Would you like to submit a question to the community of Biologists?
What piece of winter field gear do you recommend?
Ask a Biologist Monday 11/22/21
I really love a good vest for the winter. It keeps your core warm and overall makes such a difference.
Answers from Biologists:
Heat packs for inside gloves and socks. I can’t be outside in the field without them.
A versatile neck covering to keep the wind off. Something thin-ish that traps heat and has good coverage.
Good, warm boots.
Gaiters
Warm socks. Bonus if they keep moisture off your feet. Cold feet can totally ruin a day.
Balaclavas. Northern Alberta gets to be -45C and the wind stings your face.
Good boots.
A beanie.
Merino wool socks. A good pair of socks can save the day.
Artix snow pant. Lightweight and well insulated. A must have if you dislike cold.
In MN, I lived in my Carhartt insulated coveralls with sleeves.
Wind River thermal leggings.
Tall waterproof boots and a long coat.
Snowsuits make me hate winter less and get outdoors more. Even in -50C it’s okay for a bit.
Base layers. I prefer wool and it really makes a difference.
Wool socks and wool base layers. Merino wool is my favorite.
I live in base layers and wool socks from November to March.
A merino wool headband. I pair it with a hat to warm up or cool down as needed.
A gator. It keeps my face and neck warm.
Mittens. Having my fingers all in the same compartment keeps them warmer than gloves.
Toque (beanie) over a wool/fleece baseball hat.
Long johns and thick socks.
Bib overalls with lots of pockets. I like insulated duck canvas. Durable and water repellent.
A beanie with a brim. Sun protection and warm ears in one.
Mittens. Life changing if your hands get cold easily.
Merino wool long sleeves and hand warmers.
I never leave for the field in cold weather without my wool base layer under field pant.
A beanie with a brim. Sun protection and keeps your ears warm.
A merino wool headband. I pair it with a hat to warm up or cool down as needed.
Insulated bibs.
Wool gloves that pop over to mittens. Best way to keep your hands warm when it’s damp.
Heated socks, used sparingly, can be a game changer.
A buff/neck tube. When I am in Alaska it’s super windy so it can hurt to breathe without one.
Layers, layers, layers. But also a nice warm vest for your core.
Rain pants are a must for rainy winters. Anything to keep socks dry.
Merino wool long sleeves and hand warmers.
Extra socks and gloves.
A moisture wicking base layer like underarmor.
Quilted Carhartt bibs for hours in one place.
As a broke grad student I invested in Underarmor gear and I’m still wearing it 10 years later.
A buff to cover your nose and mouth.
What is a must have book for this profession (textbook, field guide, etc.)
Ask a Biologist 11/8/21
I recommend the Peterson Field Guide to Animal Tracks. It has information on tracks, scats, and more for identifying a large range of species.
Answers from Biologists:
Peterson or Audubon field guides
Sibley bird guide. I use the Western one.
Biology writing handbook. Great for easy reference without going down an internet rabbit hole.
Sibley birds.
Statistics for Terrified Biologists. Because math.
The Wildlife Techniques manual
A state Breeding Bird Atlas. Essential for my work.
Plant Identification Terminology. This book is a lifesaver if you do any botany work.
Peterson, Pyle, and Sibley for all species. Writing manuals.
For Fisheries science-the Tragedy of Commodity
Newcombe’s Wildflowers for the curious biologist on a lunch break.
A really good survival guide
R for Data Science-this has been super useful for my MS research.
Biology dictionary
Skull ID book
Lone Pines, Amphibian guide-good ID for tadpoles
Crossley waterfowl ID guide
Bat Calls of Britain and Europe by John Ross-for chirotology
Wetland Plants of the Upper Midwest by Chadde-for botany types
Identification Guide to North American Birds by Peter Pyle
Don’t be Such a Scientist -good for people who work with the public
Verbal Judo
What are you doing to/how can we add diversity to the field?
Ask A Biologist Monday 11/1/21
I have worked with other biologists to create a free Guide to Becoming a Wildlife Biologist, mentor early career biologists, do Ask a Biologist Monday, am clear about being a Hispanic woman, and am open about my struggles with anxiety, depression, and chronic migraines.
Answers from Biologists:
Mentor folks new to the field.
Listen to Indigenous people with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK).
Labs/research groups need to start offering paid work instead of volunteer positions.
Paid internships that offer an actual livable wage.
Remove “that’s how it’s always been” from your vocabulary.
I’m openly gay. I hope it inspires LGBTQ+ people to get into Biology.
Pay interns.
Create apprenticeships.
Be open about your disabilities and how you can still perform your job despite them.
More brown Biologists in the mainstream.
Include high school students and younger students in field work/trips.
Phase out unpaid experience.
Mentor young women/POC/LGBTQ+. Support women peers.
Push back on sexism.
Making efforts to make it less than the traditional “hook and bullet” (fishing and hunting) entry into the field.
Educational outreach, especially in underserved communities.
Develop stem content and role models for kids at an early age, especially underserved communities.
Managing alumni pages to make sure as many people as possible see the posting.
What makes someone a good Biologist?
Ask a Biologist Monday 10/25/21
Science is nothing without the ability to communicate it to the Public. An important part of being an effective Biologist is communicating complex science to those without the same background as you. If you can break a complex idea down into the basics and help another to understand it, then you truly have a grasp on that topic.
Answers from Biologists:
Honesty and accountability.
