What to expect

A field job, a lab job, or an office job.  They are all great and provide you valuable new skills.  But they also pose their own challenges.  Here we provide a brief overview of what to expect and how to excel.

Office Jobs

Schedule: Most likely to be full time. Likely regular hours.

Positions: Consultant, permitting specialist

Pros: Most stable. Don’t have to work crazy hours or during bad weather. Relatively comfortable. Networking is easier.

Cons: Might get tedious and boring. Can    feel unfulfilling. Offices are distracting.

Tips: Find ways to stay engaged. Make an effort to connect with coworkers. Look for opportunities to engage in more advanced and interesting work.

Lab Jobs

Schedule: Seasonal to full time. Likely regular hours.

Positions: Lab/museum assistant, research assistant

Pros: Interesting! Don’t have to work crazy hours or during bad weather. Comfortable.

Cons: Might get tedious and boring. Safety restrictions. Close quarters.

Tips: Bring things to keep yourself comfortable. 

Field Jobs

Schedule: Project based to full time. Often intermittent but long hours.

Positions: Compliance monitoring, agency seasonal aid, research assistant, habitat tech

Pros: Fun! Learn a lot of new skills. Good exercise.

Cons: Physically demanding.

Tips: Be prepared and advocate for your safety. Might be low visibility so make sure you find a way to let your supervisor know you are doing a great job.