Conservation Ecologist - Keller Science Action Center

Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide ecological and taxonomic expertise to Action Center conservation efforts.
• Lead initiatives within the Chicago program with an interdisciplinary team that includes ecologists, social scientists, and educators.
• Collaborate as a lead scientist in the Chicago region including planning, fieldwork, and technical reporting to establish and sustain conservation that benefits local communities.
• Manage key relationships with partners and help establish new partnerships that advance our conservation and well-being goals.
• Work closely with Action Center staff and partners to synthesize insights and outcomes across particular experiences and generate understanding to leverage results at larger landscape scales.
• Support the monitoring, evaluation, and iterative improvement of the program.
• Contribute to grant proposals, technical reports, and other materials for dissemination, including peer-reviewed publications, that support the creation or management of conservation landscapes.
• Integrate ecological expertise into the development of long-term conservation strategies in collaboration with other Action Center scientists and partners, identifying and implementing opportunities to expand conservation programming and funding.

Experience And Qualifications (Required)

• Advanced degree in ecology, conservation biology, wildlife science, or related conservation science field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in applied conservation science, including fieldwork and project implementation.
• Demonstrated experience working in the Chicago region or a similar large metropolitan ecosystem where conservation occurs across an urban–natural mosaic and at corridor/landscape scales.
• Experience managing projects and competent working both independently and in a team.
• Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills: able to structure ideas clearly and to communicate them in English to a wide range of audiences.
• Proficiency with digital work platforms such as MS Office and Google Workspace.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Experience

• Receiving input from local communities to shape their research.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Experience working with diverse partners and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in ecology, conservation biology, wildlife science, or related conservation science field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in applied conservation science, including fieldwork and project implementation.
• Demonstrated experience working in the Chicago region or a similar large metropolitan ecosystem where conservation occurs across an urban–natural mosaic and at corridor/landscape scales.
• Experience managing projects and competent working both independently and in a team.
• Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills: able to structure ideas clearly and to communicate them in English to a wide range of audiences.
• Proficiency with digital work platforms such as MS Office and Google Workspace.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Receiving input from local communities to shape their research.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Experience working with diverse partners and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.