Not being cocky and learning from people in the field who learned from the land.
Knowing it’s okay to acknowledge that you don’t know everything but are willing to learn.
Empathy. Or at least an understanding of different stakeholder’s points of view.
Inquisitive mind, ability to think outside the box. And some math ability.
Using your position to make the field as inclusive as possible.
Creativity! In asking questions designing methods, executing fieldwork, etc.
Curiosity.
Being very observant and persistent, and open-minded in the wake of failure.
Good personality and a smile. Makes remote sites more fun!
Care about students, animals, and community well-being.
A baseline curiosity, paired with the ability to ask and answer scientific questions.
A curious mind. A little bit of drive. A lot of flexibility (the plan rarely works out on the first try.
Being open-minded to opinions and suggestions of folks you supervise.
Ability to stay calm and positive when things don’t work out in the field.
Willing to both ask and answer questions, especially the “dumb” ones.
Learning and seeking to improve yourself. Advocating for development/advancement of those you supervise.
Work ethic, dedication, and a solid understanding of the scientific method.
Creativity and a willingness to listen to others.
Staying curious and asking the right questions.
What is a piece of advice for Biology undergrads?
Ask A Biologist Monday 10-18-21
My advice is to start getting experience as soon as possible. Extensive, varied experience will set you apart in the job hunt once you graduate.
Answers from Biologists:
Think about what you want to do with your degree post-graduation early and work to build useful skills.
Don’t overwork yourself for the sake of your CV. It’s okay to want a personal life.
When starting to apply for federal jobs, find a Fed and ask them for the best tips. It’s tricky!
Find a skillset that you love and that sets you apart in the job market.
Get involved in a cool lab. You’ll learn more there than in classes.
School projects can be used as experience on resumes.
NETWORK.
Volunteer as much as possible.
Try lots of different experiences (taxa, lab vs. field, etc.) to see what you like.
Look into certifications and skills that will make your resume competitive.
You will likely need a combo of lots of field experience and a rigorous Master’s program to get a permanent position.
Good mentors, coaches, formal and informal are everything. Surround yourself with supporters.
Volunteering is a great way to see what you like/dislike and you can network.
Take advantage of all the networking opportunities. Make connections with professors, staff, and students.
Make sure your program meets the course requirements for federal and state biologist positions.
Diversify your experience to show you’re adaptable and willing to learn new things.
Don’t spend a ton of time on each seasonal job application unless it’s special. Apply for a bunch (like 50-100).
Get involved with a lab at your school. PIs and grad students are often looking for undergrad help.
Travel and work in a variety of different ecosystems.
Professors can be an excellent reference when applying for jobs.
Don’t get stuck in one taxa. Work on a variety of projects. You’ll get great experience.
Attend professor’s office hours, build a relationship with the professor. Foot in the door for field/lab opportunities.
Make an elevator speech about you and your accomplishments. Have it memorized.
Apply to jobs everywhere. Don’t hold yourself back by staying in one place!
Volunteer! It’s a great way to see what you like/dislike in the field.
Build diverse experience. Stats, birds, mammals, outreach, etc.
Don’t be afraid of stats or trying new things.
Find an advisor who will listen to you and help you accomplish your goals.
Get to know professionals in your field. Their advice is priceless!
Learn GIS and R while still in school.
Find relevant summer employment.
Protect your mental health.
Don’t wait until your senior year to get experience or make connections.
Join a professional society within your field.
Learn to get to the point quickly in writing.
What job would you have if you weren’t a Biologist?
Ask A Biologist 10/11/21
I’ve always said that if I weren’t a Biologist, I would be a taxidermist. I genuinely feel that I would be pretty good at it based on the amount of associated skills I have used being a Biologist and my enjoyment of it.
Answers from Biologists:
Something to do with crime or forensics
Historian
Counseling or psychology
A test pilot or winemaker
Librarian
Food scientist or culinary school
Veterinarian
Mortician
Florist or bartender
Taxidermist-I currently do it as my side hustle
Pastry chef
Teach, tour guide, or coffee shop owner
Teacher-middle school or high school
Anthropologist
English teacher
Marine corp pilot
Writer or illustrator of children’s books
Rally car racer
Immigration lawyer
Midwife
Realtor or nurse-this was my backup if I didn’t have a stable job by 30
Boat mechanic
Sex and relationship therapist
Work at a plant nursery or dog trainer
Anthropologist or archeologist
Archeologist
Business and marketing
ER nurse
Archeologist
Veterinarian or teacher
Massage therapist, psychologist, bartender, or environmental justice lawyer advocating for better pay
Crime scene investigator
Librarian with a bunch of rescue dogs
Textile conservation
Marketing for outdoor companies and dog gear companies
Wilderness therapy or fiction writer
Something in the trades: electrician, carpenter, or construction contractor
Open a bra store with inclusive sizing
SCUBA instructor
Chef or baker
Forensic pathologist
Petsmart cashier
Veterinarian
Genetic counselor
Geology
Taxidermist
What’s your favorite study species and why?
Ask a Biologist Monday 10/4/21
When I first started out, I imagined myself studying wolves or other large, charismatic predators, as many people do. But the further I got into my career, I realized how incredible other species are and the true challenges of studying predators (lack of funding, politics, pushback from the public, few study individuals, etc.). Studying mule deer in Colorado as a technician showed me how fascinating other species can be and the incredible breadth of things that can be studied about them.
