Would you like to submit a question to the community of Biologists?
Tips for finding a job in a certain sector?
Ask A Biologist Monday 4/10/23
Answers from Biologists:
Find places with project leads or directors that are from your alma mater.
Go to state based conferences to meet state employees.
Don’t use the USAjobs resume template. Instead make sure you include all the required details but use your own template.
For consulting jobs, focus on specific trainings/experience like writing NEPA reports and wetland delineations.
State jobs: you need to make contacts in that state, so be open to working seasonal positions for awhile.
Reach out and network. Many people in wildlife understand the struggle and enjoy helping others.
Canada feds: Student co-ops give you an advantage. Be very specific in screening questions on job apps.
Apply to multiple postings at an agency and socialize with the interviewers. They will remember you.
Don’t get hung up on specific job titles if the description fits what you want.
Address all requirements in your resume/cover letter. Don’t make them guess at your qualifications.
State why you want to work in that specific sector.
If there is a Nonprofit or agency you would like to work for, follow them on social media for a first chance at postings.
Be courteous to everyone you work with-you never know who is connected where.
State-get a diverse background of experience.
To work in a particular state as an eco consultant, get experience with state threatened and endangered species.
Job description mining.
State job: request the full job description when applying. This has more details than the posting.
Contact current biologists in that agency directly to ask about opportunities.
Get on email job lists.
How do you prepare yourself for the field season?
Ask a Biologist Monday 4/3/23
Answers from Biologists:
I start doing stair steppers while adding weight to a pack.
Replace any expired medical equipment, batteries.
Test inreach/stat phone.
Update field safety plan.
Getting mentally pumped. Winter doldrums are done!
Go to the dentist, doctor, and fix my car before I don’t have any free time.
My field season is on and off year round so I feel like I’m constantly figuring out my gear.
Patch holes in waders.
Take my car in for maintenance and pack a vehicle emergency kit.
Make sure that my boots and socks are good to go.
Make sure my bills are set to autopay.
Forward my mail to my parents/friend.
Set my email out of office reply.
I start going to the gym and strengthen anything I’ve injured in the past.
Anticipating that I will not be fit at first and adding things to my first aid kit to cope.
I take all the trips I’ve planned, anticipating the 6 months without extra time off.
Learn new skills in the off-season so I’m better prepped than the last season.
Trail running.
Making sure my gear is in good shape for the environment I’ll be in (boots, sun shirts, first aid).
Check/refill my field pack (first aid kit, spare knife, packable rain gear, emergency food, etc.)/
Update and print out my datasheets/data collection programs.
I let my family and friends know I’ll be less available/reachable.
Meal prep with freezable meals for long work days when I get home late.
Inventory all the gear.
How do you stay motivated while looking for a job?
Ask A Biologist Monday 3/27/23
Answers from Biologists:
I think about all the stuff I’ve done in the field and how I got through it. If I can do that, I can do anything.
Calling employers to show interest. It feels like I’m doing something to help my chances.
Create a fall back plan and set a time frame to get hired by or fall on that plan.
Apply to multiple jobs and not just set my heart and hard work on a single one.
NO means Next Opportunity.
Remembering I am interviewing them for fit as well.
Sow my applications like smooth brome.
I have worked plenty of crappy non-bio jobs from hospitality to sales. Not getting a job isn’t an option.
Cross your fingers and toes. Hope you’re good enough.
Not taking rejection personally. Something I am definitely still working on.
I treat it like the Hunger Games and refuse to be defeated! The job search won’t beat me!
It’s also about timing project needs, who else has applied, and not just about me.
At this point I think it’s mostly spite. I’m too stubborn for my own good.
Rejection might be a blessing. Something better may be coming that you need to wait for.
Working in the animal field I’ve realized there will be more opportunities and better fits.
Every opportunity that doesn’t work out is leading you to something better.
I would view applying to jobs as a lottery. The more I apply to, the better my odds.
I remind myself why conservation matters.
Continually visualize where you want to end up.
Look to your support network throughout the process.
Ask for constructive criticism/feedback if you get interviewed but don’t get the job.
Focus on the things that you can control throughout the process.
What was your first job and what’s your current job?
Ask A Biologist Monday 3/20/23
Answers from Biologists:
Limited term at a state park, now a permanent conservation biologist for a state agency.
Sea turtle nesting tech in FL, now contract Fisheries Biologist for NOAA in FL.
Aviculture warden, now a seabird ecologist.
Horse wrangler/naturalist, now wildlife biologist.
Trapping turtles in the Bronx River, now wildlife damage mitigation with the federal government.
Seasonal wildlife tech with CA Department of F&W, now a master’s student at UAM in AR.
Undergraduate researcher, now NPS Park ranger.
Bat tech for VT natural resources department, now (18 yrs and a MS later), Biologist for Wyoming GFD.
Field intern at a raptor observatory, now federal fish and wildlife biologist.
Zookeeper for primates and small cats, now lead biologist for ex-situ ES breeding programs.
Cerulean Warbler tech for CMI in VA, now hawk bander for MSRW in MI.
Field tech for USGS, now Natural Resources Manager for a Tribe in Southern California.
Trail camera technician for a Serengeti project, now a wildlife guide.
Naturalist teaching folks about tide pools, now an Environmental Coordinator.
Photo tagging/data entry, now human-wildlife conflict biologist.
NPS invasive tech, now FWS wildlife biologist.
Bookstore warehouse, now wildlife technician for a consulting company.
Tech in a university lamprey lab, now a higher level of tech in a fish lab.
Seasonal retail associate, now wildlife biologist in AK.
Recreation tech, now wildlife biologist.
Sea turtle technician, now freshwater turtle biologist.
Environmental scientist, now Raptor Biologist.
Park naturalist at a NY state park, now Wildlife ecologist at a non-profit organization.
Salmon hatchery technician, now Habitat Biologist.
Technician performing telemetry tracking squirrels, now Native fish biologist.
Seabird tech at MCINWR (2011), now Arizona R3 Coordinator with NWTF (2023).
Forest Service Seasonal Botany Tech, now Forest Service District Wildlife Biologist.
Bio tech aid (Forest Service), now Wildlife Program Manager (Forest Service).
Student tech for a forestry company, now an intermediate biologist in environmental consulting.
Conservation intern (Nature Conservancy of Canada), now a wildlife biologist.
Tech at Forbes bio station, now Private lands biologist with Ducks Unlimited.
