Field Activities

Skills and Behaviors

Novice

• Has only vague ideas of what should be accomplished while in the field.
• Does little preparation that is appropriate to the field tasks.
• Takes too much "stuff," most of which is unneeded or inappropriate.
• Trusts other people to provide guidance in the field tasks.
• Is not prepared to cope with difficulties or emergencies.
• Wastes time with tasks that are unnecessary or inappropriate.
• Leaves field data (notes, specimens, photos, etc.) at risk.
• Has little sense of a workflow that is appropriate for handling field data (notes, specimens, photos, etc.).

Advanced Beginner

• Is able to generally assess the requirements of the field site as part of the planning process.
• Obtains maps and other location-specific information prior to leaving for the field site.
• Inadequately practices using methodologies and technology prior to arriving at the field site.
• Does not monitor time utilization well and may fail to complete key tasks.
• Makes some provision for protecting field data but does this inconsistently.
• Fails to obtain some key information while in the field.
• Is able to accomplish some basic tasks with self-motivation, but still relies on other people to provide the overall guidance.
• Has created some basic emergency strategies and is somewhat prepared to implement these.

Competent

• Creates and maintains checklists of supplies and equipment.
• Packs supplies and equipment in appropriate containers.
• Knows which critical equipment can be replaced in the field or carries appropriate redundancy.
• Is able to use all the methodologies and technology required and practices this before arriving at the field site.
• Generally completes the expected field studies within the time and resources allocated.
• Provides routine care so that field data (notes, specimens, photos, etc.) degradation or loss is minimized.
• Knows what tasks are to be accomplished and has the motivation and discipline to carry these out.
• Has prepared for a wide range of emergencies and maintains the needed information and resources.

Proficient

• Generally depends on many locally available items rather than transporting these.
• Is able to adapt many local supplies and equipment to alternative uses.
• Uses standard methodologies and technology with great efficiency and is able to adapt and innovate while in the field.
• Actively finds new opportunities for study while completing the anticipated tasks.
• Creates an efficient and effective workflow that minimizes the possibility of field data (notes, specimens, photos, etc.) degradation or loss.
• Plans ahead so that emergency situations are generally avoided.

Expert

• Devotes considerable time to planning the field work so that everything is in place and ready when it is needed.
• Trains everyone so that they actively contribute to the overall goals of the field tasks.
• Is able to create a support network that functions efficiently. This may require training other people to provide key activities.
• Knows what resources are critical to efficient work and makes sure that these are always available.
• "Outsources" many of the logistics tasks so that time at the field site is focused on the primary objectives.