Answers from Biologists:
Bats. There is still so much unknown about them.
Bats. There is so much we don’t know and the sense of community in the scientific crowd.
Parasites. They are everywhere and it’s fascinating how they interact with their host.
Coyotes. Charismatic but absolutely thriving in the Antropocene.
Bats. They’re incredibly fascinating and need lots of help and research.
The nightjar family. They’re beautiful an interesting and there is so much that we still don’t know about them.
American kestrel. They are simply tiny dinosaurs.
In general, reptiles and amphibians.
Cottonwoods and willows. Really important riparian forest restoration in the west.
Sandhill cranes. Their management story is and inspirational conservation success that isn’t well known.
Torrey pines. I did my capstone on them on Santa Rosa Island.
Northern spotted owls. I love the night schedule and how interactive they can be.
Seaweeds and seagrasses because they support entire marine communities.
Raccoons. I am surprised by how much I love them.
Social and group animals. Love those dynamics.
Pikas. They’re found in the most beautiful places and the sound they make is so funny and unique.
Owls. They’re so neat and hard to find. Especially the flagship species.
Canada geese. So indignant about being handled and really fun social interactions to watch.
Shorebirds. Challenging to identify and fun to watch.
Songbird nests. The chicks look like grumpy old men.
Gila trout. Super unique and native only to AZ and NM.
Elf owls. Not much is known about them and they are charming.
Lobsters. An important keystone species.
Black bears. Smart, curious, resilient, and truly unique individual personalities.
Seaweeds and seagrasses. They support entire marine communities.
The nighjar family. Beautiful, interesting, and so much we still don’t know about them.
How do you balance personal time with your career?
Answers from Biologists:
Running! If I go fast enough I can't ID every single plant then I can clear my head.
My kitties and partner encourage me to rest and recover before going back to the field.
Guard my evenings and weekends like Smaug guards his treasure.
I turn my planner into a glamorized to do list so I can keep what I need to do on paper, freeing my mind and allowing me to relax.
Boundaries, saying no when possible. Also taking time in which you don't talk about work.
Get into work early and out early so I can spend some daylight with my family and sci Fi books.
I am intentional with my rest and leisure time. I stop work at 5 and schedule breaks.
Have a list of to do's sit the day and the week. When it's done it's personal time.
I have fixed office hours and do not work outside of them unless necessary.
It's tough, but saying no to too much work, setting boundaries, and dog walks.
I try to stick to a regular schedule and avoid working weekends.
I don't check my email when I'm not at work, except on super rare occasions.
Hobbies! It's important to have things that take your mind off work.
Make sure I always get my exercise and house cleaning in.
I've been making sure to take evenings and weekends off and plan relaxation time.
I set strict schedules for when I work.
Strong boundaries for weekend personal time. No email checking. Fun trips.
What have you learned the hard way in your career?
Ask A Biologist 9/20/21
I have truly learned the importance of caring for and prioritizing my mental health. I hit a breaking point in graduate school and could not longer ignore the care that my mind and body needed. In the long run, caring for yourself really does pay off.
Answers from Biologists:
My worth
Your career doesn’t have to be your identity. Be a biologist but be yourself.
Working for free isn’t the only way to get a job/experience.
Patience and tenacity are key. Keep moving forward despite the negative in the path.
Conflict resolution skills.
Not knowing an answer and instead researching it is not a sign of weakness.
That in research failure can and should be an option because you can learn just as much.
It’s okay not to know what you’re doing all the time.
Always wear sunscreen.
It can be really hard to find a permanent job, even with a Master’s and lots of experience.
Sexism is still an obstacle for young women in this field.
Be super clear about your boundaries with time.
Burnout happens. You may get shamed for needing time off because “your job is so fun!'“
Your values and ethics don’t always align with the people making the final decisions.
Take pictures, even if what you are doing is “boring” or frustrating. You may want to look back on it or use the photos later.
Being 1st generation student will mean more work but also more appreciation of where you are.
Not everyone will understand what you do and not everyone has to.
Keep healthy boundaries between you and your work.
You will have to fight to show the worth of interdisciplinary science. Still worth it.
Balancing work and school may require time off from one or both for mental health.
Just because your advisor has 20+ years of experience, they should never make you feel less than you are worth.
A good supervisor is worth a few grand a year in salary.
Not everyone has your back. Seek out people who do. Your career will be better.
Help out colleagues with job opportunities if you can.
I’m braver, stronger and more determined than I think.
If I want to have happy colleagues, then I need to eat food.
You might be the only one trying to better the status quo.
Communicate when your mental health is affecting your work.
Set up a Roth IRA and put money in it. Do not rely on agency retirement accounts early in your career.
Imposter syndrome is real. Your opinions are valid so speak up and be present.
Zip off pants are a marsh ecologist’s best friend.
Art and science go great together. Nobody believed me at the beginning.
We all have our own path. Be inspired, not discouraged by those doing the work of your dreams.
What is your favorite ecosystem and why?
Ask A Biologist Monday 9/13/31
Mine is the high desert because of the interesting adaptations required to live at a higher elevation that often experiences drought.
