Tag: jobs

Transforming Wetland Delineation: The Power of AI and Chat Assistants

Wetlands are some of the most ecologically significant and sensitive habitats on Earth. They provide essential services such as water filtration, flood protection, and habitat for countless species. However, their complexity and the dynamic nature of wetland ecosystems pose significant challenges for environmental consultants tasked with delineating and assessing these areas. Traditional methods of wetland delineation, while effective, are often labor-intensive, time-consuming, and subject to human error. Enter artificial intelligence (AI) and chat assistants—technologies that promise to revolutionize wetland delineation by enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility.

The Role of AI in Environmental Consulting

Artificial intelligence has made significant strides in various fields, and environmental consulting is no exception. AI systems excel at processing vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, identifying patterns, and making predictions that can significantly aid decision-making processes. In the context of wetland delineation, AI can be utilized in several ways:

  1. Data Analysis:
    • AI can process large datasets, such as satellite imagery, soil samples, and hydrological data, to identify wetland boundaries and characteristics with high precision. Machine learning algorithms can be trained to recognize specific features and indicators of wetlands, reducing the time required for manual analysis.
  2. Predictive Modeling:
    • AI models can forecast environmental changes based on historical data, helping consultants anticipate how wetlands might evolve under different scenarios. This capability is particularly useful for understanding the impacts of climate change, land use changes, and water management practices on wetland ecosystems.
  3. Automation:
    • Many of the repetitive and routine tasks involved in wetland delineation, such as data entry and initial assessments, can be automated using AI. This automation not only speeds up the process but also minimizes the risk of human error.

Practical Applications of AI in Wetland Delineation

AI applications in wetland delineation are diverse and powerful. Here are a few examples:

  • Species Identification: Using AI to recognize plant and animal species from images is a game-changer. Models trained on large datasets of labeled images can accurately identify species based on features such as shape, color, and texture. This capability is invaluable for monitoring biodiversity and detecting the presence of rare or endangered species within wetlands.
  • Habitat Suitability Analysis: AI can analyze environmental variables such as soil type, water availability, and temperature to predict suitable habitats for different species. This analysis helps in planning conservation efforts and ensuring that habitats are protected and managed effectively.
  • Climate Impact Modeling: Predicting how climate change will affect wetland ecosystems is critical for developing adaptive management strategies. AI models can integrate various climatic and environmental factors to forecast changes in wetland areas, helping policymakers and conservationists make informed decisions.

Introduction to Chat Assistants in Environmental Consulting

Chat assistants, or chatbots, leverage natural language processing (NLP) to interact with users in a conversational manner. These AI-powered tools can provide quick answers to common questions, assist with data entry, and perform initial analyses, making complex AI models more accessible.

How Chat Assistants Work:

  • Natural Language Processing (NLP): Chat assistants use NLP to understand and respond to human language, allowing users to interact with AI models without needing to know technical details. This interaction simplifies the process of obtaining information and insights from AI systems.
  • User Interaction: By providing a user-friendly interface, chat assistants make it easy for users to input data, ask questions, and receive detailed responses. This ease of use is particularly beneficial for environmental consultants who may not have extensive technical backgrounds.

Applications in Environmental Consulting:

  • Customer Support: Chat assistants can answer frequently asked questions about environmental regulations, project timelines, and data requirements, providing quick and accurate responses to clients and stakeholders.
  • Data Collection: Guiding users through the process of entering environmental data ensures that information is collected correctly and consistently. Chat assistants can standardize data entry, reducing variability and improving data quality.
  • Preliminary Analysis: Performing initial assessments based on user inputs allows chat assistants to provide quick insights and recommendations, helping consultants prioritize tasks and focus on more complex analyses.

The Importance of Prompt Engineering

Prompt engineering is the process of designing prompts to effectively communicate with AI models. In wetland delineation, this involves creating specific instructions or questions that guide the AI to provide relevant and accurate responses.

Key Aspects of Prompt Engineering:

  • Designing Effective Prompts: Prompts must be clear, concise, and contextually relevant to ensure the AI model understands the specific task at hand. For instance, a prompt like “Analyze the soil data and classify the area as wetland or non-wetland” directs the AI to focus on relevant soil characteristics.
  • Contextual Awareness: The AI model must understand the context of wetland delineation, including the specific indicators of wetlands and the regulatory criteria used to classify these areas. This contextual awareness is achieved through training the model on relevant datasets and continuously refining the prompts.
  • Iterative Process: Prompt engineering is an iterative process where prompts are tested and refined based on the AI’s performance. This continuous improvement ensures that the model’s responses become more accurate and relevant over time.