Wildlife rehab, now doing wildlife conflict prevention and management for state government.
Boat steward for the ADKs, now an Assistant Research Scientist at the NYS Department of Health.
Elk habitat technician, now Jr specialist researching desert tortoises.
Mountain lion field tech in N. California, now Tribal biologist in ID (lots of time E. of Rockies in between).
Habitat technician, now wildlife biologist.
Maintenance at a wildlife refuge, now a consultant.
Park aide for CA State Parks, now Forestry Assistant II for State Parks.
Fire radio operator, now climate change champion.
Alligator intern, now shorebird program manager.
Childcare provider, now consulting botanist.
CWD/Wildlife Health Assistant Wisconsin DNR, now Wildlife Disease biologist USDA Wildlife Services.
Summer intern at USFWS NWR, now Restoration Ecologist at wetland/stream mitigation bank.
Wildlife tech for a grad student, now natural resources specialist for NRCS.
Zookeeper, now biological science technician.
State Wildlife tech collaring black bears, now USFWS fish biologist with shortnose suckers.
Library assistant, now master’s student researching microplastics (10 year journey so far, ages 16-26).
Vegetation tech with university of MT, now soil conservationist with NRCS.
Working in agriculture (canola), then ground squirrels, then bees, now cancer research.
Wetlands technician doing vegetation samples, now lab tech in animal vaccines.
Biological aide for WI USFS, now field biologist for Quebec parcs.
Biological science aid for NPS in MT, now research scientist for NOAA in American Samoa.
Intern, now USFS wildlife biologist in ND.
Fisheries technician at a university, now Fisheries Biologist for the state.
USFWD invasive plant removal crew, now USS Wildlife Biologist.
Forestry technician for NC State, now a soil science PhD student.
Bird tech in Arizona, now postdoc on mouse olfaction in Pennsylvania.
AmeriCorps trail crew, now avian ecology MS program.
Deer tech at MSU, now furbearer/bear tech for CT department of energy and environmental protection.
Exotic Veterinary Technician, now Biomedical Researcher (Microbiologist/Geneticist).
Plant ecology tech, now plant ecologist.
Waterfowl/Migratory bird banding tech, now Graduate student in Renewable Natural Resources.
Zoology lab assistant, now environmental educator.
Fish bio aide for USFWS, now Natural Resources Specialist for the BLM.
Wildlife tech on grizzly bar project in WY, now researcher of songbirds in MT.
Laboratory Animal Medicine at Charles River, now Laboratory Manager (Physiology).
Lifeguard, first bio job: lab tech, now field botanist.
Biological Science Tech at the National Wildlife Research Center, now Master’s student.
Utility forester, now a biologist with a water district.
Neotropical migrant nest survey, now out of the field.
Noah’s Bagels crew member, now Wildlife Biologist.
Wildlife tech for the NPS on the channel islands in CA, now wildlife biologist for the Forest Service in WY.
Ice cream slinger, now wildlife biologist for the BLM.
Motorcycle rider coach assistant, now freshwater mussel ecologist.
Field officer, now a naturalist.
Slinging pizzas, now a state wildlife biologist.
Field tech VT shorebirds, now Lead biologist Guam Sali project.
Sea turtle tagging intern with USGS, now a Biologist at a WMA in Florida.
If you had to restart your career, what would you do differently?
Ask A Biologist Monday 2/27/23
Answers from Biologists:
Avoid husband/wife/partner advisor duos. Cuts down on the amount of different views and support you have from your committee.
Wouldn’t pretend I wanted to stay in academia.
Done summer internships/jobs related to the field while in undergrad.
Not used my savings to go work unpaid somewhere.
Applied to REUs during undergrad. These positions need to be talked about more.
Take a longer break (I did 6 months) between undergrad and grad school.
Taken a gap year so I could research field needs and plan for college better.
Talk to advisors/grad students more while I was an undergrad.
Gone to technical school fish and wildlife programs over traditional bachelor’s.
Take a year between undergrad and grad school to work as a tech and get more field experience.
Not make my career my personality.
Partied less in undergrad to get better results and better post grad opportunities.
Asked someone to explain the federal hiring system and student career paths.
Taken more time to find a graduate program with the resources and support I needed.
Asked for more money from my first year-round job instead of just accepting what they offered me.
Conduct undergrad research and present it as often as possible at symposiums and conferences.
Waited to find a fully funded MS position instead of paying for one.
Learned how to negotiate salary and benefits instead of just accepting the offers I got.
Believed in myself earlier, tried things earlier, and taken classes that more reflected my interests.
Not bothered with a double major and instead spent that time on internships/seasonal tech jobs.
Be more open to working with a variety of species, not just my “dream” species.
Take more time to learn and explore.
Left abusive tech positions instead of “sticking it out”.
Start working a variety of seasonal jobs while still in undergrad to find what I liked.
Make stronger connections with professors for networking/references.
Taken a year off between my MS and PhD. Going straight through is rough. Burn out is real.
Wouldn’t have done a self-funded PhD. I learned a lot but would never recommend it.
Listen to my gut and be mindful of red flags.
Advocate harder for improved field safety for myself and other techs.
Made more of a point to enjoy the ride.
Been more picky of the advisor I worked for during my MS.
Applied to more positions in different agencies than the one I am in.
Started sooner.
Joined my state TWS earlier and made connections.
Found a supportive advisor in undergrad, not just someone I admired.
More conferences/networking.
Taken more opportunities in undergrad to know my professors, wildlife clubs, etc.
Learned computer programing in undergrad and not waited until grad school.
Wouldn’t have taken unpaid internships or tech jobs.
Set up an off season job I knew I liked that could be flexible returning to each year.
Not work for the scientist I admired. He turned out to be a prick.
Do an honors that more closely aligned with my passions to build networks early.
Prioritize life-work balance earlier in my career.
Take the damn lunch breaks.
Gone back for an MS sooner. It’s hard once you’re a few years into your career.
Done more research into a PhD advisor before signing on. There are some really bad ones.
Gone to a different undergrad and done more tech work before graduation.
Done more field work in undergrad to improve my confidence.
Tips for those trying to land a job?
Ask A Biologist Monday 2/20/23
Answers from Biologists:
If you interview for a position and don’t get it, ask for feedback on what you can improve for the next time.
Reach out to the hiring manager before you apply if their contact info is listed.
Be mentally prepared for some frustration and try not to take rejection to heart.