Answers from Biologists:
Kelp forest
Urban ecosystems-the strategies urban-dwelling critters use are fascinating
Temperate rainforests-these forests look like they were pulled right out of a fairytale
Spruce bog in the winter-hard to maneuver but so peaceful and beautiful
Coastal mountain forests-giant trees and beautiful rivers
Temperate rainforests-just because they’re so full of life
Forests-love my trees and the mysteries
Grasslands-the role of bison in grassland ecology is fascinating
Mangroves-no ticks and extraordinarily important carbon sequestering systems
Tundra-harsh, unforgiving environment with beautiful backdrops
Wetland-fascinating diversity and how peaceful they are to explore
Sky Islands-lots of biodiversity and super unique. It’s like an oasis in the sky.
Intertidal zones of the Pacific Northwest-so beautiful and unique
Kelp forests-so diverse and absolutely beautiful
Deep oceans-I love the crazy critters down there.
High alpine-the fragility of the ecosystem and the adaptations it produces
Florida Springs-crystal clear 72 degree F water with unparalleled wildlife
Estuary-so much biodiversity
Redwood forests
Temperate rainforests-cool/misty mornings and amazing flora and fauna
Islands-each one has their own unique character
Pacific Northwest headwater streams-I love the amphibians, closed canopy, and the remoteness.
Euryhaline/brackish water ecosystems
Rivers-they flow through every ecosystem
Pacific Northwest temperate rainforest-all of the lichen and moss and the chance to see a spirit bear
Tropics-high biodiversity
Prairies-most endangered ecosystem, amazing adaptations to survive, crucial to maintaining a healthy climate, world’s largest carbon storage prior to colonization
Midwest forested wetlands-home to all my favorite critters and my master’s research
Rainforest-each species is so brightly colored yet they are perfectly camouflaged
Tide pools-so many fun critters live there and so interesting to see it change with the tides
Canadian boreal forest
High elevation outcrops in the Appalachians-diversity of herpetofauna there is amazing
Coastal dune system-many people don’t realize the necessity of dunes for mainland protection and the plethora of organisms
Edward’s Plateau region in Texas-the spring systems are the heartbeat to the local wildlife and make the whole place thrive
Intertidal areas of the Pacific Northwest-so unique and beautiful and I love seeing all the coastal sculpins
What is your favorite unusual species?
Ask A Biologist Monday 8/30/21
My favorite unusual species is the Quoll. I even named my brand after them! Quolls are a carnivorous marsupial native to Australia and New Guinea. There are six species in total. They are primarily nocturnal and spend most of the day in a den.
Quolls eat smaller mammals, small birds, lizards, and insects. Their natural lifespan is between two and five years. All species have drastically declined in numbers since Australasia was colonized by Europeans, with one species, the eastern quoll, becoming extinct on the Australian mainland, now found only in Tasmania. Major threats to their survival include the toxic cane toad, predators such as feral cats and foxes, urban development, and poison baiting. Conservation efforts include breeding programs in captivity, one of which is taking place in Tasmania.
Answers from the Biologists:
Prehensile tailed porcupine
Fly river turtles
Pirate perch
Grasshopper mouse
Bigfin squid
Horseshoe crab
Tuatara
Giraffe weevil
Aye-aye
Kakpo
Silver-baked chevrotain
Pacific lamprey-contrary to popular belief, this is a fish and not an eel
Spotted skunk
Cagou
Woodrats
Roseate spoonbills
Bowfin-unchanged in 100 million years and only extant species in its order.
Fossa
Potoo
Tawny frogmouth
Tie between Pacific lamprey and White sturgeon
Echidna
Lowland streaked tenrec
Ferruginous hawk
Mantis flies
Solifugids
Secretary bird
Minnesota endemic Dwarf trout lily
Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine
Greater glider
Shoebill
Oregon forestsnail
Mud turtles-they have a double hinged shell for complete retraction
American kestrel
Southern cassowary
Red flanked duiker
Hoatzin
Pygmy marmoset
Dhole-they have fused paw pads, adorable family units, and whistle!
Okapi
Eastern whip-poor-will
Ozark hellbender
Saiga antelope-funny looking in a cute way and have a cool ecology
Bolitoglossa salamanders-their little feet!
American paddlefish
Saiga antelope
White-faced ibis
Pronghorn
Kakapo
Caracal
Armadillos (especially the nine-banded)
Deep pitted poacher
Hellbenders
Aye-ayes: cool and creepy
Ringtailed cat
Pine marten
Chuck-will’s-widow
Black-footed ferret
Burton’s legless lizard
Aolotl
Shoebill stork
Satanic nightjars
Great basin toad
Fossa
Cuttlefish
Japanese serow
Wolf eels
Orchid mantis
Razorback sucker
Northern shrike
Describe your job in 10 words or less.
Ask A Biologist Monday 8/23/21
I manage wildlife in the 1836 Treaty land of Michigan.
Answers from Biologists:
Conduct photo ID research on harbor seals and porpoises.
Research endangered Saltmarsh sparrow nesting ecology in marshes in RI.
PhD student researching how bird physiology changes across rural-urban gradients.
Higher education, field and lab research, and undergraduate advising.
Collect water quality. invertebrate, and plant data from wetlands.
Collect long-term open access data for continental scale observatory.
Organize dead things.
Reconnect floodplains and build log homes for fish.
Locate and monitor sensitive wildlife so oil development stays away.
Support federal planning recovery for species at risk.
Study how urban mammals are so successful in cities.
Prescribed fire, monitor many species populations, manage hunts, and more!
Invasive sea lamprey control to protect the Great Lakes.
Roosevelt elk research on Tribal Lands.