Example Prompts:

  • Data Input: “Based on the following soil sample data, is this area classified as a wetland?”
  • Species Identification: “Identify the plant species in this image and determine if it is a wetland indicator species.”
  • Predictive Modeling: “Predict the impact of a 10% increase in rainfall on the wetland area over the next year.”

Case Study: Everglades Water Management

The Everglades, a vast and complex wetland ecosystem in southern Florida, presents a unique set of challenges for water management. Traditional methods often struggle to predict the complex interactions between hydrology and ecology. To address this, an AI model named was developed to simulate various water management scenarios using historical data on precipitation, water flow, and ecological responses.

How it Works:

  1. Data Collection and Preparation: The Ai gathers data from weather stations, hydrological sensors, and ecological surveys. This data is cleaned and preprocessed to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  2. Machine Learning Algorithms: The Ai employs supervised learning, neural networks, random forests, and support vector machines (SVM) to model complex relationships and make robust predictions.
  3. Training the AI Model: The training process involves splitting the data into training and testing sets, performing feature engineering, and iterating on the model to optimize performance.
  4. Running Simulations: Managers input scenarios such as changes in rainfall patterns or water release schedules, and the Ai simulates the impact on the ecosystem, including predicting water levels, flood risks, and habitat conditions.
  5. Insights and Decision Support: The Ai provides detailed reports on the predicted outcomes, helping managers make informed decisions that balance ecological and human needs.

Results and Insights: The Ai’s simulations have proven invaluable in optimizing water flow, improving habitat conditions for wildlife, and ensuring sustainable water use. By identifying optimal water release schedules and predicting potential flooding or drought conditions, Ai helps manage the delicate balance of the Everglades ecosystem.

Benefits and Challenges of AI in Wetland Delineation

While AI and chat assistants offer numerous benefits, there are also challenges to consider.

Benefits:

  • Increased Efficiency: Automating data analysis and routine tasks saves time and resources.
  • Improved Accuracy: AI models can process large datasets and identify patterns that might be missed by human analysts.
  • Scalability: AI systems can handle large volumes of data, making them suitable for extensive project areas.
  • Enhanced Decision-Making: AI provides data-driven insights that support informed decision-making.

Challenges:

  • Data Quality: The accuracy of AI models depends on the quality and completeness of the data.
  • Complexity: Developing and maintaining AI models requires technical expertise.
  • Cost: Implementing AI solutions can involve significant initial investment.
  • Ethical Considerations: Ensuring that AI systems are transparent and do not reinforce biases is crucial.

Join Our Webinar to Learn More

To delve deeper into these topics and explore how AI and chat assistants can transform wetland delineation, join our webinar on August 29, 2024, at 1 PM ET. This 90-minute session will provide valuable insights, practical applications, and a live demonstration of AI in action. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of environmental consulting. Register now to secure your spot.

For more details and/or to register, visit our Webinar Registration Page.

Wetland Jobs: April 12, 2024

Wetland Jobs

🌿 Swamp School’s Weekly Wetland Scientist Jobs Update! 🌿

Happy Friday, eco-enthusiasts! 🎉 Every week, we bring you the freshest opportunities in the field of wetland science. Dive into our curated list of the top 10 wetland scientist positions that have been posted in the last 15 days, sourced directly from employers across the United States.

Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to start your career, or a seasoned professional seeking new challenges, our list has something for everyone interested in conserving and studying our precious wetlands.

🔍 What’s included:

  • Job title, location, and employer
  • Brief description of the role
  • Link to the job posting for more information.

Stay informed and stay ahead in your career with Swamp School. Don’t forget to check back every Friday for new postings!

👉 Start exploring today and make a splash in your career!

  1. Seasonal Biological Field Technician
    Employer: Olofson Environmental, Inc.
    Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
    Description: Seasonal fieldwork role.
    More Information
  2. Environmental Protection Specialist
    Employer: Federal Emergency Management Agency
    Location: Oakland, CA
    Description: Involves environmental protection duties.
    More Information
  3. Seasonal Wetland Ecology Technician
    Employer: City of Boulder, Open Space and Mountain Parks
    Location: Boulder, CO
    Description: Seasonal ecological and conservation work.
    More Information
  4. Wetland Technician
    Employer: City of Boulder
    Location: Boulder, CO
    Description: Focus on wetland-related tasks and assessments.
    More Information Here
  5. OPS F&W Biological Scientist II
    Employer: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Location: Gulf Breeze, FL
    Description: Focuses on biological science within wetlands.
    More Information
  6. Visiting Scientific Specialist, Wetlands Geology
    Employer: Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute
    Location: Champaign, IL
    Description: Role involves scientific research in wetlands geology.
    More Information
  7. Program Assistant (Farm Bill)
    Employer: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
    Location: Ellsworth, ME
    Description: Assists with conservation programs under the Farm Bill.
    More Information
  8. Wetland Scientist / Project Manager
    Employer: Hancock Associates
    Location: Boston or Danvers, MA
    Description: Combines project management with wetland science.
    More Information
  9. Biologist
    Employer: Montana Department of Transportation
    Location: Helena, MT
    Description: Involves biological assessments and environmental compliance.
    More Information
  10. Wetland Services Program Leader
    Employer: TRC Companies
    Location: Liverpool, NY (remote possibility)
    Description: Leadership role in wetland services and program management.
    More Information

Scout Motors is Filling In a Lot of Wetlands

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Environmental advocates are closely monitoring the developments at the site of the massive electric vehicle plant slated for Blythewood in Richland County, with growing concerns about its impact on the delicate wetlands in the area.

