r/wetlands

I’m struggling with the premise of this story. The property in question sits within an officially designated wetland and regulated floodplain, and the complaint is essentially that the land is now… wet.

Wetlands are supposed to hold water. Floodplains are supposed to absorb floodwater. Vegetation, woody debris, and even beaver activity are natural parts of these systems and can provide important habitat, water-quality, and downstream flood-control benefits. Turning every creek into a neatly cleared drainage ditch simply moves water somewhere else.

If Pierce County’s management has artificially worsened flooding, absolutely investigate it. If a private well is contaminated, test it and determine the source. But “my wetland is swampy” by itself is not evidence of government mismanagement. Sometimes the environmentally responsible thing is allowing a wetland to function like a wetland. We need to make a conscious effort to protect and embrace our wetlands and floodplains.

Hi all,

Per the title, I'm wondering how one enters the wetland field without a science degree, but with an adjacent?? one. Graduated 6 years ago.

I'm located in Seattle and do know about the UW wetlands program (got my degree at UW) but I'm not sure how interested I am in permitting and delineating vs. more hands-on wetland biologist work where I'd get to collect data, study these environments etc. I've always been a huge fan of wetland environments and want to find a way to work with them but not sure what additional schooling I'd need.

Do I need to start all the way over and get a B.S. in Biology or a similar field?

To add: I have not worked in the environmental field since 2021 when I was an outdoor teacher which was the only job I could find with my degree. So, I don't have much related experience to add onto the B.A. Any advice is super appreciated.

Thanks.

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!