Wildlife biologist for an environmental consulting firm in renewable energy.
Conserve and restore federally listed species in the Midwest.
A revolving door of projects. Fish stats, meetings, repeat.
Marine mammal stranding response, research, photo-ID. East coast Florida.
Examining reproductive strategies of white-tailed deer.
Manage natural resources on barrier islands and monitor invasive species.
Work with private landowners to plan conservation practices for wildlife.
Using eDNA and other methods to test climate refugia models.
M.S. in wild turkey ecology and population dynamics.
Helping manage 10,000 acres of state property for wildlife management.
I help partner agencies explain bird conservation to the public.
Investigate bird behavior differences in rainforest and dry forest environments.
Grad student examining ecosystem responses to fire and girdling.
Collect, research, map, and distribute info regarding sensitive species.
Developing a wildlife hazard assessment for AK village airport.
Teach community science techniques to learn about climate change and owls.
Manage visitors, wildlife, and habitat on 113,000 acre forested wetland.
Monitor snowy plovers and least terns.
Make sure birds are not affected by timber harvest.
Restore oyster beds with recycled shells and volunteers.
Study wetland quality in restored agricultural land in Wisconsin.
Armadillo research, take classes, and teach classes.
Monitor birds and wildlife activity in Alberta oilsands.
Provide integrated wildlife management to mitigate wildlife damage.
Soil sample the grasslands of British Columbia.
Manage Pupfish and Topminnow species for recovery.
Why are these trees dying? Oh, it’s salt…probably.
Protect, monitor, and restore marine environments from invasive species introductions.
Manage big game populations in Alaska.
To put it simply, I follow grouse around.
Nationwide endangered species surveys, management plans, and hazardous waste.
What’s the best career decision you’ve made so far?
Ask a Biologist 8/16/21
My best decision so far was taking a break between undergrad and graduate school. I spent those couple of years working seasonal tech positions. This enabled me to increase my experience for my resume (variety of species worked with, amount of fieldwork done, variety of agencies and organizations worked for, travel all over the country before I was more “settled down" (before I had a dog, got married/moved to the same place as my SO, bought a house, etc.), hugely expanded my network within the field, gave me time to find a graduate school position and advisor that fit me and my needs/wants, get a mental break from school so I could regain my passion for academia, and was truly one of the best times of my life!
Answers from Biologists:
Going to grad school during the pandemic.
Taking my current position in Arizona despite not being sure about the area. I have gained a ton of new skills!
Removing a toxic professor from my grad committee.
Service year in AmeriCorps planning public events for a nature center. So many skills!
Learning lots of ecological statistics.
Taking time to volunteer and get relevant experience. Even if it’s just the occasional weekend.
Turned down a position that wasn’t relevant to my career goals and had several red flags-got a great job a month later.
Moving for my partner’s career. Put me in a position to nab a permanent position I love!
Taking a year off to work after undergrad and before grad school.
Getting certified to drive boats for the DOI.
Holding onto my research project despite the pandemic.
Willingness to move to get experience.
Breaking my comfort zone and going out of state for grad school.
Switching labs during my PhD. Your advisor can make or break your grad school experience.
Volunteering for a state wildlife management agency and having them on my thesis committee.
Applying to a USFWS internship on a whim. I got it and it’s setting me up for a post-PhD.
Moving across the country for a job. It made my career what it is today.
Leaving a relationship that was keeping me from accomplishing my career goals.
Moving across the country (Canada) and not limiting myself on location.
Leaving my toxic PhD program and trusting my capabilities as they were.
Graduating with as little debt as possible.
Going to school as an older student. It was tough but I appreciated it and took nothing for granted.
Going to community college and transferring to a university. Was able to graduate debt free!
Applying for a fellowship that I felt was out of my reach. Don’t let imposter syndrome get you!
Moving across the country to get out of my comfort zone.
To follow my heart and work on projects that meant something to me.
What are your tips for travelling, especially alone?
Ask a Biologist Monday-8/9/21
My advice is to pack meals for yourself. You’ll save a ton of money and time, and you’ll have more options and control over what you’re eating. A small cooler works great for this and you should be able to get fresh ice along the way as needed.
Answers from Biologists:
Don’t drive if you are tired.
Take breaks.
Take early flights. You’ll avoid traffic, sleep on the plane, and have time to settle in.
Never act lost.
Always have an escape route.
Relish new friendships! They last a a lifetime.
Have podcasts and a good music playlist for driving.
Lollipops are a necessity to help stay awake.
Download your maps and playlist before leaving so you are ready to be offline.
Sleeping in your car? Alarm it and text a friend your location. Sketch motel? Put a chair or something else in front of the door or just off to the side to trip someone up.
Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back or reach your destination.
Have a check-in time and person. If you don’t check in, tell them who to call (such as your PI or safety officer).
Location sharing on Google with someone you trust. It might not work everywhere but it can be a lifesaver!
Plan fun stops along the way.
Use the adventure to check birds off on your list.
Meet up with other Biologists in towns you pass through.
Always pack a towel and extra socks.
Prepack food, plan stops, and get to campsites by dark to have some down time.
If you’re flying and have to check a bag, make sure to pack extra clothes in your carry-on.
Let people know where you are and when you’ll arrive.
Don’t post on social media where you are until you leave.
Use apps like Life365, especially if you’re alone.
Have a fully charged power bank with you.
A portable jump-start battery has saved me many times.
