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

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 Centers 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 Teamfocused on wildlife threatened and endangered species and multi-taxa surveysor 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 documentationbiological assessments impact evaluations and mitigation plansfor 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:

• Masters 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.
• Drivers 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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an R1 Opportunity University with a statewide economic impact of $2.7 billion dollars. We offer 200 undergraduate degrees minors and specializations 79 masters degrees and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1136 acres with additional acreage in University Farms Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center and other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere and many employees commute from nearby counties.

The Southern Illinois region is distinct from the rest of the state boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest many state parks national wildlife areas and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area with a variety of eateries and a growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail an official wine appellation designation. The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm of the area with a lake and forest on campus as well as traditional collegiate architecture quad and residential halls. Students enjoy outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus including in the three million volume Morris Library. To learn about employee benefits employee tuition waivers and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region visit: Illinois University Carbondale is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence equity and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin ancestry age order of protection status genetic information marital status disabilitypregnancysexual orientation including gender identity unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran. The university will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination equal opportunity and affirmative action laws orders and regulations.

Required Experience:

Junior IC