatic resources. All positions require multi-taxa competency, strong field skills, GIS proficiency, and collaborative work across disciplines.
IDOT and the REC seek scientists who are research-minded, multi-taxa generalists. The research emphasis is on identifying resource concerns, determining appropriate mitigation and offset strategies, evaluating current best management practices, and conducting defensible research on avoidance and minimization in the built environment.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Examples of Duties
- Conduct field surveys for threatened and endangered species across multiple taxa (plants, herpetofauna, birds, mammals, invertebrates, fish), including presence/absence surveys, habitat assessments, and population monitoring; obtain necessary state and federal handling permits.
- Complete environmental compliance documentation—biological assessments, impact evaluations, and mitigation plans—for IDOT transportation projects, and prepare technical reports for submission to IDOT and regulatory agencies.
- Biological Team: Execute wildlife surveys using standardized protocols, conduct road mortality assessments, and evaluate the potential for and effectiveness of mitigation strategies for wildlife populations and ecosystem function. Wetland Team: Perform wetland delineations following U.S. Army Corps of Engineers methodology, conduct rapid functional assessments, complete jurisdictional determinations, and assess mitigation site performance.
- Collect, manage, and quality-check field data using mobile devices, GPS units, and standardized datasheets; respond to time-sensitive field requests and adapt to changing priorities during construction seasons.
- Develop and implement applied research projects addressing knowledge gaps in road ecology, with emphasis on avoidance, minimization, and mitigation effectiveness; contribute findings to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and conference presentations.
- Create, maintain, and analyze spatial datasets using ArcGIS or QGIS; produce maps and spatial summaries for reports and publications; contribute to Center-wide data management systems.
- Collaborate across biological and wetland teams; maintain professional relationships with IDOT personnel and regulatory agency staff; mentor undergraduate and graduate students involved in REC research.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Required for All Positions:
- Master’s degree in ecology, wildlife biology, botany, environmental science, natural resource management, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of three years of professional experience conducting ecological field surveys (academic research, consulting, or agency work acceptable).
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publication in applied ecology or conservation biology, commensurate with the university-level Assistant Scientist classification
- Demonstrated competency in species identification across at least two major taxonomic groups.
- Proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS), including spatial data creation, analysis, and map production.
- Driver’s license with clean driving record; physical ability to conduct field work in variable terrain and conditions, including carrying equipment up to 40 lbs.
Additional Requirements – Biological Team:
- Experience conducting wildlife surveys using standardized protocols (e.g., point counts, acoustic monitoring, camera trapping, mist netting) and familiarity with threatened and endangered species of Illinois or the Midwest.
Additional Requirements – Wetland Team:
- Demonstrated experience conducting wetland delineations following U.S. Army Corps of Engineers methodology; proficiency in Midwest herbaceous wetland plant identification; familiarity with Section 404 permitting and wetland mitigation requirements.
Preferred (All Positions):
- PhD in a relevant discipline is strongly preferred, or five or more years of professional experience in road ecology, transportation agency work, or environmental consulting.
- Familiarity with NEPA, ESA (Sections 7 and 10), or Clean Water Act compliance processes; professional certifications (e.g., CWB, PWS).
- Proficiency with statistical software (R, Python); experience with remote sensing, spatial modeling, or advanced GIS; track record 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, bpease1@siu.edu