u/Fluid_Plantain_Tour

Hello all!

I am in a post doc (Evolutionay Ecology) that I feel does not suit me anymore. I have one more year on my contract, and I have been applying to jobs on and off over the last year. I am greatly restricted by location as my spouse just start his professorship. There was no spousal hire successfully negiotated. My originally career goal was being in an PI role in the federal government, but unfortnately where I am moving to only has the EPA.

From what I am seeing the EPA wants ecotoxicologists. I am sure that I can learn these skills, but my resume is not strong enough to get a job that I want. I feel I need to start at the bottom and work up a bit. Any suggestions on what type of ecotoxicology positions I should be looking for? I have been keeping my eyes on post docs in the area, but I haven't seen anything in the area. Do you all think volunteering at a lab would be helpful at this stage in my career?

My concern is that will my PhD will not be helpful and possibly detrimental. However, I have experience with some chemistry - mostly stoichiometry and ICPMS. Do you all have any ideas on how I can use my experience to get a toxicology job? I think I need specific job titles or keywords to start out.

Thank you!

Hello all!

I am in a post doc in Evolutionary Ecology and I am ready to move into industry. I am greatly restricted by location as my spouse just start his professorship. There was no spousal hire successfully negiotated. I noticed that the area he currents lives in has so many wetland delineator positions - I see a new position posted every week. Since I have no connections with people in this area of work I would like to ask you all for your experience as an informational interview:

1. What is the schedule for a wetland delinator like? Will I be working more than 40 hours a week?

2. It seems that these jobs require driving out to field sites. Am I expected to use my own vehicle and gas to travel to these sites or will I be provided a vehicle?

3. Once I get experienced would I be working with a partner? I don't quite like the idea being outside in the wilderness alone.

4. What type of weather would stop work from happening? What is the most extreme weather you have worked in?

5. How long is a field season usually? Does the field season stop when the soil freezes or for some other reasons? The area I am moving to is the sweet spot between Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. I know the winters are mild in this area. Is there any over-time in the fall right before the season ends?

6. What would I be doing during the off-season? I assume scheduling with cilents and also renewing permits, but please correct me if wrong.

7. What is the upward mobility like the field? I am hoping that I can get in the big leagues with environmental consulting somewhat quickly. Lets say I work as a wetland delineator for 2 years, if move to another company with my experience could I be in a lead position?

8. I did ok in my soil science class and I have worked in soil analysis as a forestry technician. I am much better with plant idenitification especially if I have a handy field guide. How good do I need to be at these skills to get a position? Are there other skills you all suggest I work on before I get a position? To make myself clear I would only work more on these skills if I am asked for an interview.

Thank you all for the your opinions and advice! Have a good day!

Hey all! I am a post doc (evo eco) and I am considering leaving research for my next job. I am concerned to leave research because most of my professional experience and skills are related to research. I was recently asked for an interview for an applied ecology role that does not involve research. I would have a great time in this position, but I dont see much upward mobility. Thus, I might have to consider leaving this role after a few years to advance my career (aka make more $$). My concern is that if I take a non-research position I won't be able to enter research again within the next 5 years (at least not easily). Has anyone left academia and research and then went back into research? Thank you!

Edit to add: I am basic science research and I like it, but I would be ok with not having a permanant job in research for the rest of my life. I have been hoping for a compliance or regulatory scientist position, but no bites yet. If I stay out of research for a few years (or forever) it won't be devastating but could close an avenue of income.