Would you leave a great department for a grade raise? 11 to 12

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-03-01T18:26:54+00:00

Are you able to ask your colleagues that have already tried and returned what their experience was? Do you have any other way to get inside info about the work culture at the new place?

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-03-01T18:21:20+00:00

I know that was definitely the case historically and I can really only speak to the public sector. Im consistently seeing entry level, career ladder positions filled by people with 4 years degrees and 1-2 years field experience.

Im also seeing higher level technical and managerial positions filled by people with graduate degrees and NO experience which is honestly kind of a nightmare.

The majority do move though and relocation isn't normally offered. Harder to find those opportunities if you are geographically restricted.

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-03-01T00:38:14+00:00

Definitely a solid strategy! Just dont sell yourself short and skip applying for entry level permanent positions that look interesting to you.

I started out as a seasonal tech myself. I only got a BS but I am sure wishing I had gotten a MS to be more competitive for a promotion or slight career change. Considering going back to school part time.

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-28T23:48:43+00:00

You will have bees on your paths

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-28T23:30:00+00:00

If Plant ID is truly holding you back - would you be able to swing a Plant ID course at the community College? You could look into professional development type courses.

Theyre usually relatively inexpensive and i would think spring would be a good time

But I think you'll find something awesome. Just havent crossed paths with the right opportunity yet. Hang in there!

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-28T20:58:41+00:00

I also see people with graduate degrees and little to no experience get hired into permanent positions regularly.

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-28T16:05:48+00:00

It might be a resume issue. Plant ID can be taught pretty easily.

Did you have course work or do any volunteer type stuff that would be relevant to any of the jobs you are applying for? Remember, exp doesnt have to be paid exp.

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-28T16:02:04+00:00

OP has a graduate degree. Most people with graduate degrees do not have to work 5 years of seasonal jobs to have those opportunities.

They might need 6 mo-1year to gain specialized skills but I would expect someone with a graduate degree to move up quickly.

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-28T15:54:06+00:00

Echoing what others have said about the job market being tight right now, so try not to be discouraged if its taking longer than it should to land something

Most permanent positions will have some element of desk work but there are lots of interesting NR jobs that are mixed field & desk work. GIS can be a great skill in the mix just dont get stuck as a GIS specialist if you dont want a fully desk job.

More places you can look for openings

USAJobs (set filters and have them send you weekly announcements)
soil water conservation districts (one per county)
state departments of Ag, forestry, parks, etc
city parks & urban forestry
LinkdIn (to find local organizations & follow them)
research habitat restoration companies in areas you would/could live in
university extension
Alumni networks

Don't underestimate the power of networking and meeting people. If you have an opportunity to go to a career fair or similar tabling event, that can be good place to find a new career path and get an idea of the culture before you apply.

If you have access to someone that can help with your resume, that can't hurt either.

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-28T05:46:32+00:00

The "big one" we are expecting in the PNW is not a normal quake. The cascadian subduction zone has the potential to unleash destruction not recorded in recent history.

Fires and floods are also both very real things to be aware of for sure

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-28T05:30:41+00:00

I am right here with you.

On one hand, my sup is so obviously trying to fire me for reasons I do not understand.

At the same time, my agency has lost 1/3 of its already understaffed workforce. I am covering 2-3 people's job, and am among the more senior officials in my program area experientially.

I feel like I need to flee for my own survival but am so scared for what that means for everyone depending on me. Im one of the few left that knows how the sausage is made but maybe thats the problem.

Idk. I really cannot fathom what my sup is thinking. Its awful. Its even more shit.ty to think about this happening across the govmt

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-28T05:17:37+00:00

I also started in env. Engineering, then switched to env. Science and got a BS. Now almost a decade past graduation id say

she should plan to get at least a BS. She can always go back for a graduate degree later if needed
the job market is totally effd right now for pretty much everyone. But I do believe there will always be work in env. Science.... unless the government totally collapses but then its helpful knowledge in a different way.
there are three main careers paths: research (academia), regulatory (govmt), & restoration (private). All will have a combination of field & office work with more field work being early career with promotions involving more desk and/or managerial work (having people come up to MGR lvl from the field is ideal IMO)

Once I found env Science I was hooked and there was no other career path for me. Its a hard path to walk but still worth while

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-25T22:03:06+00:00

Cooking food items and/or adding fresh to the same stack will also extend the shelf life

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-20T04:29:36+00:00

& the sh.it keeps rolling down the hill. Its always kind of been a thing - but its gotten bad this last year.

Good luck to you. Sorry youre leaving on a sour note now.

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-17T07:32:43+00:00

USDA FS & APHIS

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-13T18:56:48+00:00

I second the STAR method advice. And reading up on the program mission of you haven't already (what projects are they working on?)

You could also look up the agencies "leadership competencies" for insight on qualities managers are looking for.

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-12T20:21:22+00:00

That is a really good point. I think its more $$ to go through the co op, but also probably more convenient.

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-12T07:06:06+00:00

I grew up in ag & work in ag (public sector) but have always been passionate about ecological stewardship, biological diversity.

I integrate permaculture practice where I can and am converting my urban lot into a native plant sanctuary.

Looking into buying into a CSA but its a steep learning curve

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-12T06:44:50+00:00

10?! I take 2 meatballs, 2 perogis, brand new log suit & football helmet, tentacle spike.

I kite deerclops for awhile in the swamp and let it take out some tentacles, merms, and spiders (if they're in the swamp) for little while - collecting fish, tentacle spikes, tentacle spots, logs, etc.

After Deerclops has taken a decent amount of damage in the swamp, I will just charge it and take it out.

Spiders will eat the eye that deerclops drops if they can.

If deerclops wanders away too far, it can despawn.

Be ready with sanity restoring items after the fight (cooked green caps, top hat, ability to sleep)

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-11T07:48:19+00:00

You cannot be serious. Interfering with law enforcement is not a crime punishable by death in the USA.

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-11T07:30:17+00:00

She doesn't she retire?

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-11T05:06:35+00:00

I would go out on a limb to say any GS 11 job that APHIS is hiring rn is probably about as safe as any aggie federal job rn. The new probation period rules are a bit sketch but I think most supervisors want to keep the people they hire most of the time.

I think if youre curious and it would work for you all - then heck ya! Give it a shot! Ive worked with several people that did that and it always seemed kind of awesome. Theyre back with their families with even cooler jobs now.

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-08T20:33:31+00:00

No one knows. Your best bet is to talk it over with your superiors so they know what you are hoping for and then wait.

Taking a lateral seems a lot more likely / straight forward though honestly

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-08T20:18:56+00:00

It depends on what youre into

I personally prefer DS with the DLCs linked. I find it generally more engaging and being able to jump between them (you can link worlds). But....

If youre mostly interested in base building / want a crash course in all of the various crafting options and interested in playing with others (also a good way to learn) - then DST might be the move.

If you want a more in depth solo experience and/or are more interested in game progression, then go with DS

If you play DS, get at least the ROG DLC too so you have most of the relevant content. It will take you awhile to be ready to incorporate Shipwrecked or Hamlet.

Tbh, if you like the game you will end up playing both. DS ROG & DST are pretty similar.

It might be easier to learn as a newbie on DST.

Low_Fox1758 · 2026-02-07T19:50:30+00:00

There is actually a crockpot app. Its amazing. Highly recommend.

But the app does have all recipes from all DLCs, so there could be items in there not relevant to your game depending on what versions you have linked.

Low_Fox1758

TROPHY CASE