Construction crews are back to work after receiving a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, allowing them to resume work that had initially been halted due to worries about wetlands damage.

This project has garnered significant attention, particularly after a report by WIS 10 news suggested that the Scout site could potentially impact a staggering 70,000 acres of wetlands, nearly 40,000 acres of ponds, and approximately 35,000 linear feet of tributaries. However, it’s important to note that this report is highly inaccurate and continues to be the top result in Google news searches related to the project.

While the correct figures are somewhat lower, they are still concerning. The USACOE’s permit will authorize the filling or disturbance of 74 acres of wetlands, 38 acres of ponds, and 7 miles of creek.

The new Scout Plant is situated off Interstate 77 in the northern part of Richland County, but questions and apprehensions loom large regarding its potential environmental impact, and the community is eagerly awaiting answers.

Blythewood Mayor Sloan Griffin shared his thoughts, saying, “It’s scary. Change is always accompanied by uncertainty. There are two sides to every coin – heads and tails. Some are excited, looking forward to the promise of 4,000 jobs and increased business opportunities in Blythewood, thanks to Scout.”

Construction will soon resume on the vast 1,600-acre site in Blythewood, where the Scout Motors manufacturing plant is set to be located.

Last September, Scout had to pause its work following concerns raised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which had identified evidence of wetlands damage even before the permit was issued.

Additionally, there’s a noteworthy finding indicating that one of the archeological sites, known as 38RD1468, is recommended for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under Criterion D. It holds potential for yielding significant insights into the area’s prehistory. However, it’s important to mention that there was not enough data collected during the Phase II investigations to determine its eligibility under other criteria (Criteria A, B, and C).

The Scout Motors project is undeniably intriguing. They are embarking on the production of electric trucks, a technology yet untested in the transportation of goods. This raises questions about the necessity of destroying 75 acres of wetlands for an unproven technology that may or may not compete effectively with traditional trucking methods. While the transition away from fossil fuels is commendable, it’s crucial to ponder whether it should come at the significant cost of our natural environment. Surely, alternative locations with less environmental impact could have been considered for this venture.

The 2024 Wetland Scientist Jobs Outlook: Navigating a Critical Ecosystem’s Future

The Rise of Wetland Science as a Career

As global environmental concerns continue to escalate, the field of wetland science has become increasingly significant. The year 2024 projects a fascinating era for wetland scientists, where their expertise is not only sought after but also crucial for the health of our planet. These scientists are on the front lines of conservation, research, and policy-making, dealing with issues from climate change mitigation to habitat protection and biodiversity conservation.

The Demand for Wetland Scientists in 2024

The job outlook for wetland scientists in 2024 remains robust and growing. With a heightened global focus on environmental sustainability and wetland conservation, wetland scientists are in high demand. Their skills are crucial for:

  1. Assessing Wetland Health: Evaluating the conditions of wetlands, identifying stress factors, and implementing conservation strategies.
  2. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that construction, development, and land use comply with environmental laws and regulations, particularly those that protect wetland areas.
  3. Climate Change Mitigation: Understanding the role of wetlands in carbon sequestration and their impact on global climate patterns.
  4. Restoration Projects: Working on the restoration of degraded wetland areas to their natural state, a vital component in preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem services.
  5. Research and Education: Conducting research on wetland ecosystems and disseminating knowledge to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.

Education and Skill Development

The path to becoming a wetland scientist often begins with a degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, or a related field. As the discipline grows, so does the complexity of the skill set required. In 2024, successful wetland scientists will likely need:

  • Advanced degrees for higher-level positions.
  • Strong background in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and remote sensing technology.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and modeling software.
  • In-depth understanding of local, national, and international environmental laws.
  • Soft skills such as project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement.

Specialization in wetland science through certifications like the Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification by the Society of Wetland Scientists can also enhance job prospects.

