Seasonal Field Assistants - Birds, Insects, Plants

Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center is seeking field assistants to primarily help collect data for the first year of a 3-year study of the effects of invasive Japanese barberry removal on plant, arthropod, and bird species composition. To be able to conduct the necessary field work for the project, applicants must be skilled at identifying birds (by sight and sound) and preferably plants, of northeastern U.S. forests. Experience collecting and sorting forest arthropods is a huge plus. Aside from working on this project, field assistants will be part of Great Hollow's small staff and occasionally asked to help with other aspects of the day-to-day operation of Great Hollow, such as invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, miscellaneous office duties, care of our non-releasable birds of prey and other education animals, and community events. These positions are a great opportunity to gain a variety of experience and an inside look at the inner workings of a small environmental NGO. The positions begin in late May and last approximately 7 weeks. Compensation includes a weekly stipend of $400-500 and free on-site, shared housing with included utilities.

About Great Hollow

Founded in 2016, Great Hollow is an environmental education and research center located 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 passive outdoor recreation. Our staff and collaborators conduct integrative, conservation-driven studies of wildlife and plants within and beyond our preserve. Great Hollow also runs numerous education programs for both children and adults throughout the year, including school programs and a nature-based summer day camp. Our 825-acre preserve features four miles of hiking trails that are open to the public year-round for the exploration and enjoyment of nature. Visit https://greathollow.org/ to learn more.

Minimum Qualifications:

-Completion of at least 1 full year of a 4-year university program, majoring in natural resources, conservation biology, ecology, wildlife management, or a similar field.

-Strong identification skills for Northeastern forest birds (by sight and sound) and preferably plants as well. Experience gained solely from the lab sections of college courses is insufficient. Applicants must demonstrate other sources of experience (e.g., prior field positions, atlasing efforts, volunteer work, etc.). Bird point-count survey experience is a big plus.

-Ability to enjoy working outdoors for several hours, sometimes under adverse (e.g., hot, buggy) conditions.

-Physically fit and able to work long days on foot, hiking on rugged terrain.

-English fluency and ability to communicate effectively.

-Ability to live in shared, drug-free and smoke-free housing with respect for others.

-Proof of active health insurance coverage (not provided with position).

-U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S.

To Apply:

The deadline for applications is April 15, 2023. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. To apply, please email as a single PDF (1) a cover letter that includes a clear description of your relevant experience with Northeastern forest plant, insect, or bird ID; (2) your CV; and (3) contact info for two relevant references to: Chad Seewagen at cseewagen@greathollow.org. Please label the PDF as “Last name_first name” and put “Last name_2023 Internship Application” in the subject line of your email.