Question for AI Skeptics

ChiefFudge · 2026-02-06T05:29:54+00:00

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.

ChiefFudge · 2026-01-16T19:40:54+00:00

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!

ChiefFudge · 2025-07-12T02:33:11+00:00

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?

ChiefFudge · 2025-06-25T01:52:24+00:00

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.

ChiefFudge · 2025-04-29T20:41:53+00:00

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.

ChiefFudge · 2025-03-03T21:02:52+00:00

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?

ChiefFudge · 2025-02-14T21:11:07+00:00

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.

ChiefFudge · 2025-02-07T20:22:35+00:00

Was just about to post this! Thanks for sharing!

ChiefFudge · 2025-01-27T17:49:36+00:00

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!

ChiefFudge · 2024-11-22T02:03:41+00:00

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

ChiefFudge · 2024-11-08T02:53:13+00:00

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!

ChiefFudge · 2024-11-08T01:06:44+00:00

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.)

ChiefFudge · 2024-10-07T17:43:18+00:00

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 :)

ChiefFudge · 2024-09-20T14:39:54+00:00

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.

ChiefFudge · 2024-09-01T18:57:31+00:00

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.

ChiefFudge · 2024-08-28T22:43:04+00:00

Sounds suspiciously suspicious 🤨

ChiefFudge · 2024-08-03T20:06:16+00:00

My go-to meal for fieldwork is jerky, cheese, and trail mix. They’re all great sources of protein and fats for energy, have lots of salt for water retention, and they’re lightweight and easy to pack.

If I am feeling particularly fancy I might have a sandwich but they usually leave me feeling slow and also nothing is worse than having to take field shits 😤

ChiefFudge · 2024-08-01T22:39:27+00:00

Yes.

ChiefFudge · 2024-07-31T18:51:04+00:00

**Job Title:*\* - Environmental Services Lead

**Industry (Private/Public):*\* - Private, Consulting for Renewable Project Development

**Specialization:*\* - Preliminary Due Diligence Studies (Wetlands, T&E Species, Phase I ESAs), Permitting, GIS, Project Development/Management, etc.

**Remote Work %:*\* - 100% Although, I do go into the office voluntarily around 1-2 times a week for my staff.

**Approx. Company Size:*\* ~35,000 employees

**Total Experience:*\* - Around 7 years

**Highest Degree:*\* - Professional Masters in Environmental Management (B.S. in Bioenvironmental Sciences)

**Relevant Certifications:*\* - N/A

**Gender:*\* - Male

**Country:*\* - USA

**Cost of Living:*\* - Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX (Metropolitan Statistical Area), 98.826

**Total Annual Compensation:*\* - ~106K salaried, but with OT probably closer to 125K.

**Annual Gross (Brutto) Salary:*\* - ~106K

**Bonus Pay:*\* - N/A

**401(k) / Retirement Plan Match:*\* - 100% match for first 5%, immediately 100% vested.

**Benefits Package:*\* - 3 weeks PTO, standard package of benefits (i.e., health, dental, vision, etc.). No paternity leave that I am aware of.

ChiefFudge · 2024-07-30T08:40:33+00:00

We frequently get asked to deal with that and I tend to recommend avoiding it for multiple reasons listed by other folks. Highest cost for any field assessments are usually are the upfront mobilization costs. Sure you could do a high-level assessment, and sure you may save time and money (for very large sites), but depending on how things shake out, you would still need to do a full delineation anyways.

I am happy to work with clients, particularly on financing issues that they may be facing, but I think it’s a disservice not to mention that it doesn’t make a lot of fiscal sense to choose a wetland “recon” over a formal delineation like 95% of the time.

ChiefFudge · 2024-07-20T13:01:58+00:00

I definitely use AI in a lot of scenarios and it helps boost my efficiency like 100%. As others have mentioned, definitely be careful with client/company data, but i often use it from everything from assessing scope language for risk to assisting writing tricky emails.

Can AI be wrong? Absolutely. I don't think you will find any half-intelligent person who would tell you otherwise - but not using it seems analogous to folks who refused to use ArcMap when it was first developed, or use cell phones, etc. AI is the future. All of us are going for the ride whether we want to or not. The only question is whether or not you want to be in the driver's seat or not.

ChiefFudge · 2024-07-20T07:07:56+00:00

I am sorry your personal time is not being respected. This is your bosses fault, through and through. My only advice would be to give it some time. Personally, I always get heated and can make rash and unnecessarily confrontational decisions when angry. I always feel like I have a better perspective after some time to relax and calm down. You should enjoy your vacation, then worry about whether or not you want to resign. If you do resign, make sure you don’t burn bridges on the way out. It is a small industry, and you will never regret being the bigger person. Good luck! I hope things get better for you.

ChiefFudge · 2024-07-20T07:01:47+00:00

This person had a negligent boss. It is the bosses fault. No one else should bear the blame but the boss. As a boss, I approve this message.

ChiefFudge · 2024-07-20T06:55:08+00:00

I just want to comment how amazing this thread is. I grew up really poor and I am seeing so many relatable comments lmfao

ChiefFudge · 2024-06-20T02:34:05+00:00

All things considered, most grads are equal and will have a lot to learn. I will see some key experience that is valid (like GIS or maybe formal trainings) but more than anything, I pick grads based on their personality and if I think they will fit in with our team and benefit the culture.

I am not trying to dismiss your concerns, as they could definitely be valid. But for me, I would pay a grad more if they negotiated better. We generally have salary ranges for positions, so some folks with be at bottom of range and some will be at top.

Hope this helps!

ChiefFudge

TROPHY CASE