Research Scientist I - Wildlife Ecologist

Position Title:Research Scientist I - Wildlife EcologistJob Group:Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degreeSpecial Required QualificationsValid U.S. Driver's LicensePreferred Qualifications:An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in the Biological Sciences (e.g., Wildlife, Fisheries, Natural Resource Management),Field experience working with vertebrates or invertebrates in the MidwestField crew supervision experienceExperience that demonstrates management of large databasesExperience formatting input files for and analyzing demographic data with MARK or DISTANCE programsExperience with R programming, and demonstrated record of publication in scientific journalsJob Description:SummaryThe Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (at Iowa State University seeks applicants for a Research Scientist I in the area of Wildlife Ecology. This individual will work on a long-term project (Iowa’s Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring [MSIM] project) to monitor wildlife species (vertebrates and invertebrates) and inform conservation measures for rare species in Iowa.This person will be responsible for summarizing and analyzing project data, preparing annual and final reports, publishing the results in peer-reviewed journals, conducting fieldwork throughout Iowa, and helping manage a field crew of up to 30 seasonal workers. The fieldwork will include a mix of sampling techniques to monitor vertebrate (mammal, bird, herptile, and fish) and invertebrate (butterfly, dragonfly, crayfish, and mussel) species at selected sites throughout Iowa. In addition, the person will be responsible for purchasing field equipment, regularly visiting field sites, and collecting field data in conjunction with seasonal employees.The successful candidate will have the ability to work independently and help manage a large field crew; strong organizational, supervisory, and time management skills; and the ability to manipulate a large database of field records and extract formatted data input files from it. The position also requires the ability to accurately differentiate color‑coded indicators and materials essential to field operations.This is a term position with opportunity for renewal. All accrued vacation must be used during the time of appointment.Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)Proposed End Date or Length of Term:December 1, 2027Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:PS807Application Instructions:The position will remain open until filled. For fullest consideration, applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on March 20th, 2026.Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.Original Posting Date: March 4, 2026Posting Close Date:Job Requisition Number:R18735By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email .If you have questions about the application process please email or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Created: 2026-03-06