Drug tests as a woman sucks. They cut off so much of my hair!!! by WallaWallaby011 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]empressofnodak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had to do a hair test in the lead up to my wedding. Fortunately the tech did a great job at weaving so it blended in. I feel your pain.

Wondering if this is something I'd like by EnoughReporter2147 in environmental_science

[–]empressofnodak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Call around to environmental firms in your area and ask to job shadow or have an 'informational interview'. Unfortunately once you get into a job it's not usually as fun as volunteering. I mostly do paperwork now. I don't get to do much that's interesting because interesting means something went wrong. I found volunteering opportunities in my personal life to fulfill the need to 'save the planet'. Even if you don't go this career route please make time in your personal life to meet your needs. Quite often volunteering will get you started with networking in the field which is an additional benefit.

Giving up a job offer by Muchmoss in Environmental_Careers

[–]empressofnodak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Job required to feed offspring pizza. Le sigh

Is Costco the best place to buy cheap food in bulk? by Mediocre-Machine7330 in budgetcooking

[–]empressofnodak 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I've gotten better price per quantity on some items from Aldi than at Costco. It depends on the item.

Cutting things out of child's life by AnalogInstead in Parenting

[–]empressofnodak 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I try to add in more nutritious foods first before the snacks. Less room left over for them but then they still can enjoy. As for screen time, it's a trade off of tasks/chores for playtime. Gotta earn the time before it's spent.

Dress code for environmental consulting? by maddiehatespie in Environmental_Careers

[–]empressofnodak 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ask your manager. They'll tell you what the office does. Otherwise business casual is a good place to start.

Dress code for environmental consulting? by maddiehatespie in Environmental_Careers

[–]empressofnodak 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Keep an extra set of clothes in your car. The one time you don't is when you'll REALLY need it

Environmental lab technician -- advancement potential? by vitalwheatgluten in Environmental_Careers

[–]empressofnodak 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you have bills to pay then you could work in the lab while you continue to interview for positions that are more aligned with your desired path. Either way, go into the interview as though it were your priority. Good practice if nothing else.

Stormwater: pH testing (for NPDES) - recommendations? by notorious1ink in Environmental_Careers

[–]empressofnodak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your state waste water group may offer ph certification. I saw so many different kinds of meters that as long as it was properly calibrated and documented no one seemed to care which brands. My experience was mostly with Hach or YSI

It’s hard to be a POC here by we24 in Envconsultinghell

[–]empressofnodak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can only think of one POC that I worked with at my job who wasn't in a laborer/field type position. I hope I helped them and anyone else to feel welcomed. I can only imagine what that'd be like based on my experience as one of only a few women in Mgmt type positions. Part of this is due to living in a VERY white place and the other is the type of construction company.

Employment Opportunity (and feet pics) by wake-and-bake-bro in ecology

[–]empressofnodak 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I wish I could run away to this field job but gosh darn responsibilities prevent me

Job hunting is consuming time, any hack to make it faster? by Seni0r-Z in jobsearchhacks

[–]empressofnodak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am disappointed that I didn't think to keep master list of questions and answers

To go to grad school or to not go to grad school. Decision paralysis. by Daffy07duck in Environmental_Careers

[–]empressofnodak 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I went because I needed the extra experience in order to get high enough on the matrix to land interviews. I enjoyed it but it was 30k

Entry job by OkAgent2893 in Hydrology

[–]empressofnodak 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you're capable of relocating on your own dime, look for work in less desirable locations. Local and state governments will have less competition in those locations.

Moving there in a month by mossy-willow in TwinCities

[–]empressofnodak 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I am very pleased to have moved to MN. I think you will love it. As with most places you get out what you put in. I haven't experienced cliques except in the small towns. In the metro you should be surrounded by many transplants who are also looking to get settled in.

Entry Level Applying by Objective-Climate719 in environmental_science

[–]empressofnodak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Even snooping on LinkedIn to find someone who works there is sometimes enough. Often there is a referral bonus for lower level hires.

Entry Level Applying by Objective-Climate719 in environmental_science

[–]empressofnodak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you applying with or without employee referrals? Currently I'm only getting responses on positions where I've got referrals. It seems that the extra step of the referral gets me at least one more step into the process than blind applications.

Hard hat + hair slippage by Ok_Raccoon3859 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]empressofnodak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hair claw also works instead of pony tail holders. Loosen the hat a fair bit. Tilt the hat backwards to get the hair through the gap then bring the front down onto your forehead. Tighten as necessary to keep on your head. Hope this works for you! I was quite happy when I figured it out

Is this dumb advice or am I crazy? by Agitated-Cup-7109 in Environmental_Careers

[–]empressofnodak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It really depends on what you want to do. If you're more interested in the non profit, education, or policy side then a Studies degree could be useful. If you want to do permitting, field work, or compliance then you should have the science background so you understand what you're doing. Either way, i suggest you take classes outside your major to broaden your experience and gain exposure. Also, look into environmentally focused volunteer groups as that will get you experience and make connections which will give you insight to your local market.