Don’t burn bridges if you can possible avoid it. The wildlife field is small.
Personally reach out to the hiring manager.
Remember that it’s a numbers game. Keep applying.
Look up and know the different rules/tricks for federal job applications.
Use the USA jobs resume builder when applying for federal jobs.
Apply even if you don’t meet all of the qualifications.
Get a professional designation if you can (in places like Canada).
Use keywords from the job posting in your CV and cover letter. The first round is often just a scan for these.
Study the company’s website and mission statements/current projects before and interview.
Follow up the interview with a thank you email reiterating why you’d be a good fit.
Prepare 2-3 good questions for the interviewer. Remember you are interviewing them too.
If you are having no luck, cold call consulting firms asking to work.
Put relevant work experience first on your resume, followed by less relevant positions you have had.
Have other people look over your cover letter and resume.
Apply for jobs that are outside your dream job/focus area. Skills transfer job to job.
Notify your references after an interview that they may be contacted by the interviewer.
Do your research and be ready for the interview.
If you’re enthusiastic about the job, don’t be afraid to show it in the interview.
Make an effort to learn who the hiring manager is and email them directly.
Keep a list of interview questions and practice them.
For a federal job, state the GS equivalent level of previous non-federal jobs on your resume.
Keep track of interview questions you were asked in a journal so you can review them.
Even if you don’t have all of the qualifications, still apply. A strong work ethic and ability to learn are key.
Try not to get your hopes up once you’ve applied. Submit, follow up if needed, and then forget it.
Save a copy of the job posting text so you can reference it during job interview prep.
Relate non-relevant skills to this job (attention to detail, working as a team, etc.).
Be confident in applying. Don’t assume you’re not an expert.
Be persistent. It may take a lot of applying to finally land something. It’s very competitive.
List volunteer time and all trainings you have taken.
Find a shirt list of places you really want to work for and cold call them about opportunities.
Don’t ghost potential employers, even if you are no longer interested in the position.
Apply again. We remember names season to season.
Apply to jobs you don’t fit all the qualifications for.
If you interview but don’t get hired, it could be work reaching out again in the future.
Look for special hiring authorities for federal positions.
Remember you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.
Leverage you network. Ask folks in biology or related fields for job and company leads.
Research the organization you are applying to. It shows you care and we always ask.
What’s a good habit to get into at work?
Ask A Biologist Monday 2/13/23
Answers from Biologists:
Make sure you’re taking days off during the field season to re-set and rest.
Bring extras of items. Pencils, memory cards, batteries, etc.
Check your field notes before you leave the field.
Set boundaries for work/life balance.
Use packing lists and double-check it when all the gear is in the truck.
Have a gear list you always check before field days to avoid forgetting something.
Always keep the truck fueled. Last thing you need is an emergency and no fuel.
Put flagging tape on everything.
Tag things with flagging tape.
Take pictures of data written on paper before you head back from the field.
Eat at consistent times.
Date everything.
Take time to fill out data sheets completely and right away so you don’t forget key information later.
Have extra boot laces on hand.
Set up data collection sheets that include automated checks to catch errors on input.
Immediately writing/recording/storing data. Don’t want to lose any precious points.
Complete the whole data sheet, even if there is missing info, write good notes.
Comment your R scripts with enough detail so someone else (or future you) can understand it.
Restock you field pack every day so you aren’t missing anything the next time you go out.
Have physical checklists even if it feels tedious.
Make a check list of all the data sheets and data that needs to be entered after collection.
Have consistent data sheets.
Get adequate sleep and fuel your body properly. You can’t run on fumes.
Keep your first aid kits up to date and check expirations.
Keep a planner. Good to look back on when you did something and set reminders.
Check and double check you have all the gear you need for the field before heading out.
Field gear checklists before you leave.
Sunscreen.
Pack your personal back the night before so you don’t forget anything.
Scan data sheets at the end of the day before anything gets lost in the shuffle.
Write things down (on paper). Back up in case phone/computer crashes.
Write down what you do each day so you can easily reference it to update you resume or for annual reviews.
Take photos of your datasheet before photos of each animal/plant/etc. so you know which is which.
Type up field notes and take photos of them each day. Saves stress and money if you lose them.
A methodological approach to tasks that limits the chance of errors.
Save ArcMap regularly.
Always bring backup gear.
Allow yourself to have bad days and not beat yourself up for it.
Turn off your work phone/computer/close email when not at work.
Take detailed notes. During meetings, fieldwork, project plannings etc.
Don’t share your personal number with the public, even conservation oriented people. Keep boundaries.
Bring an extra pair of socks and a raincoat no matter the weather forecast. Wet socks are the worst.
Remove jewelry before fieldwork.
Get First Aid/CPR certified and be prepared with medical supplies.
Embrace the dirt.
Take pictures of datasheets or scan them.
Clean your field gear and vehicle daily or weekly.
Scan everything as soon as you get back to the office (or sync if it’s digital).
Journal so you don’t forget everything that happened.
Track your hours. When I hit 40 for the week, I’m out.
Take photos of yourself and your fieldwork set up. They’re great to have for presentations later.
What is a specific skill you use at work?
Ask a Biologist Monday 2/6/23
Answers from Biologists:
Navigating even when collecting data-staying oriented is crucial.
Noticing changes in weather patterns so I don’t get stuck in a storm.
Memorization.
Plant ID.
Drawing blood from wiggly fish.
Identifying any animal in infrared imagery.
Listening for minor noise, such as leaves shuffling, to be aware of animals around me.
PIT tagging.
Using taxonomic keys in the lab/field.
Coding in R and Python for data analysis and mapping.
Public speaking.
Knot tying.
Tracking and patience.
Driving on terrible roads.
Determining age via molt patterns using UV light on owls.
Photo ID of trail camera photos.
Dissecting insects and removing various organs.
Arts and crafts. Making gear out of dollar store supplies.
Basics of taxidermy.
Estimating bird age based on feather type and wear.
Cooking good meals in the field.
Judging distance of sounds (such as owl calls).
Flying a small drone.
Species identification by sound.
DNA extraction and genotyping.
Technical/scientific writing.
Estimating the weight of animals through visual observations.
Identifying sea turtle species nests by tracks.
Forensic botany (looking at old dried up plants and figuring out species).
Animal tracking.
Not puking/feeling sick when spinning circles in a tiny twin prop plane.
Transmitter implantation surgery.
Using tire chains/driving in unplowed snow.
