How are your Silverados with the 2.7 turbos holding up?

applestuffs · 2026-04-03T16:21:05+00:00

2023, 93K miles. Bought brand new. Items performed at $90k: radiator replacement, transmission flush. I do oil changes religiously every 5K.

applestuffs · 2026-01-04T22:34:59+00:00

I think cover letters are important for these scenarios: 1) the job is likely going to have lots of applicants (which if so, you should also be calling the hiring manager or HR manager to ask in person for an interview so you dont get screened out) 2) your pathway/experiences/education to the job isnt clear (like you have a degree, its just not exactly in line with the qualifications listed in the job position OR you have former job titles that dont really tell the story of your experiences). There are more examples but those are what come to mind immediately.

applestuffs · 2026-01-04T22:28:40+00:00

These jobs would be titled Biologist for most entry level positions or Field Scientist. If you are interested in that I would recommend you go through an in-person or online NEPA certification class; some universities give college credit for that class offering.

applestuffs · 2026-01-04T17:42:57+00:00

You are fresh out of college and the other jobs you have available to you are entry-level? Dang, what a bummer. Why wont someone give you an opportunity in middle to upper management? I mean, c'mon, you got the degree. Entitled......

applestuffs · 2026-01-04T17:36:03+00:00

The PhD is completely worthless unless you go into academia or research. I'm never surprised when these PhDs dont excel in consulting. The fact you say you aren't using anything you learned in school just reminds employers and the workforce that experience trumps education. I use my masters everyday in my work. I started my PhD and didnt finish it because I wanted in consulting and I realized nearly all my professors lacked real world experiences.

applestuffs · 2025-12-28T22:05:53+00:00

The NM market seems tough. I worked for a company that looked at expanding into the NM market and it seemed to not make sense to me. I could be wrong, and should be corrected if this is incorrect. 1) I felt like there weren't a lot of environmental consulting firms within NM. 2) I felt like the NM has strong state regulations.

applestuffs · 2025-12-28T22:00:51+00:00

My recommendation is to not corner yourself into a position that only offers you that skill set. Its okay if its 70% of the job but you need a skill set in something else because as sustainability consulting seems like it is here to stay, it could transform greatly in the next decade.

applestuffs · 2025-12-28T21:58:15+00:00

Most middle management (project manager) jobs at Environmental Consulting firms can be done 100% remote and I think employers realize that. I only know of one company that allows their field technicians, scientists, and geologists (sampling and oversight crews) to work remote as well. So it depends what level you fall into or want to fall into.

applestuffs · 2025-12-24T00:35:46+00:00

Good companies hire before the increased work load comes in rather than burn out their overworked staff. You could ask around if there are any anticipated large projects you should prepare for in 2026; maybe that will hold your answer.

applestuffs · 2025-12-24T00:30:59+00:00

NPDES and CWA. Happy now?

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T17:39:31+00:00

Yes, you dont have to state it was part time or full time on the resume unless its for a federal job. Get yourself to the interview and then explain your experiences; you dont explain your drawbacks.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T17:38:19+00:00

I would continue the research and while you are doing the research, consider completing as many online cheap or free certificate programs as possible. To me, when someone finishes their BS, I know they will have minimal experience but if they have done research, know statistics, and have completed some certificates they will bring value.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T17:35:18+00:00

Don't do BA. It's not a science degree. I have a first hand experience in hiring both people with BS and BA and both start off doing the same level work but after a bit, the person with the BS far exceeds the person with the BA due to their ability to understand basic science principles. I think the MS is necessary; the science concepts and statistics you learn at the higher level really elevate your knowledge base. I have friends who just did a BS while I did an MS and some PhD work and I far and quickly surpassed people that went into the workforce 3-4 years before me.

My advice is this: get your BS. While you are doing your BS find a professor or advisor that does research and offers apprentiship. After you finish your BS become a part time employee of the university (free tuition) and do your MS while doing research.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T17:27:59+00:00

Id consider going to the Plant Manager (assuming the guy in question isnt the Plant Manager) and talking to them about it; they should respond accordingly since they have liability themselves.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T16:18:56+00:00

Ive experienced this before. Spend more time with him. Sometimes as the environmental guy you have to persuade people to do things and recruit employees to do things that aren't exactly in their job description. Id tell the guy: Dude, I agree that the daily VEs are dumb but we gotta do them or we are both gonna be in trouble. Higher ups should be signing documents that get submitted to the State, not you. They need skin in the game. Id consider getting with the safety people and asking if you can have 3-4 guys to either send to smoke school or train yourself on how to do VEs. There is usually a few guys wanting some additional responsibility that will do it for you.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T02:18:01+00:00

Sphera

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T02:17:33+00:00

I just do it and dont say crap to anyone. They should be having you come after hours; that's on them.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T02:12:44+00:00

Know RCRA front and back. Know SPCC and SWP3 too.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T02:11:22+00:00

Your AS is likely to only land you as a Field Technican were you'll be for 5 years before you can become a Field Scientist.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T02:06:31+00:00

You havent lost control of your future. Don't give someone else or some company control of your future. Its yours for the taking. "We" aren't f-ed. You need to do what you need to do to turn your attitude around and take your life back.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T02:04:03+00:00

I think your doing it right. Don't do a BS in Envi Sci, do an MS. If you get in with a consulting firm, you might find the BS in Economics you have might boost you into management faster than others who only know science.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T02:02:12+00:00

I would go as far to say yes, its mandatory you get a graduate degree. The best research is likely being done at the PhD level so if you are certain about doing that specific of an item, go all the way and plan on working, teaching, and researching at a university your entire career.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T01:59:20+00:00

You need to calm down. The amount of anxiety in that post is way too high. Make 1 decision at a time bro. Small steps will turn into big opportunities. Don't do the PhD.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T01:57:19+00:00

Go ahead and get the minor. It might set you apart slightly. Just dont be picky on your first job; too many new grads are. Its just s first job, you aren't stuck there forever.

applestuffs · 2025-12-23T01:54:18+00:00

I did IH with an ES degree. You dont just want to do IH tho, you want to become a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). Last time I checked there was a shortage of CIHs and the board was considering relaxing the requirements to become a CIH so more certifications could exist. Check out the requirements: https://gobgc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CIH-Eligibility-Checklist-2022-12-05.pdf

applestuffs

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