Find podcasts and music you love to help time go by.
What Biologist-themed merit badges would you give out?
Ask a Biologist 8/2/21
Mine would be “Best Inventive Save” for Mcgyvering together a solution in the field.
Answers from Biologists:
“Angry Old Angler”-for creel surveys. For navigating your first grumpy fisherman.
Getting to a site only to realize your forgot a vital piece of equipment.
“Animal Detangler”-For those who work with mist nets. Bats and birds can get pretty knotted up, and angry
“Field Clothing Style”-when you still look nicely put together in field gear.
“Untangling”-the opposite of knots. Special option for untangling animals!
“Work-life balance”-achievement merit badge.
“Baby Panda”-for when you learn to fall hard but land softly hiking off trail.
Getting a field vehicle stuck in mud/sand and then finding a way to get out.
“Duct Tape Champion”
“Ultimate Resiliency”-for pushing through all the flopped plans
“Mud Buddy”-for the person that can walk on top of the mud instead of waist deep.
Most times bitten
“Spiderweb Duster”-for unflinchingly walking through thousands of webs on the way to a field site.
“Taxonomist’s Folly”-for not getting flustered when all grasses and hibiscus species look alike.
Braving biting/stinging insects for the sake of data integrity.
"You stabbed yourself”-because it happens.
“Volunteers to go complete the worst job site” badge
“Thorny Plant Navigation”-the person who seems to go through any briar patch unscathed
Getting your truck/work vehicle stuck
“Befriend the old landowner”-and now you are the only person in the office they’ll talk to.
“Pathfinder”-for those who have an internal compass and never get lost.
Successfully backing up a trailer without crying.
“Burn Zone Speed”-based on your ability to speedily navigate through a burn
“Avalanche debris gymnast”-for crossing insane avalanche debris on the way to a site (summer).
“Botanist buddy”-you either have one or you are the expert
“Dry hip boat” award
“Pack Mule”-being willing to carry the heavy/bulky/awkward gear.
Not falling on the way to/from a field site.
“Reminding the PI to drink water” award
“Most sediment moved from study site”-for all them sandy boats/shoes out there moving dirt.
“Fall expert”-managing to find every hole/bush/heather in a site and coming out uninjured.
What are tips for maintaining relationships in the field? (romantic, family, friends, etc.)
Ask a Biologist 7/26/21
My answer is to try to know the next time you’ll see that person, if possible. It makes the time go by so much quicker and it’s a little easier to be apart.
Answers from Biologists:
Communicate to them that it’s not personal if I can’t talk to them as much as I want to.
Be the first to reach out. Send the text, write the letter. Stay relevant.
Be clear about what you’re doing and why you can’t talk as much as you like.
I try to carve out specific time to talk or see them and stick to it.
Include them in what you’re doing, if you can.
Communication! In general, keeping them informed but also sharing all the ups and downs.
Stay proactive in reaching out and keeping in contact, even if irregular.
Send letters.
Using a shared Google calendar to plan time together, regular texting during the day, and gifts.
Be honest and transparent about your work and always stay connected through scheduled check-ins.
Keep talking. Video chats are clutch.
For Biologists dating other Biologists: Make a plan for how you’ll handle moving for careers BEFORE you have to deal with it and make sure you’re with someone who is your equal partner. It’s hard!
Have a plan for when you’ll see them next.
Date a fellow biologist! They understand what you’re going through.
Make sure to call them when you can be fully present.
Carve out specific time to talk and ideally visit.
Get to know your partner/team. Be open to everything and understand diversity of needs.
Don’t start an ID war. It will only end in tears!
Establish expectations. Be honest that you won’t be back on a regular basis to visit.
Bring them to work or do a simulation to help them understand what you do.
Write journals for one another while you’re apart.
Make regular times to call and participate in activities together (watching tv, reading to one another, etc.)
Share photos of what you’re up to to give them a peak into your work life.
Don’t forget to ask them questions about their life and not just tell them about yours.
Video chats and phone calls make such a difference.
When you’re together, be intentional and prioritize quality time together.
Take full advantage of your time off.
Write letters and postcards.
What is a myth/misunderstanding about your job?
Ask a Biologist 7/19/21
The biggest myth that I get frustrated by is that since we love our jobs, we can never have a bad day or times that we don’t like working. The idea that "if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” is a total myth. It’s still a job and can be really hard at times!
Answers from Biologists:
That I handle or even get to see the animals I study.
That I play with animals and plants all day. There’s so much data entry and spreadsheet tracking.
That I encounter venomous snakes all the time. It does happen but not very often.
Because I do computational analysis and data science work with computers, that I am IT.
That working outside must always be fun. Remember that we are working in all weather conditions!
That because you choose a career to follow your dreams, you don’t deserve to be paid well.
From the public: the intricacies of my job. Personally: the amount I work in the office.
That plants are really boring and that we’re all a “bunch of hippies”.
How I got my job. I went to college and applied to jobs like every other career.
That I know everything about all animals.
That every state agency employee is law enforcement.
You need to like lab work/field work/office work. Many biologists only do one of these.
People think you specialize in every species and can answer any wildlife question.
That animals are dangerous. People are way more dangerous!
“Oh you’re a wildlife biologist? So you’re a park ranger?”
That every day I’m touching/holding animals.
“You just get to play with fish all day". If only! Lots of writing and computer modeling.
That animal rehab is a 9am-5pm job. A lot of baby animals need to be fed every hour of the day and night.
