Chad Seewagen

Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center is pleased to announce a two-year fellowship to support a post-doctoral scientist in residence at our preserve in New Fairfield, Connecticut. The Fellow will: (1) conduct independent field research at Great Hollow and/or other appropriate study sites in the region, (2) support other research projects of Great Hollow’s, (3) coordinate and mentor Great Hollow’s summer interns, and (4) contribute to the general day-to-day operation of Great Hollow as a member of our small staff, including, but not limited to, occasional assistance with outreach and stewardship. The ideal candidate will be an ecologist whose research is field-based, integrative, innovative, has a conservation application, and will complement Great Hollow’s current areas of study. Candidates may work in any discipline that is relevant to the biodiversity and ecological communities of the northeastern U.S. The fellowship is primarily intended for early career scientists who have completed their PhD within the past 5 years, but post-doctoral researchers at any career stage are eligible to apply. PhD candidates who expect to defend during the spring of 2024, have a strong publication record, and have an appropriate level of research experience will also be considered. About Great Hollow Founded in 2016, Great Hollow is a non-profit environmental education and research center located in New Fairfield, Connecticut, a little more than an hour north of New York City. Its 825-acre preserve is contiguous or nearly contiguous with thousands of acres of additional protected land in Connecticut and neighboring New York State. The preserve is also near Candlewood Lake, which is the largest lake in Connecticut and presents diverse opportunities for aquatic ecology and freshwater fish research. The preserve is predominantly second-growth deciduous and mixed forest, with a trout stream, beaver impoundment, vernal pools, and small patches of old field and shrubland. More than 4 miles of hiking trails extend through the western half of the preserve and are open to the public year-round. The eastern half of the preserve is closed to the public but available for research. Great Hollow conducts conservation-driven studies of biodiversity in Connecticut and beyond to better understand human impacts to the environment and provide science that can help inform management decisions and public policy. Our research spans the fields of animal ecology, ecophysiology, and ecotoxicology as they relate to the effects of invasive species, land use change, and pollution on wildlife and habitat quality. We take a collaborative approach to research, working closely with partners across academia, government, and other NGOs to approach questions and conservation issues of common interest. Great Hollow also operates as a biological field station that is open to external researchers. Facilities include staff and visitor housing, offices, classroom space, and a basic wet lab. The lab is equipped with a -80°C freezer, refrigerator and -20°C freezer, fume hood, research-grade dissecting scope with digital camera, analytical balance, drying oven, autoclave, Soxhlet fat extraction apparatus, Berlese funnels, POC hemoglobin and hematocrit meter, water bath, microcentrifuges, hematocrit centrifuge, vortexer, variable pipettes, and basic glassware. Applicants should specify whether the research they propose conducting as the Fellow would require any specialized laboratory equipment or analytical capabilities that are not available at Great Hollow. Arrangements can often be made to use, or have samples analyzed in, the labs of other institutions with which Great Hollow collaborates or is affiliated. Primary Responsibilities The Fellow will be responsible for designing and conducting ecological research at Great Hollow Nature Preserve and/or other appropriate sites in the region in collaboration with Great Hollow’s executive director, Chad Seewagen. The Fellow will be expected to submit the work for publication within the 24-month fellowship period. Projects that have a conservation application are preferred, but not required. The Fellow will be expected to apply for extramural funding to help support their research (e.g., equipment/supplies, offsite lab analyses, field assistant wages), but the research should be designed to be accomplishable even if efforts to secure funding are unsuccessful. The Fellow will be provided with a modest internal budget of $3,000 per year for direct expenses if external funding is not acquired. The other primary responsibility of the Fellow will be to help coordinate Great Hollow’s summer internship program. This includes managing the internship application and selection process, and directly mentoring up to two selected interns (who are usually undergraduates, but may sometimes include post-bac or graduate students) as they assist with Great Hollow’s research projects and/or conduct independent projects of their own. The Fellow will be encouraged to use the interns as field assistants in their research and may hire interns with particular skillsets and experience to be most helpful to them. For interns who are interested in conducting their own independent research, the Fellow will help them to design feasible projects, mentor them on data collection, data analysis, and scientific writing, and oversee their daily activities. Timeline The term of the fellowship is 24 months, with minimal potential for extension or transition into a permanent position. The start date is flexible