Radio telemetry.
Spotting lizards by their eyeshine.
Riding ATVs/ATV maintenance.
Boat/trailer maintenance.
Snow shoeing/riding snowmobiles/snowmobile maintenance.
Giving scientific presentations.
What are your long term career goals?
Ask a Biologist Monday 1/30/23
Answers from Biologists:
Create my own wildlife sanctuary. Already in the process of buying 1000 acres.
Become a wildlife ecologist in conservation.
Start a career in the environment.
Be able to research disease within wildlife populations.
Learn as much as I can, have a diverse experience, and have fun.
Be Nigel Thornberry.
Integrate art with biology to educate and influence a broad audience.
Be part of and see the shift in the field to be more inclusive, supportive, and diverse.
Work in human-wildlife conflict and publish a collection of essays.
No longer work for an abusive boss or in a toxic work environment.
Move into a position that requires less travel so I can have a better work life balance.
Maintain a fieldwork/office balance and help my seasonals achieve their career goals.
PMP certification (project management certification).
Environmental health/public health work in toxicology. Clean air, water, and soil access is important.
Find a job that allows me to be in the field still versus a primarily desk based job.
Used to be academia, but considering the toxicity, not sure at the moment.
Head my own pathology research.
Feel confident in my role and doing my role and doing my part to preserve wild places and animals for the future.
Pioneer a Great Lakes region natural wildlife bridge.
Get back into research.
Carnivore ecologist focusing on human wildlife mitigation. On the right track.
Education director at a nature center.
Educate other biologists/ecologists on the conservation detection dog methodology.
Work with animal ambassadors full time.
Conduct research with management implications (direct impacts on conservation).
Specialize in carnivore ecology and work for state agencies or go the academic route.
Curation and education about biodiversity for generations to come.
Land a job that actually pays the average biologist income advertised in college.
Become a middle school biology teacher and inspire kids to fall in love with biology.
Become proficient in GIS.
Behaviorist at a zoo.
Realize that my job is not my entire identity.
Bring a regionally extirpated species back. Working with a model species now.
Continue in a position where I find purpose in the role and allows stability in my personal life.
End up back in research position studying wetland restoration outcomes.
Contribute to native bee research and insect conservation and be a bee taxonomist.
Develop and invasive species control AI to develop integrate management techniques.
Maintain a better work-life balance so I can enjoy work and personal time without stressing about either.
Have a stable, full time position with a non-profit. Feels like a pipe-dream at this point.
What are your tips/tricks for hygiene in the field?
Ask A Biologist Monday 1/16/23
Answers from Biologists:
Bring a tiny hand sanitizer for the inevitable gas stop. Those pumps are gross.
Wet wipes to freshen up and clean hands before eating.
I carry baby wipes in every field bag and truck.
Travel sized deodorant, bandana for sweat, and always an extra pair of socks.
After not being prepared too many times, I now bring my backpacking poop kit with me just in case.
I love my Kula cloth. It’s nice to have a piece of gear dedicated to keeping a vagina clean and problem free.
Fresh socks and underwear in your field bag.
Pee rag.
Summer’s Eve makes a pH balances wet wipe that comes in individual packages. Better than a baby wipe.
Period underwear is also good for butt sweat or leaks on long day trips.
Hand sanitizer and old washcloth to scrub off salamander slime.
Soap sheets and extra water for grimy hands.
Invest in muck boots or some similar kind of footwear.
Wet wipes. Make sure you bring bags though so you can dispose of them when back in town.
Fresh shoes for the drive back.
Menstrual cups.
Wet wipes. They really help if you spend multiple days in the field.
Bar shampoo in case you find a water source and have a chance to wash up.
Baby powder. Helps with the sweaty bits and greasy hair.
A poop bag with bags and wipes to carry out. The urge can hit anywhere, anytime.
Baby wipes and a life straw water bottle.
Always have a hair brush, tooth brush, face cloth, and deodorant.
Wool felted bar of soap and micro fiber towel. Great for washing hands.
Always bring extra socks.
A hankie instead of tissues. Less chapped nose and no tissue pulp hiding on laundry day.
Rinse field cloths in the shower so your hotel room doesn’t stink by the end of the stint.
Invest in leather gloves and Technu wipes for poison ivy contact.
I always keep toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and deodorant in my backpack.
Swedish dishcloth for body cloth/wipe/towel. Portable and so quick dry.
Toothpaste tabs. Portable, lightweight. There are fluoride or hydroxyapatite versions.
Kula cloth for those who squat to pee.
Cleaning wipes.
I alternate shirts if possible. Air dry them inside out in the sun.
Cowgirl bath: bucket, bar soap, rag and towel. Basically a rag wipe down in the comfort of your tent.
Never wear shoes inside your tent.
Keeping my hair tied into a bun under a hat. Keeps it free from dust/twigs/bugs/webs.
Always extra socks. And liner socks to go with thicker cold weather socks.
Showering as soon as I’m done for the day. Prime time to do a good tick check.
Pouch with every type of charging cable.
If staying in a hotel and tick country, keep your field gear in the tub overnight. Easy to spot them.
Nail brush. The undersides of your nails can get gross fast.
Hand sanitizer is great but doesn’t remove dirt. Bring wet wipes or a wash cloth.
Wool: anti-microbial and insulating against heat and cold.
What are some less known areas/jobs in Biology?
Ask A Biologist Monday 1/9/23
Answers from Biologists:
Installing exotic fly traps into residential areas (city/county job)
County/Township Parks and Recreation
Plant pathology. Working on understanding plant diseases.
Fire ecologist
Collections work in museums
Airport biologist-managing wildlife hazards to planes
Park naturalist
Entomology. Insects are so important and yet tend to get overlooked
Children/teen STEM camps or academic programs/activities
Habitat connectivity
Construction biological monitoring
Environmental education/outreach
Medical entomology
Visitor’s service/hospitality roles
Wildlife genetics
Bioacoustics. Very important and few people know what it is
Conservation dog work/sample collection
Consulting
Wildlife biology artists. Someone’s got to make those figures/diagrams/infrographics!
Human dimensions-the human side of human wildlife conflict
Natural resource planner. Mix of biology/ecology/environmental science
Rangeland ecology/management
Molecular ecology
Agriculture. State government runs working research farms with biologists and environmental scientists.
Wildlife forensics
Biosecurity officers
State DOTs need biologists to ensure projects comply with environmental laws.