That handling wildlife is most of our job. I wish!
That being a fisheries scientist isn’t a “real job” because I “get to catch fish all day”.
That it’s always fun and working with animals. It’s usually computer work or boring fieldwork and harsh weather.
When I’m in a remote area I should be scared of mountain lions and bears. I’m way more worried about people.
That our jobs are always outside. I am also in so many meetings that can be very high stakes.
That being a biologist means working with animals. It actually often means working with habitat.
Everything that we sacrifice to be in this field. Relationships, stability, money, etc.
(Museum curator) That I want animals to die/actively kill them.
That we make good money and we know everything about everything related to our field.
That I get to see/handle the animals I study all the time.
That we aren’t hunters/fishers. So many of us are! Hunting/fishing funds scientific research and conservation.
That we’re all hunters or anglers. Some of us just want to work with animals.
That you don’t need people skills to be a wildlife biologist or natural resource specialist.
That we only wear outdoor apparel. Apparently we aren’t allowed to look nice or have style.
That it’s only animals. You actually have to learn about ecology, chemistry, and computer science.
As a coastal ecologist, people think I just hang out on the beach. It’s actually not that chill.
That all biologists are created equal. While it has improved, research/educational enterprises are still bad.
That living on a field station is a “vacation”. It’s a lot of hard work and little free time.
That I must love fieldwork. It’s honestly my least favorite part of my job unless it’s a fish survey.
That wildlife/conservation education is all showing animals off. It’s mostly curriculum design.
90% of jobs are actually dealing with the public. We don’t just get to hang out in the woods.
That we get to handle animals frequently. It’s such a small part of the job, if it’s done at all.
That it’s all fun, working with animals. Mostly it’s computer work or boring field work in bad weather.
Most people in the public think you’re a conservation officer.
How many years did you work in the field of Biology before getting a full time job?
I worked as a technician for 3 summers during undergrad and worked in a lab during the year in undergrad. Then I worked as a seasonal technician for 2 years between undergrad and grad school, and 1 year after grad school.
2 field seasons so far. Not permanent yet.
2 years then got an environmental planner spot with the county of Riverside.
If you count BS degree, 6.5 years before MS and PhD before I was lucky enough to land tenure.
5 years of term work after my BS, in addition to my work in school for 2.5 years, and 3 years volunteering.
3 years as an intern/Americorps before USGS (even then I’m a permanent-seasonal tech)
This is my 6th seasonal position and I’ve had my MS since ‘18. Starting vet school in August.
Got a permanent wildlife biologist job with USFWS straight out of undergrad. Zero paid field experience but a couple years of volunteering/interning on the side with a STEP program.
1 year-staff biologist at a Biological consulting firm.
3 seasons with different agencies before I got a permanent role in my current agency.
Just awarded a 1 year contract after 2 years of seasonal tech jobs.
1 year but I have worked for environmental consulting firms.
9 years but I am still only part time.
I have had 2 field positions and still no sign of permanent.
Still doing seasonal gigs. I have had my BS for 8 years and MSc for 2 years.
4 seasons then wildlife biologist job.
2 years as a biotech while getting my MS. Biological planner with USFWS.
No permanent yet but it took 4 years of applications to get a graduate environmental scientist position.
5 years plus grad school. Got a permanent job in water resources engineering/fisheries.
Interned 4 years in college, taught 2 units before becoming an ecologist at an environmental consulting firm. I teach now but think about going back to ecology.
1.5 years in total-Range and Wildlife Conservation with Pheasant’s Forever.
1 year before grad school and 6 months after-Federal.
6 months-Environmental Specialist (Riparian Ecologist).
10 years of school, 3 seasonal positions-AIS Specialist-Arizona Game and Fish.
7 years-Wildlife biologist/ornithologist for an environmental consulting company.
2 years-vegetational ecologist at an institute for ecology.
1 summer in undergrad, 9 months after BS, and several years vet tech jobs-State biologist in water quality.
4 years-1 as a horticulturalist, 1 as a paleontologist, 2 as a biological tech.
A little over 3 years-Gila River Specialist.
7 years and first permanent job was a zookeeper.
1 year-I worked part time for the agency for 2 years in undergrad though.
4 years field tech jobs, 3 years MS-Environmental consulting
11 including undergrad and grad school-Heritage Data Management System Data Specialist.
Been working towards it since 2008.
7 years in November and I still don’t have a permanent job.
2.5 years-Recreational Coordinator.
6 years-Project Support Officer.
7 Years-Fish and Wildlife biologist with USFWS.
Almost 6 years.
Got a full time job right after my MS.
After undergrad I taught for 1 year. I worked for 4 summers during undergrad and grad school.
6 years and still waiting.
4 years research assistant, 2 years field tech, 6 months bio contract.
8 years-Senior Wildlife technician.
What’s your craziest/funniest field story?
Ask A Biologist 7/5/21
Follow up: We both let it go and stepped back from the bear. It took a few steps and rolled onto its back so we were able to increase the dose of the anesthetic and gather our scientific data/collar it.
Answers from Biologists:
Got stuck in quicksand on a say when everything went wrong. My field partner pulled me out.
Got charged by a sow grizzly with 2 cubs. Had to bear spray them from 4 feet away.
Got horribly lost at a site I had spent 2 years surveying for dragonflies. Twice in 1 week.
