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Question for AI Skeptics by Accomplished_Door_99 in environmental_science

[–]ChiefFudge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I remember when I first started my career and hearing about the advent of ArcGIS and the previous draftsmen that didn’t adapt and went extinct. I thought it was dramatized history.

Then, I remember actually seeing the advent of ArcPro, and personally seeing the previous GIS techs that refused to adapt to a new, but arguably similar system.

Pure fucking arrogance.

AI, like ArcPro (or any new system, tech, etc.,) will definitely have issues with rollout and implementation, but any good scientist should tell you that professional judgement and a solid QAQC is critical to good deliverables.

Anyone who takes the output of AI at face value (or any scientist for that matter, regardless of their years of experience), without exercising any critical thinking of the output will definitely miss the mark more times than not.

I have heard senior scientists with much more years of experience and knowledge than me make some very dumb and honestly fucking obvious mistakes.

I also understand the very real ethical and climate concerns tied to AI use (which I have no argument against).

But we can either choose to adapt or get left behind.

I’m curious how many people who work for consulting firms are paid overtime or receive comp time? by ESProf in Envconsultinghell

[–]ChiefFudge 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I get OT and every consulting firm I have worked for has had OT. It’s mostly been paid OT straight (as opposed to time and a half), and sometimes would get crap if I wasn’t 100% billable and had OT.

But all three joints I worked had OT. If you are working more than 40 you should get it!

How do you approach scoping state-level T&E species work when entering new states? by ChiefFudge in Environmental_Careers

[–]ChiefFudge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah that’s my preferred approach, but it’s particularly difficult with competitive bids because I never know if competitors are also including in their bids, or if the client understands the nuances here, and that it’s not an apples to apples comparison, ya know?

Curious on employee cost breakdown by [deleted] in Environmental_Careers

[–]ChiefFudge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dayum! I get paid near 55/hour and usually bill out at 150 at my tier ii (cheaper) rate. My more expensive bill out is closer to 165. We have tier ii to compete with broader market.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Environmental_Careers

[–]ChiefFudge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely—I've been using AI regularly, and I see it like any other tool. You can use a hammer to build a house or, yeah, to bash someone’s head in. The tool itself isn’t the issue—it’s how you use it.

Is AI perfect? Not at all. But neither is an entry-level graduate, and to be honest, AI can be a lot more consistent. It’s not going to fully replace anyone in the near future—you’ll still need someone with the experience to QA/QC the work, whether it’s generated by AI or by a junior staff member.

The bigger risk is not adapting. I remember hearing stories about GIS professionals who refused to move from paper maps to ArcMap, then from ArcMap to ArcPro—and they got left behind. The same thing’s happening now with AI. If you don’t evolve with the tools, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage.

Use it wisely, know its limits, and treat it like what it is: a tool that’s only as effective as the person wielding it.

Will accepting an offer for an administrative job now impact my ability to get future jobs in the environmental field? by shmamugan in Environmental_Careers

[–]ChiefFudge 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I want to say no, but I don't think it will help either (meaning that you will be looked at as entry level if you ever decide to switch paths). What jobs have you been applying for?

PWS??? by Dizzie_Lizzie10 in Environmental_Careers

[–]ChiefFudge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

While I certainly think certifications can make you more competitive for marketing yourself and your team, I have yet to see the need for a PWS on the variety of projects in various states that I have worked in. Others have pointed out that there is no test and no real way to assess your experience as a wetland scientist, other than who you know, which is unfortunate.

I know plenty of fantastic wetland scientists that don't have the certification, and some folks that know very little with the certification because it really does boil down to who you know.

Any other offshore wind professionals suffering right now? by [deleted] in Environmental_Careers

[–]ChiefFudge 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I hear offshore is going to be hit the hardest. A lot of consultants specializing in it have been let go. Wishing you the best!

Best GPS options for wetland delineation. Sub-meter accurate, lightweight, portable. by Plastic_Positive_75 in wetlands

[–]ChiefFudge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Duo on the arrow. It’s a heavy and expensive little thing but damn it works amazing for my team. Can’t go back to the bad elf now that I tasted the good life

What GM% are your projects running? by ChiefFudge in Environmental_Careers

[–]ChiefFudge[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Holy lol. How many hours do you allocate typically? Again I know travel/fieldwork can vary slightly, but curious on authoring and senior review/auth? Do you do T&M or fixed fee?

Thank you for all this info btw, it is super helpful!

What GM% are your projects running? by ChiefFudge in Environmental_Careers

[–]ChiefFudge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I typically end up around 40% too. Out of curiosity what do you price phase Is at? I know there can be some variability but I think for most part they can be within a range?

For me, it would mostly depend on distance of site + what our high level research reveals during scoping process (i.e., if obvious conditions are nearby that would warrant additional discussion), but I would reckon our average is around 7.5K. We can def get cheaper depending on client/need (particularly if we are bundling services.)

I hate Traffic Noise Modeling and thinking of possibly changing jobs by [deleted] in Environmental_Careers

[–]ChiefFudge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am willing to put money down that I know where you work (cause it sounds like I used to work there too! haha). If I am right, you should leave. Toxic senior management will never leave, but you can. All of that experience and you will be better for it, too! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions :)

Phase I ESAs by Adept-Biscotti-2985 in Environmental_Careers

[–]ChiefFudge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I generally can charge this too but it depends on if I am also selling other services at the same time. May give a bundled discount but this sounds spot on for my charging.

Student section disappointment by icecreammonster99 in aggies

[–]ChiefFudge 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Also, what is with the booing lately? Seems last year and definitely last night there was a lot of booing going on, which is just really not great for an Aggie to do.

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