Research in wild rodents in contrast to lab mice.
Rangeland ecology-plants, wildlife, fire, and agriculture
Biologist for the military. Most bases have full time biologists.
Apiculture-beekeeping
Land trusts-both national and state levels
Where is your favorite place that you’ve worked?
Ask a Biologist Monday 1/2/23
Answers from Biologists:
Juneau, AK
The Jones Center at Ichauway. Always really interesting research happening and fun teams.
National Park Service-Wildlife Health Branch.
Huron mountains in the Upper Peninsula of MI.
California R5 - LA and Orange county.
The Upper Peninsula of MI doing Wood Turtle research.
Espanola Island, Galapagos.
Baxter State Park - Katahdin is magic and being a backcountry ranger is still my favorite job ever.
New Mexico Environment Dept. Unionized.
Southern Sierra Nevadas.
Salmon, ID. Most magical place.
Had the luck to work in the Galapagos. Every biologist’s dream.
All the places. They’re all beautiful in their own way.
Wyoming Game and Fish in Lander, WY.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Midway Atoll.
Tongass National Forest, AK.
St. Christopher Camp in Johns Island, SC.
Bhanga Nek in South Africa.
Tennessee State Parks. Fun, rewarding, with a lot of biology/ecology/wildlife connections.
Kenya.
Missouri Ozarks.
The Bronx River.
Colorado River in Glen Canyon.
Montana’s Bitterroot Valley.
Pecos Wilderness, New Mexico.
Great Smokey Mountains, National Park.
Eastern Egg Rock, ME. A small 7-acre island thriving with seabirds.
Bialowieza National Park in Poland, before they started cutting down old growth trees.
West Maui Mountains.
Pisgah National Forest, NC.
Prince William Sound-Cordova, AK.
Pribilof Islands, AK.
Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community has been by far the best place to work.
Wood Tikchik State Park, Alaska.
Oklahoma panhandle.
Umpqua National Forest in OR so far. Great staff and fun surveys.
Bird Island, South Georgia.
Tuscarora State Forest, PA.
Sekiu, WA. Nestled right on the northern side of Olympic National Park.
Devil’s Punchbowl, California.
Southeastern AS. Biodiversity hotspot.
Liberia.
Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, Canada.
Waterton Lakes National Park.
Chugach National Forest.
What are you looking forward to at work next year?
Ask a Biologist Monday 12/26/22
Answers from Biologists:
Helping catch, breed and stock Muskie for the first time.
Feeling more confident in the field.
Just graduated undergrad and I’m starting my first job in January.
Deploying radiocollars on bison.
Submitting my thesis.
Finishing my master’s degree.
Working as a fisheries observer in beautiful Bellingham, WA.
Remote salmon hatchery work in Alaska.
Starting my thesis project.
Hopefully finding a job.
Starting my master’s.
Learning to set up hair snare traps for bears.
Surveying peat bogs in spring. Can’t wait to see everything come alive.
Finding the right job.
Surviving this PhD.
Doing bird banding for the first time.
My first gig post grad school.
Banding for the first time and dong more in depth ARU work.
Finding grant funding for a bit wetland restoration project.
Finishing the 12 month probationary period in my new permanent position.
Getting my bachelor’s.
Planning a water science STEMinist summer camp for middle and high school girls.
Taking the next step for my career (PdD or job, undecided).
Getting green macaw conservation led by local communities in Costa Rica.
Not stressing about things that don’t need stressing.
Fighting for fair pay within our field.
My first official job as a wildlife tech after graduating.
Working on Artic fox population dynamics in Alaska.
Hopefully finding a full time job in my field.
Starting my field work for my MS.
Spending the summer surveying mussels in the beautiful Grand River watershed.
Achieving a real job as a conservation biologist.
Exploring and documenting the flora and fauna of a new area.
Offshore fisheries sampling in the Atlantic.
Finishing my PhD (fingers crossed).
Doing black bear den checks for the first time.
What accomplishments are you most proud of this year?
Ask A Biologist Monday 12/19/22
Answers from Biologists:
Getting mental health care to support myself through another field season of lay-offs.
Passing my exam to become a certified malacologist.
Finally getting a job with a healthy work life balance.
Finding the darted elk, hobbling and blindfolding her alone after everyone else had given up.
To have grown so much in my field as someone young. I started from zero and learned a lot in 2 years.
Quitting my job.
I went back to work after being a stay at home mom for over 2 years and overcame imposter syndrome.
Getting a permanent conservation job that I can mold around my skills.
Got a permanent job working with Red-cockaded woodpeckers, a species I’ve loved since I was a kid.
Opening up about being an autistic biologist. Bonus, everyone has been supportive.
Finally landing a permanent wildlife biologist gig.
Getting accepted in a PhD program with a full scholarship.
Getting promoted to head biologist of my department.
Deciding to leave an unhealthy position for my dream job even though it’s scary.
Passed my PhD candidacy exam.
Doing my first poster presentations and getting a lot of good data in my project.
Landing a permanent position right out of undergrad.
Leaving a graduate program that was not serving me.
Negotiated higher pay for a job. I came with statistics from the Dept. of Labor.
Graduating and getting a job with USFWS.
Just surviving a department it feels like leadership is trying to destroy.
Starting grad school while working full time.
First “Wildlife Biologist” job title and worked with many new protected/endangered species.
Some promising results that came out of my work.
Challenging management on the way women and minorities are repeatedly under classified here.
Taking complete control of my business after years of not believing in myself.
Finally graduated with my degree, moved to a new country, and now ready to learn again.
Getting a non-timber project implemented.
Applied to NSERC and Fullbright.
Accepted my first permanent wildlife job.
Getting my first longish term job being a research tech.
Getting a new job in a better department. Cheers to being a field biologist again.
Getting the ball rolling to change up the general Bio I lab curriculum where I teach.
Saying no to some workgroups and projects in order to protect my time.
Writing 2 of 3 chapters of my thesis proposal.
Starting my own nature camp for kids.
Having an old supervisor tell me what I good job I did under him.
Making it through the year.
Not accepting a job offer with insultingly low pay. I know my worth.
Getting my first permanent job after 10+ years of being a seasonal.
Getting hired with enough of a wage to pay off my MS degree and feel financially safe.
Starting my PhD and getting back into the research world.
Setting up my dissertation project from scratch.
Getting my first banding job after applying to so many. Persistence and effort are key.