Chased/harassed by a spotted owl in the dark while doing a marbled murrelet survey. It made me cry!
Finding a soft boiled and hatched egg at a nest site with a known weeks dead turkey.
Passed out from stress while pit tagging a bat.
Worked a 48 hour Search and Rescue shift that ended in a helicopter rescue.
Spent an hour sitting on TOP of the cab of my truck faced off with a mama moose and her calves.
Locked both car key sets in the car with ALL the field gear.
Seeing a guy in full hazmat gear walking a grown cow on a leash in the front yard of a house.
Chased out of a river where I was resting and soaking by a herd of bison.
Took a step into a wetland that looks fairly dry. Sank in up to my waist and had to be pulled out.
Coworker ran over a bear spray can and sprayed everyone in the parking lot, our crew included.
Found myself face to face with a peccary. We both got surprised and ran like hell!
I blew up a field truck. Hollywood style. Kablooey!
I wild pig bit my foot while I was trying to capture it. My toes were fine, I was wearing thick boots.
Charged by a black rhino while doing a latrine survey for brown hyenas.
Saw a shuttle break through the atmosphere at 4am and didn’t know it was human activity.
A barred owl flew into my mist net over my head as I extracted a titmouse.
Had a tree fall on me.
Trying to get a snare off a young bull moose, he stood up with me on top of him.
Working on private land, cows surrounded our vehicle and trapped us for over an hour.
Surrounded by dingoes at 4am in the dark.
Working on a military base, I set off a booby trap with a smoke bomb on my study site.
I had a duck nibble on my nipple when I was banding it. Luckily I still have my nipple and the duck got a leg band.
A bear stole my field pack with my GPS and spot device. Found it down the street in one piece.
Went for a dip in a gator hole for the hundredth time. This time momma was home.
Fyke nets with a 50lb snapping turtle.
Waving at my crush/coworker then tripping in a hole and face planting right in front of them.
Took a nap during my break and woke up with a rattlesnake inside my shirt.
Sat on a manzanita branch when I was going pee in a field and it punctured my butt.
Came across a man performing a cleansing ritual…in the nude.
Fell in one of the trout raceways at a hatchery.
Went to inventory a spring within a cave and the moment I turned my headlamp on I was swarmed by wasps.
Didn’t realize how steep the pond dropped off until I was suddenly fully submerged.
Melted the side mirror off our fire rig getting too close to the flames on a rowdy fire.
Broke my finger hiking over scree.
Giant rat fell on me so I fell in the river and lost the key to our canoe. At 3am. In the middle of nowhere.
Had a naked guy jog right past me while I was doing bird surveys. He didn’t even care.
Chainsawing into a nest box 20 feet up a tree and having wasps swarm out.
Driving through an intense storm that caused many trees to fall in front of our truck.
Was extracting a sharp shinned hawk from a mist net and one of its talons went into my finger.
Got surrounded by a herd of bison and had to hide until my coworker could pick me up.
Was cleaning a large fish tank and fell in.
Selfie with a bat that decided right at that moment to fly at us.
Tent mate and I had quiet food poisoning events all not trying not to disturb the lions eating 10 feet away.
Got into a fight with a mute swan I wanted to band. He won.
Fell waist deep into snow while bird watching.
Found a dead rattler, was holding it only to find out it wasn’t dead, just stunned.
What is a hobby of yours, unrelated to work?
Ask A Biologist 6/28/21
Mine is silversmithing, but I also love to mushroom hunt, run, train my dogs, take photos, hunt, and bake.
Answers from Biologists:
Brewing kombucha
Dancing
Knitting
Weight lifting
Currently, momming a toddler and doing IVF
Roller skating
Wood burning
Cooking
Gardening and kayaking
Climbing and quilting
Knitting, sewing, and indoor rock climbing
Painting
Quilting and gardening
Painting
Fishing and gardening
Bullet journaling
Canning
Comic book collecting, falconry, gardening
Painting
Hula hooping
Knitting, painting, gardening, and walking/training my dog
Gardening, geocaching, photography
Keeping orchids and carnivorous plants
Drawing
Most of my time is spent as a mom. But I’ve been trying embroidery lately.
Reading fiction
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Mushing and writing
Vocalist
Houseplants
Blockprinting
Paper piece quilting
Snowmobiles and jet skis
Hunter, jumper horseback riding, Brazilian jiu jitsu
Basketry, foraging, greenwood spoon carving, gardening
Cosplay/costumes
Baking
Fishing
Animating
Swimming, dancing, crochet, and knitting
Embroidery
Collage work
Soccer
Watercolors
Weight lifting, running, baking bread, eating bread
Archery
Horseback riding
Equestrian
Fishing
Climbing, hiking, mountain biking
Cosplay
Wedding photography
Woodburning, hiking, reading
Photography and weight lifting
Drawing, ukulele, singing, and climbing
Fishing, hunting and herping
Ceramics
House plants
Rollerblading
Embroidery, hunting, fishing, quilting
Baking, specifically gluten-free breads
Guitar, surfing, soccer and hockey
Painting
Falconry
I volunteer as a fencing coach as well as a ranked national referee
Beading and sewing
Bari sax and sit on the board of directors for the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles
Video games
Painting
Fishing, gardening, skiing
Roller derby, crocheting, and being a mermaid
Crocheting
Paddle boarding, bodysurfing, and ceramics
Wood burning
Sewing and crafting
Swing dancing
Leatherwork