Position Information
Posting Detail Information
Working Position Title Interdisciplinary Wildlife/Wetland Ecologist (35315) Multiple Positions Classification Research Associate Position Number 00035315 Open Date 08/07/2026 Close Date Priority Review Date 09/16/2026 Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Regular FLSA Exempt Job code 1620SPS04 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department VP Research and Innv Prtnrshp College/Unit VP Research and Innv Prtnrshp Division Research and Innv Prtnrshp Location LH 301 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://www.niu.edu/niccs/index.shtml
Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications
Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications
Overview
The new Roadside Ecology Program at Northern Illinois University welcomes applicants for eight (8) full-time interdisciplinary ecologists. Interdisciplinary Ecologists conduct field-based ecological research and regulatory compliance work as part of the Roadside Ecology Program mission to quantify and assess the impacts of transportation infrastructure on wildlife, wetlands, and ecosystems. This position supports a long-term partnership between Northern Illinois University and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), serving the environmental compliance needs of the northern third of Illinois while advancing applied research in roadside ecology. The Roadside Ecology Program is a subunit of NIU's Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability, which aims to conduct applied research to strengthen communities and the ecosystems they occupy.
Position Summary
Positions represent a balance of regulatory service work (approximately 60%) with applied research (approximately 40%). Interdisciplinary Ecologists will be 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 assessments, and aquatic resources). All positions require multi-taxa competency, strong field skills, GIS proficiency, and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Applied Research
- Review and conduct studies to inform Best Management Practices for road and highway management programs
- Collaborate with project team to write and generate other materials for white papers, reviews, and other scientific documentation
- Support the translation of research findings through meetings, workshops, and events with internal and external partners
Regulatory Report Development
- Collaborate with Program team to write and assemble reports that meet the needs for IDOT natural resources permitting purposes, including descriptions of impacts and proposed mitigation actions to reduce impacts
- Use GIS to transfer GPS data to project maps to illustrate field-based findings and analyze results of field surveys
- Prepare text and other materials for IDOT-related natural resources permitting reports: tables, references, maps, graphs, and other types of figures
Wildlife and Wetland Field Assessments
- Collaborate with project team to develop survey designs for wetland delineations, species and/or habitat surveys that evaluate impacts of proposed IDOT highway projects to natural resources
- Travel to field sites and work alongside other Interdisciplinary Ecologists to implement ecological field assessment surveys to document wetlands, endangered species, and other significant natural resources
- Use GPS to record data collection areas and ecologically significant features that are found during field studies
- Analyze and interpret data, ensuring findings are accurate, valid, and actionable.
- Manage and maintain travel records and inventory of field materials, equipment, and other resources
Other Related Duties
- Communicate and coordinate with other stakeholders during field surveys and report development
- Communicate and coordinate with IDOT Roadside Ecology Programs in other parts of the state
- Participate in creative problem solving for projects and improve processes for data gathering, assessments, analysis, reporting, team coordination, and project management
- Assist with new initiatives or projects
- Participate in professional development opportunities
Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)
n/a
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)
n/a
Specialty Factors (Civil Service)
n/a
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)
n/a
Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)
- Bachelor's Degree in wildlife biology or related field, such as interdisciplinary ecology, wetland science, or botany, and 3 years of experience in ecological profession conducting endangered species or habitat surveys and conducting wetland delineations.
- Experience studying/handling, and ability to obtain permits to handle, endangered species in Illinois.
- Experience writing reports for regulatory applications.
- A positive track record of working as part of a team to implement field surveys and develop reports.
- Experience with GPS units, ArcGIS, and/or other ESRI field data collection software.
- Thorough understanding of restoration ecology theory, principles and practices and ability to apply to projects.
- Experience with state and federal environmental regulations and permitting processes, specifically, CWA Sections 404/401 and state and federal endangered species programs.
Additional Requirements (SPS)
- Advanced knowledge of local and regional flora, fauna, and ecological systems of northern Illinois. Demonstrated ecological identification skills, including plants, animals, ecological communities, wetlands, soils, and others as necessary.