Quitting the biology field. Wasn’t good for my mental health.
Quitting a telemetry project because I was overly stressed and felt scarred.
Defended my MFin thesis.
Finding a balance between personal life and school/work life.
Made my first poster and got into grad school.
Boundaries. Leaving a job that I can’t perform without losing the boundaries I need to have.
Being given solo projects and exceeding my own expectations of how they’d turn out.
All chapters are published. Goodbye grad school.
Surviving.
Moving across the country to start the grad school project of my dreams (that I funded myself).
Made a big move for a calmer salary job with PTO after hourly jobs for years with heavy fieldwork.
Got a permanent scientist position with WDNR.
Winning my GRF and leading a research project in another country.
Getting results for my thesis and making progress writing it up.
Surviving a rapidly changing PI and lab dynamic.
Got a permanent biologist job for the state.
Attending my first conference as a professional and giving a presentation.
Graduated with my bachelor’s and am getting into grad school after a gap year of bad health.
Getting a big grant and record nest numbers.
What makes someone an exceptional Biologist?
Ask A Biologist Monday 12/12/22
Answers from Biologists:
Willingness to learn and reassess as new information emerges.
Good problem-solving, whether that means working out study design or getting a truck running.
They are open to new ideas.
Good interpersonal skills in addition to their technical skills.
Staying clear-headed in hazardous or unpredictable situations.
Humility and a continued willingness to learn.
Being responsible about the impact their research has on species and ecosystems.
Being able to work with locals/engaging the community with their local environment.
Appreciates diverse backgrounds/experience. Doesn’t only respect degrees and titles.
A collaborative attitude is needed to be able to come to the table of sustainability.
Patience and encouragement for new hires and advocacy for better conditions.
Curiosity and making connections (with people and concepts).
In animal care, it’s noticing when something isn’t right or an animal is behaving off, and doing something about it.
Mentoring early career biologists and technicians.
They value the welfare of their employees/crew and study species above any data.
Passion for the work, but also compassion for the people doing the work.
Valuing the knowledge/needs of all stakeholders including local and Indigenous people.
Good organizational skills. Field work gets messy and it’s easy to forget important things.
Being honest about what you don’t know and trying to learn/research more about it.
Taking advice and constructive criticism seriously and being a good communicator.
Enthusiasm. When someone is deeply passionate, it really shows.
Excellent communication skills.
The ability to connect a single piece in the puzzle to the greater picture.
Being able to set boundaries and prioritize.
Open to new and changing methods.
Integrity and curiosity.
People skills. Just as important as passion!
What’s one thing you wish you could change about this field?
Ask a Biologist Monday 12/5/22
Answers from Biologists:
Chances for promotions/raises.
Diversity in leadership/staff.
Hazard pay for all the crazy scenarios we deal with.
Pay.
Old, white boy’s club at field stations that leads to lack of diversity.
An international union so we would have the power to fight for fair pay.
More diverse and inclusive workplaces.
To be close to my support system. Remote work can really take it out of you.
The pay and passion exploitation. It can be difficult to stay motivated to succeed.
Feeling like you always have to prove yourself even when you’re qualified.
Increased representation of people of color especially African American.
Hustle culture. Love my job but I want time to do other things.
The barriers to getting started and getting a permanent job.
Expectation of long hours with no compensation.
Egotistical supervisors.
Poor work life balance.
Ease of accessibility for getting into the field. There are so many barriers.
More government funding for management and conservation (would also result in better pay).
Good ole boys club.
Make it more safe for BIPOC in the field.
The pay. Most of my state agency are massively underpaid.
Lack of funding.
Make it more accessible for people of all backgrounds.
The gatekeeping.
Being expected to move constantly for seasonal work or any permanent job or promotion.
Having a secure job for more than 3 months at a time.
Able to get permanent work earlier in your career.
Pay.
Not having to move and sacrifice our lives.
The hours and the pay.
The idea that you’re not allowed to do anything else or take time off.
More jobs for those who can’t drive due to a disability.
Time and budget constraints.
Expectation to sacrifice personal life to do remote work.
Overwork. Hire more staff and pay them right. People need breaks.
Egos and territorial nature of biologists with their study species.
Proper gear provided by the employer.
Field vehicles that fit petite people properly. I hate being the only one with a booster.
All around consistency. Opportunities, pay, schedules, etc.
Better funded.
More accessible entry level positions.
Greater diversity.
Good healthcare. We put our bodies through so much in the field, but rarely have insurance to take care of ourselves.
Looking down on people trying to enter the field who didn’t grow up in the outdoors.
Glorified grind culture and work to be done on your own time/dime.
So much focus on game species. Nongame species need funding too.
Having decent housing for techs.
Dependable, safe vehicles.
Safer for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+.
The expectation that we have to wear many hats to accomplish conservation goals.
Living wage.
The lack of mentorship due to aggressive gatekeeping.
More straightforward career path.
Increased unions.
Access to numerous jobs within all states.
The toxicity of academia.
The racist, exclusionary and Eurocentric view of conservation.
A living wage.
Queer representation and all representation for that matter.
More permanent job opportunities.
The competitive working mentality. Working more hours isn’t a bragging point. It’s a problem.
Fieldwork more focused on the wildlife and not just managing the people around wildlife.
How difficult/competitive it is to get a permanent job.
More respect for work life balance.
So many old men in power.
Job opportunities.
Easier funding of research.
More permanent jobs.
Better funding overall.
What’s you favorite piece of winter field gear?
Ask a Biologist Monday 11/29/22
Answers from Biologists:
Thermos full of warm tea
Stick on foot warmers. Hot hands brand.
Hats (always) and buffs
Boot dryer
Silk neck scarf. They are enough as a single layer in -25 F to keep your neck warm.
Zippo reusable hand warmers. They last 12 hours and use lighter fluid.
Carhartt hoodie and beanie.
A pair of truck slippers. Warm and dry slippers for a ride home post field visit.
Wool headband. Hair can be out of the way but still warm.
Rechargeable electric hand warmers. Some can double as a cell phone charger.
Carhartt coveralls.
Insulated coveralls.
Insulated bibs/overalls.
Some type/blend of wool base layers.
Thermals. I wear a full thermal suit under my clothes.
Turtle fur fleece neck gaiter.
Merino wool base layer.
Soup thermos. Best lunch.
Wool socks.
Brimmed winter hat. Great combo of baseball cap and warmth.
Fleece lined leggings as a base layer.
