Wildlife Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $8,778.00 Monthly
Location : Carbondale, Illinois
Job Type: Faculty
Job Number: 2500626
Department: School of Forestry & Horticulture-SIUC
Opening Date: 05/13/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA:: Exempt
Security/Safety Sensitive:: NA
FTE: 1.0
Description
Assistant Professor of Wildlife Conservation and Management, nine (9) month, tenure track effective January 1, 2027. The Forestry Program and Center for Wildlife Sustainability Research at Southern Illinois University seeks a candidate to establish an externally funded research program in wildlife conservation and management to address applied questions related to practices of sustainable forestry, specifically, the impact of forest restoration and forest stand improvement on wildlife in Illinois, the Midwest region, and beyond. A research focus on private lands forest management is desirable but not required.
This position is represented by SIU Carbondale Faculty Association/IEA-NEA. For more information regarding salary and other details please visit: https://laborrelations.siu.edu/labor-contracts/.
Due to the newly established $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions requesting consular processing outside of the U.S., Southern Illinois University is unable to provide H-1B sponsorship at this time for any prospective applicant who is outside of the U.S. and requires consular processing.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Examples of Duties
The expected teaching load is three courses during the academic year (2/1). The candidate will teach undergraduate courses supporting the Forestry Program's Wildlife Habitat Management and Conservation specialization, with options including, but not limited to, Wildlife Habitat and Populations and a field-based Wildlife Monitoring course.
Additionally, the successful candidate will be expected to develop two rotating graduate courses within their area of expertise. The selected candidate is also expected to contribute teaching efforts during the Forestry program's required two-week summer field course. The incumbent is expected to advise/mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and serve on Program, College, and University-wide committees.
Although no formal extension duties are outlined in the position, outreach and service to the School, University, and the public are essential aspects of this position. The successful candidate will have a 49% research appointment in the Center for Wildlife Sustainability Research (formerly known as the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory) and a 51% teaching and research appointment in the School of Forestry and Horticulture with an expectation that the candidate will collaborate with faculty across units. Support and positively contribute to SIU's mission of student success and retention through actions and responsibilities within this role.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

1. Ph.D. in Wildlife Management, Forestry, Ecology, Conservation Science, or other closely related natural-resources field by the effective date of hire. ABD applicants will be considered if all doctoral degree requirements are completed by the time of hire.
2. Demonstrated experience working with silvicolous species and/or in forested ecosystems;
3. Demonstrated experience or ability in teaching relevant coursework;
4. Strong communication skills and interest in instruction and advisement of undergraduate and graduate students;
5. Demonstrated ability and strong interest in collaborative research with natural resource research scientists and other natural resource professionals to develop and maintain an active research program.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Candidates with post-doctoral experience are strongly preferred;
2. Record of publications in refereed journals and securing of external research grants;
3. Wildlife conservation and management research and teaching in forested ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on forest management practices.

Required Documents: Submit a letter of application, CV,statement of research interests, statement of teaching accomplishments and philosophy, and contact information for three references.
Contact: Michael Eichholz,
Supplemental Information
The School of Forestry and Horticulture at Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a leading academic and research unit dedicated to providing high-quality education, research, and outreach in the fields of forestry, horticulture, and environmental science. The Forestry program offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for careers in forest management, conservation, and related disciplines. Located in Carbondale, Illinois, SIU benefits from its proximity to diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and agricultural areas, providing students with unique, hands-on learning opportunities. The school is home to active facilities and research labs, where students and faculty work together on innovative projects that address current environmental challenges, such as climate change, habitat restoration, and sustainable land use.
The Center for Wildlife Sustainability Research (CWSR) was started in 1950 when then SIU President Delyte Morris challenged Dr. Willard Klimstra to start a wildlife research laboratory on campus. The CWSR has since developed collaborations with many state and federal agencies and NGO's, developing national and international recognition with its long-term studies on mine-land reclamation, bobwhite quail, white-tailed deer, bobcats, and waterfowl as well as many other wildlife populations. Research during its first 75 years culminated in the reception of The Wildlife Society's Group Achievement Award, an award endowed upon many much larger conservation organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, National Audubon Society, and Ducks Unlimited Inc. During this 75-year period, the CWSR supported over 1,500 undergraduate and recently graduated student employees receiving hands on research experience with over 400 additional graduate students receiving master's and doctoral degrees. More recently, the CWSR, has averaged > $1,000,000/year in direct federal and federal flow-through grants culminating in > $2,000,000 in 2024.
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 master's degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 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 , , and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit:
Southern 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, disability, pregnancy, sexual 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.
University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). These benefits include: Health Insurance plans (HMOs, OAPs, QCHP and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts, MCAP and DCAP, and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.
Other benefits available to eligible employees include: Generous paid time-off, 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans, and Employee Assistance Program.
SIUC also provides extensive tuition benefits for its employees and their families such as: tuition waiver/application fee waiver for the employee and their dependents, a Legacy tuition rate for children of SIU Alumni, and Civil Service Employee Counsel (CSEC) Education Assistance Program (EAP)
For more information please visit: https://hr.siu.edu/benefits/