Research Scientist - Wildlife Ecologist

Position Title

Research Scientist I - Wildlife Ecologist

Professional & Scientific

Bachelor’s degree

Valid U.S. Driver's License

• 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 Midwest
• Field crew supervision experience
• Experience that demonstrates management of large databases
• Experience formatting input files for and analyzing demographic data with MARK or DISTANCE programs
• Experience with R programming, and demonstrated record of publication in scientific journals

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) 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.

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

December 1, 2027

12 Month Work Period

Full time

PS807

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

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment or call  or Toll Free:

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 Work Flex options for some positions. Work Flex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

March 4, 2026

R18735