A good neck buff.
Australian UGGs. Field worthy and fashionable.
Microfleece Rab thermal onesie baselayer.
Crampons for icy days.
Sleeping bag + bivvy bag + flask of tea.
Hydra flask.
Waterproof dry bag to keep extra socks/layers dry.
Warm and dry shoes/slippers to put on immediately after working in the cold.
DSG cold weather tech pants.
Lined leather work gloves.
Warm socks.
Merino headband to layer with a hat for double ear protection.
Chargeable hand warmers.
Wool under layers.
Face ski mask.
My pink rainbow tie dye snowsuit.
Sturdy well-fitting pair of knee-high rubber boots.
Merino wool socks.
Wool gloves.
Mittens. Way warmer than regular gloves.
Fleece neck gaiter.
Neos boot covers to keep feet dry.
Insulated bibs.
The heater in my truck.
Wool balaclava.
A piece of paper towel on the inside of a fleece buff to keep it dry.
Wool socks.
Fingerless gloves/mittens.
Steger Mukluks are unbeatable.
Fleece lined field pants.
Grundens Maris women’s leggings.
What's something in your career you're proud of?
Ask a Biologist Monday 11/22/22
Improving wildlife habitat that would otherwise disappear/educating private landowners.
I was awarded “Educator of the Year” by the state fish and wildlife agency for the outeach that I do.
The next generation of biologists, seeing them fight for diversity/inclusivity.
I made a pretty pink poster that's also informative!
My undergraduates.
Normalizing women being in STEM for my son and everyone.
The number of biologists who started out their careers as part of my team.
Being the first to introduce a rare native plant successfully in an entire mountain range.
Fighting for equality in this field.
Disentangling many birds and sea life from marine debris.
Being a relentless advocate for myself and other LGBTQ+ people in a mainly cis male workplace.
Being a mom and scientist all at once.
Going from barely passing highschool to now almost being done with my PhD.
Pushing through all those times I wanted to give up to finally getting a permanent job this year.
Applied ecology that can genuinely make a difference in forming policy.
Helping people of all backgrounds see how important snakes are, even the venomous ones.
Sending my first manuscript for publishing in a small journal.
Getting a permanent job.
Representation as an Asian lesbian in Conservation.
Going from barely passing highschool to publishing 2 papers in the first year of my MS.
Finding a work life balance despite the pressures not to.
Have you ever had a “close call/near miss” in the field?
Ask a Biologist Monday 11/14/22
Answers from Biologists:
Had several close calls with rattlesnakes in Southern California on spotted owl night surveys.
A new field tech though that charging the bear that was charging us was smart.
Saved a coworker from falling off a zodiac into some rocky wash.
While we were pulling samples 5 miles offshore in a boat, a coworker fell overboard. Wear your lifejacket!
Being towed behind a boat surveying and almost being decapitated by a tourist jet ski.
Running into an hours old litter of feral piglets in a coconut forest in Guam.
Mostly too hot or too cold near misses.
Caught in a tiny boat in a big storm.
Dead tree fell and hit my car while I was driving back from my last day of a 2 year field stint.
While pulling mountain lion cubs from a den, mom’s VHF signal was lost as she was heading back to us.
Worked as a wildland firefighter. My crew made a bad call my rookie year and shit got very rowdy.
Stepped on some vegetation covering a deep crevice and fell in to my hip. Luckily I didn’t dislocate my knee/leg.
Almost got heat stroke a couple of times.
Altitude sickness on a mountain. Throwing up and almost falling over the whole way back to my truck. My colleague carried me part of the way.
Almost sat on a juvenile Fer-d-lance in the Choco rainforest.
Got attacked by a wild turkey during fieldwork and chased for 400 meters.
My leg got caught in a trawl rope as we were sending a net out.
Got a concussion from a bear trap closing on the back of my head.
Stepped on a ground hive. Took 5 to the face. Hives, dizziness, 2 miles from the truck.
Mist netting for bats and we spooked a young cougar. 7 miles back at night was fun!
A colleague tore a muscle in the backcountry. Has to hike them and their gear out.
Assessing tree risk, many high risk trees felt a good time to fall was during their assessments.
Heat exhaustion alone in the field, almost too far from my truck that has AC and water. Could barely move.
I slipped on a rock in Gran Canaria while sampling shearwater nests. Nearly fell from the cliff to the sea.
Two wildfires erupted on either side of us and we had to run and drive for our lives.
An e-break slipped and truck rolled backwards over me as I was releasing fish into a river.
Harp net trapping a hibernaculum. Large tree fell where we planned on setting up.
Storm surge flooded our coastal AK field camp with 5 feet of water. We had 30 minutes notice.
Didn’t secure the truck door during high winds. Ended up cutting my head pretty badly while solo.
Confronted by armed pot grower on public land, ran for my life.
Charged by a cow moose while tracking chipmunks.
Sprayed both my tech and myself with poorly stashed bear spray from our pack.
Had a close encounter with a mountain lion (<6 feet away) during a spotted owl survey.
Ran out of gas in the helicopter up a remote inlet on the BC coast. Managed to land it by the water.
Stalked by a cougar doing an exit count-horses chased it off.
Escaped a flash flood in the aptly named Box-Death Hollow Wilderness while backpack electrofishing.
Stalked and harassed for 3 months by local “sportsmen’s” group for conducting whitetail research.
Accidentally stepped 6 inches in front of the nose of a 5.5 foot rattlesnake.
Chased by an aggressive western capercaillie (grouse) male through the woods.
Accidentally got too close to a calf in the field and mama cow chased me into the woods.
Surveying for barred owl. Ducked instinctively and one flew inches over my head.
3 hurricanes coming for our remote field site at once. Resulted in an emergency evacuation from the navy.
Me and my field partner were stalked by a black bear and didn’t know until it was right behind us.
Went to tube a western diamondback rattlesnake and the tube snapped.
First tech job. Allergic reaction to reed canary grass. Went into anaphylaxis. Middle of nowhere.
Stepped on a hibernating black bear (broke through snow).
A mother black bear charged my field assistant and I while we were doing bird surveys in Oklahoma.
Tripped in the middle of an elephant seal harem, got charged.
Held at gunpoint twice in less than 24 hours. First was at a BLM gate, second was my camp.
Coworker forgot to put work rig in park on a mountain road and I almost got stuck going down with the rig.
While surveying bird nests in AK, grizzly bear came within 20 meters of us.