and can be tailored to the timing of the Fellow’s anticipated field season, but is preferred to be sometime between the winter of 2023/2024 and early spring of 2024. Qualifications PhD in biology, ecology, natural resources, conservation biology, or a related field, preferably earned within the past 5 years. PhD candidates who expect to defend by the spring of 2024 will also be considered. Independent research experience that has included study design, field work, field crew supervision, data analysis, and publication of results. Strong quantitative skills and proficiency with biological statistics, including the use of R and GIS. A minimum of two first-author publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals. Demonstrated success securing grants or other extramural funding. Experience teaching or mentoring students, preferably with independent research projects. Familiarity with northeastern U.S. flora, fauna, ecosystems, and general principles of habitat management and conservation. Familiarity with a range of standard field research techniques that will enable the Fellow to mentor interns on projects outside of his/her area of expertise. English fluency and an ability to effectively communicate with other staff, interns, and members of the public. Ability to work well with others as part of a small team. Ability to live in shared, smoke-free and drug-free housing with respect for others. U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. Valid U.S. driver’s license. Compensation On-site staff housing is provided to the Fellow at no charge and with free utilities. The Fellow will also receive a compensation package that includes reimbursement for personal enrollment in the ConnectiCare health insurance program, an annual salary of $40,000-45,000 DOE, and a year-end, performance-based bonus. The available housing includes a private bedroom with a queen bed in our staff house at Great Hollow. Up to three seasonal staff members may also live in the house between late May and early August each year. The house is a recently renovated, fully furnished farmhouse with a fully equipped kitchen and wireless internet. A washer and dryer are also available on-site. The housing is not suitable for families with children, and minors are not allowed to stay in the house under our insurance policy. Pets are allowed under most circumstances but need to be approved in advance by the executive director.

Great Hollow is seeking a dynamic and passionate Preserve Steward & Naturalist to maintain its grounds, facilities, and trails, manage its preserve for native species, and develop and lead engaging outreach programs. Approximately two thirds of the position will entail property and facilities maintenance while the remainder will entail education/outreach, field research, administrative tasks, animal care, and other miscellaneous responsibilities. About Great Hollow Great Hollow is a non-profit environmental education and research center that was founded in 2016 in New Fairfield, Connecticut, a little more than an hour north of New York City. Great Hollow is dedicated to biodiversity conservation, applied ecological research, experiential environmental education, and the promotion of passive outdoor recreation. Our scientists conduct integrative, conservation-driven studies of wildlife and plants within and beyond the preserve. Active areas of research include the effects of invasive plants on wildlife and habitat quality, the effects of light pollution on bats, the spatial ecology of wood turtles, and the effects of mercury pollution on migratory songbirds. Great Hollow also runs numerous education and outreach programs for both children and adults throughout the year, including school programs and a nature-based summer day camp. The preserve consists of 825 acres of forest, wetlands, and freshwater streams, a 4-mile trail network, and historic houses and barns that provide seasonal staff housing, offices, a lab, and program rooms. The trails and grounds are open to the public year-round. Visit GreatHollow.org to learn more. Position Description The Preserve Steward & Naturalist position is very multifaceted and has a wide range of responsibilities that require intimate knowledge of local natural history along with facility maintenance and groundskeeping abilities. The person in this position plays a critical role in the day-to-day operation of Great Hollow and works closely with Great Hollow’s executive director and education coordinator. Approximately two thirds of the position will entail property and facilities maintenance, and land management, while the remainder will entail education/outreach, field research, administrative tasks, animal care, and other miscellaneous responsibilities. As Great Hollow’s land manager and head of facilities maintenance, s/he will be directly responsible for (1) the maintenance of Great Hollow’s buildings, which include historic houses and barns; (2) groundskeeping/landscaping of Great Hollow’s campus; (3) maintenance of a 4-mile trail network; (4) helping to care for Great Hollow’s collection of non-releasable birds of prey; and (5) management of habitat in support of native plants and wildlife. The selected applicant will also contribute to Great Hollow’s education, outreach, and research initiatives by (1) cultivating and maintaining relationships with local conservation groups, land trusts, regulatory agencies, schools, community organizations and the general public; (2) developing and leading outreach programs; (3) helping to organize large community