- Demonstrated ability to perform professional ecological work, such as independent studies, complex data analyses, and development of habitat mitigation actions.
- Knowledge of restoration ecology principles, habitat management, and ecological assessment methods.
- Knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, including Clean Water Act Sections 404/401 and endangered species laws.
- Knowledge of wetland delineation standards and functional assessment methodologies.
- Knowledge of ecological research design, scientific methods, and quantitative analysis.
- Knowledge of GIS systems, GPS field data collection tools, and ESRI platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, Avenza, Field Maps, Survey123).
- Skill in conducting field surveys across multiple taxa (plants, birds, mammals, reptiles/amphibians, insects).
- Skill in performing wetland delineations, vegetation monitoring, and habitat assessments.
- Skill in using GIS software and GPS tools for spatial data collection and analysis.
- Skill in analyzing ecological datasets and interpreting scientific results.
- Skill in preparing technical reports, natural resource assessments, and regulatory documentation.
- Skill in project coordination, task management, and resource organization.
- Skill in communicating effectively with regulators, clients, internal teams, and external partners.
- Ability to conduct professional ecological work, including field studies, data analysis, and development of mitigation recommendations, independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to apply environmental regulations to transportation projects and compliance situations.
- Ability to obtain permits to handle endangered species in Illinois.
- Ability to work collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams and with partner agencies.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.
- Ability to problem-solve and contribute to improved data collection, assessment methods, and reporting processes.
- Ability to work outdoors in variable terrains and weather conditions, including roadside environments.
- Ability to balance regulatory service work with applied research responsibilities.
- Knowledge of Midwestern flora, fauna, ecological communities, soils, and natural systems.
- Knowledge of wildlife biology, ecology, wetland science, botany, or related disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications (SPS)
- Master's Degree in wildlife biology or related field such as wetland science, botany, or ecology, and 5 years of professional experience
- Professional certifications such as PWS, CWB, CERP, PG, or regional survey licenses (e.g., EPSC, hydrologic professionals).
- Demonstrated involvement in professional associations - especially in leadership roles or through contributions to publications or presentations.
- Experience mentoring junior staff or training field teams on technical methods.
Physical demands/requirements
- Conduct full-day field surveys in harsh terrain, with conditions varying from hot to wet to cold (i.e., through the year in northern Illinois). Terrain likely to include hillslopes, wetlands, prairies, forests, and other typical northern Illinois environments, at times with uncertain footing and dense vegetation.
- Using computer/electronic equipment for extended periods of time.
- Occasional field days of longer duration than 7.5 hours to complete field surveys.
- May require occasional overnight travel to meetings and workshops (less than once per month).
- Occasional lifting and moving items weighing up to 40 lbs.
Appointment and Compensation Details
Appointment and Compensation Details
Anticipated Appointment Start Date 10/19/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 PM, with longer days occasionally needed to complete field surveys. Salary $60,000.00 - $85,000.08/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $2,500.00 - $3,541.67/Semi-monthly Earn Type Salary
Application Procedure
Application Procedure
Application Procedure
For full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/94814 to submit the following materials by September 16th, 2026:
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter - Please include your interest in employment with NIU and how your previous experiences position you for success in the role for which you are applying. Be sure to describe experience leading biological assessments, handling endangered species, and conducting wetlands assessments.
- Current Resume
- List of Three current Professional References, including name, email address, and phone number
- Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts will be required within 30 days of start date).
Applications submitted after September 16th, 2026 are welcomed, due to the number of staff needed, the position will remain open until all positions are filled. Applicants without listed qualifications or experience may be considered, especially if they are highly specialized in one area or another (e.g., endangered species surveys or wetland delineations).
Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/94814 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary
In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services Building Room 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560
Visa Policy
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
ADA Accommodation
NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.
Safety Information
NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.
Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
- List of at least 3 Professional References
Optional Documents
- Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
- Other
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).