Used too small of a bag to weigh a copperhead. Went to tie the knot and its head popped out next to my hand.
Checking bird burrows on Kaua’i, the ground gave out and I rolled downhill 15 feet and caught myself on a tree.
After a storm, a tree limb fell close to me and came close to hitting me on the head.
Almost got our truck pushed off the mountain by an enormous tanker truck barreling down.
Got stung in the face by a jellyfish while diving to collect critters for experiments.
Reaching over a log into lantana to collect a test nest, a small-eyed snake jumped out.
Left alone and my GPS unit quit working. Was familiar enough with the area that I didn’t get lost.
My partner sprayed bear spray in his eyes, and hour and a half drive from the nearest hospital.
Tanker ship generated ‘mini-tsunami’ while standing in the marsh in waders.
Stepped on a fat rattlesnake (it was fine).
Dime sized hail and lightning too close for comfort while hiking down a mountain.
3 different tick-borne illnesses including exposure to Lyme. On antibiotics for 6 weeks total.
Weeks later checking trail cam photos, I saw a puma had “joined” me on a night walk.
Almost getting run down by a bull moose in WY while doing radio telemetry on roads.
Netting bats last summer and startled a sleeping moose 2 feet from me.
Giant bullet ant flew into my field kitchen. Almost got bitten-they can put you in a coma.
Almost losing a coworker in the field. Always bring a radio.
Bear walked right past me while checking trail cameras.
A couple close calls with vehicle accidents with all the driving on rough mountain roads.
Shot at by private landowner while on adjacent public land tracking bats.
Rattlesnakes in my small mammal traps in SE AZ.
I got caught in quicksand.
Got struck by lighting at our field station. Still have the scar where I saw the spark go in.
Vehicle shot at while pheasant stocking.
Passing truck shattered the driver side window. Glass went flying everywhere.
A feral bull snuck up on me. We were both surprised by the bull’s reaction was much scarier.
Climbing up a 15 foot high rock wall. Tiny cactus invisible in handhold. Almost fell off high rock wall.
Picked the wrong size tube so a copperhead turned around to strike while we were tagging her.
Locals pulling a gun on us while spotlighting mule deer.
Chased off moose with a chainsaw that was bellowing at us.
Very close lightning strikes, on the metal boat, on open water.
Rolled my ATC over my head. Thankfully I was wearing a helmet.
Snake bite sent me to the hospital. So painful. Still permanently swollen.
Nearly got bitten when tagging a seal. They’re strong.
Almost drowned in a marsh while radio tracking turtles. Managed to haul myself onto a cattail mat.
Toxic coworker “forgot” to pick me up at the meeting point during a thunderstorm. Hitched back.
Got stung by several yellow jackers and had an allergic reaction.
Almost sat on a timber rattlesnake.
Came face to face with the camp elephant in Kenya and was not expecting it.
Falling off cliffs, scratched by a mountain lion, almost struck by lightning.
Lost in the woods, carrying a bag of neonate EDB rattlesnakes, trip and nearly land on them.
VHF malfunction led to us running into a momma mountain lion with her kittens on a kill.
Almost stepped on a small rattlesnake buried under sand on the way to a pre-dawn survey.
Nearly got bit by a few snapping turtles when releasing them in the rain.
Been stuck caught on the water in some sketchy out of nowhere thunderstorms.
Trapped in a thunderstorm in a salt marsh in a metal canoe during a terrapin survey.
After emergency surgery on a 3 yr old cougar, he started waking up faster than anticipated.
Struck by a rattlesnake. Luckily it only hit my jeans.
Being shot at by angry land owners while bat netting (we had permission to be there).
Briefly kidnapped by a sturgeon poacher. Successfully negotiated my release.
Nearly sat on an 8 foot boa at night.
Crossed a river in front of a female leopard without even realizing it.
Many close calls with great basin rattlesnakes in NV. One almost got stuck in a live trap meant for rabbits.
Flipping rocks in a stream for salamanders. Almost flipped a coiled timber rattlesnake.
Came face to face with a cougar my first day of my first field job.
Standing on a boulder during a veg survey, didn’t realize there was a skunk right below me.
Charged by a cow moose while I worked up her calf.
Deliberately shot at in the forest while conducting spotted owl surveys in Oregon.
Almost slid into a wetland because of a massive hole I couldn’t see in the dark when I pulled onto the shoulder.
A salamander escaped my grasp and I am confident it was undescribed in Western science.
Was struck by a rattlesnake. Thank god I was wearing snake guards so I was unharmed.
Charged by a momma moose while I was tracking her to get a visual on the calf.
First tech job with salmon in Alaska. Fell off the boat on the last day of work.
Stand off with a feral stallion when I stumbled between him and his mares.
Almost shot by an angry neighboring landowner.
Trapped in a lightning storm and had to lie down in a field. Survived the storm but covered in ticks.
While looking for Ozark big-eared bats, walked in on a sleeping mountain lion.
A deer chased by a wolf ran past me in the field.
While cutting loosetrife in a ditch a car ran off the road and came barreling down the ditch.
What are your conference tips?
Ask a Biologist Monday 11/7/22
Don't be afraid to break away from your group.
It's okay to take time to yourself. If you need time alone, take it.
Bring a thermos for coffee.
Meet people on Instagram beforehand and then in real life!
Step out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to researchers you want to meet.
Join committees.
Limit yourself to one drink or just don't drink at all.
Take notes and include the names of presenters in them.
Have snacks and instant coffee/tea in your bag.
Bring a backpack or big shoulder back full of supplies for the day.
Skip sessions here and there and take strategic naps. Pace yourself for the learning and friendship building.
Don't feel like you have to go out and party at nights or stay out late.
Don't be afraid to just introduce yourself.
Bring snacks.
Ask locals for recommendations on restaurants and sights.
Lean on students for networking just as much as professionals. Peer references are valuable.
Comfortable walking shoes.
Explore the area!
Make friends with those who have a rental car.
Networking is scary for everyone so take advantage of relaxed moments and spaces.
Don't drink too much.
Take time to explore the city away from the conference. It helps with burnout.
Store your business cards behind your name tag in the little plastic pouch.
Pace yourself so you don't get drained too soon.
Intentionally schedule in self care/down time. Conference burn out is real.
Take breaks, especially at big conferences. You don't need to attend every session.
Plan your day to day schedule before you arrive.
Wear a mask. Conferences are super spreader events.