events; (4) providing support to children’s environmental education programs and camps; and (5) assisting with field research. Weekend and evening work is sometimes required to lead or support programs and events, accommodate renters of Great Hollow’s property for private functions, respond to urgent matters (e.g., storms, power outages), care for education animals, and other reasons. Weekend and evening work will be compensated for by taking time off during normal working hours the following week(s). Primary Responsibilities: Maintain Great Hollow’s hiking trails, including removal of fallen trees and other debris, mowing and weed whacking, replacement of trail markers and other signage, temporary closure of trail sections due to flooding or unsafe conditions, etc. Manicure and maintain Great Hollow’s campus, including landscaping, lawnmowing, weed whacking, weeding of flower beds and pollinator garden, snow plowing and shoveling, leaf removal, litter removal, etc. Maintain facilities, including basic repairs, heating and cooling system maintenance, gutter cleanouts, winterization of seasonal housing, and light janitorial work (e.g., trash/recycling management; sweeping/vacuuming; upkeep of restrooms, main work areas, and program rooms). Maintain and operate gas-powered equipment including but not limited to zero-turn and push-lawnmowers, Kubota UTV, portable generator, chainsaw, weedwhacker, leaf-blower, etc. Set up and break down tables and chairs, and reset bathrooms for private rentals of Great Hollow for weddings, birthday parties, and similar functions. Help care for Great Hollow’s non-releasable birds of prey, including management of food supplies, feeding, and cleaning and maintenance of enclosures. Develop and lead engaging outreach programs and interpretive hikes focused on Northeastern natural history. Steward cooperative relationships with diverse groups, including schools, land trusts, community organizations (e.g., Scouts), local businesses, adjacent landowners, conservation NGOs, government agencies, colleges and universities, and the general public to promote and further Great Hollow’s education, outreach, land management, and research initiatives. Assist Great Hollow scientists with field research and biodiversity inventorying and monitoring. Identify and pursue opportunities for habitat enhancement around the preserve, including but not limited to invasive plant management. Provide written and photographic content for Great Hollow’s website, social media outlets, annual reports, and other outreach and marketing materials. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, conservation biology, environmental education, or a similar field. Manual labor experience involving landscaping, habitat restoration, groundskeeping, and/or building maintenance and light repair work. Ability to maintain and safely operate power equipment such as a zero-turn lawnmower, UTV, gas-powered chainsaw, gas-powered leaf blower, gas-powered weedwhacker, and pressure washer. Experience with land stewardship, nature interpretation, environmental education/outreach, field biology, nature center work, or similar. Intimate knowledge of northeastern U.S. natural history, including ecosystems and biological communities. Familiarity with basic field biology methods (e.g., vegetation surveys, bird surveys, radiotelemetry) and current principles of wildlife and habitat management. Outgoing and engaging personality, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to design and deliver inspirational interpretive programming to all ages. Experience working with partners such as local NGOs, land trusts, schools, community organizations, and local and state government agencies. Strong organizational and time management skills, punctuality, and ability to meet deadlines. Strong self-direction and successful experience meeting goals with a high degree of autonomy. Ability to communicate well with diverse audiences, verbally and in writing. English fluency required. Proficiency with common software such as Microsoft Word and Excel, web browsers, social media applications, etc. Ability to work under variable and inclement weather conditions, on challenging terrain, under physically demanding circumstances, climb ladders, and lift heavy objects. Valid driver’s license. Current CPR-First Aid certification or willingness to obtain. U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. Ability to start no later than July 15, 2023. Compensation The Preserve Steward & Naturalist will receive a competitive compensation package that includes a starting salary of $45,000 – $55,000 (DOE), an annual performance-based bonus, 10 paid vacation days and 5 paid personal/sick days per year, fully employer-covered health insurance, and a 401k retirement plan with an employer match of up to $2,500 per year. Short-term, shared housing will be temporarily available for anyone moving long-distance until they are able to make their own living arrangements. How to Apply As a single PDF, please email (1) a cover letter that summarizes your most relevant experience with facilities and property maintenance, land management, and nature interpretation/outreach, and what attracted you to the position (2) a resume/CV, and (3) contact information for at least two relevant references to Dr. Chad Seewagen at cseewagen@greathollow.org. Please put “NATURALIST/STEWARD_[last name]” in the subject line. We are looking to fill this position immediately, so applications will be reviewed as they are received and accepted until the position is filled.