Industry Trends Influencing Job Prospects

Several trends are shaping the job market for wetland scientists in 2024:

  1. Green Infrastructure Projects: The push for sustainable development includes the creation of urban wetlands for stormwater management, requiring wetland scientists for design and monitoring.
  2. Policy and Advocacy: International treaties and national policies focusing on wetland preservation are expanding the role of wetland scientists in policy advisement and implementation.
  3. Private Sector Engagement: Increased corporate responsibility and sustainability goals mean more private companies are hiring wetland scientists for environmental impact assessments and sustainability planning.

Geographical Hotspots for Wetland Science Jobs

Certain regions will likely emerge as hotspots for wetland science careers:

  • Coastal areas affected by sea-level rise and increased storm activity.
  • Urban centers implementing green infrastructure initiatives.
  • Countries with significant wetland biodiversity, such as Brazil, Indonesia, and the Congo Basin, where conservation efforts are critical.

Challenges and Opportunities

The road ahead for wetland scientists is not without its challenges:

  • Funding Constraints: Economic downturns and shifting political landscapes can impact funding for environmental initiatives and research.
  • Technological Advancements: Keeping up with rapid technological changes in data collection and analysis is necessary.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with professionals from other fields, such as urban planners and engineers, is essential for comprehensive wetland management.

Conversely, these challenges bring opportunities:

  • Innovative Solutions: There’s a growing need for innovative approaches to wetland conservation and restoration, which can lead to new job roles and specializations.
  • Public Engagement: Increasing public awareness of wetland benefits can lead to more community-based wetland projects, expanding the roles of educators and citizen science coordinators.
  • International Cooperation: As wetlands are a global concern, there are opportunities for work in international conservation and policy.

Conclusion: A Positive Outlook with a Note of Urgency

The job outlook for wetland scientists in 2024 is generally positive. The urgency to address environmental challenges ensures that wetland scientists will remain in demand. However, it’s a field that requires constant learning and adaptability to new research, technologies, and evolving environmental policies.

For those aspiring to enter the field or continue their wetland science careers, the time is ripe for action. As guardians of one of the world’s most precious resources, wetland scientists not only have the opportunity to pursue a career with significant growth prospects but also to make a tangible difference in the health of our planet.

Part-Time Flexible Houston Area Wetland Delineator

1099 Contract work, must be able to get to the office or jobsites in the area. Must have own PC with ArcGIS pro.

Must have experience in field evaluations, plant identification &classifications / soil sampling / completing USACE data forms, experience with GPS survey of site efforts, and simple GIS overlays for report graphics. Must have completed delineation course and performed a sufficient number of Houston area evaluations to competently complete delineations of a site.

Most all field work and office work can be scheduled around other life activities is flexible.

Work is between 0 and about 15 hours a week. About 1/2 field and 1/2 office.

Pay would be $50 per hour of site and office work, then 1/2 rate for travel.

Good position for a student or stay at home parent that isn’t looking for a full-time position, but wants to make some good money and keep field/office skills sharpened.

Steve McElyea, MS PE 
President 
SMC Consulting, Inc. 
3418 Pickering Lane 
Pearland, Texas 77584

281-997-7911 office 
832-725-7085 cell 
steve@smcenvironmental.com

Wetland Delineation Jobs in the Northeast

Swamp Stomp

Volume 14, Issue 36

Periodically we get calls about wetland related jobs. One aspect of our school is that we try to help our students find work. We often post this information on our wetland career page.

This past week we were contacted by a large professional services recruitment company in the northeast. They are trying to hire 30-40 wetland delineators for a large pipeline right-of-way project that runs from Connecticut into the Marcellus region of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Normally we would just port this job on our webpage and direct our students to it. However given the size of the job and the need for immediate placement we thought that we would post it as this week’s news event. Personally, I cannot remember the last time I was asked if I knew 30-40 people looking for a wetland job.

This is the job description and requirements.

  • 3-10 years previous Wetland Delineation experience
  • Fully proficient in state and federal procedures (e.g. 3-Parameter: vegetation, soils and hydrology) for wetlands delineation
  • BS/MS degree in Environmental Science, Biology/Wetlands Science or soils science
  • Wetlands and Soils Science Certifications preferred (PWS, CWS, Soil Science Cert)
  • Ability to work long hours (with paid overtime) in a construction environment and some weekends is needed
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills helpful along with working as part of a larger team
  • Experience with GIS and GPS highly desirable
  • This position requires leadership skills with the ability to lead and direct field teams

If you are interested in getting more information for the recruitment company we have posted a contact form below. We will forward you information on and have the recruiter contact you directly for your resume etc. The hiring company is using the recruiter to conduct the initial screens of potential candidates. They will be able to answer all of your questions. We do not have any additional information about this project. Please do not send us any resumes as we are not part of the hiring process.

This project is hiring in phases and we have been told that having the basic wetland training on your resume will go a long way to help you land this job. We have a couple of basic training sessions coming up this fall. We still have room and would love to see you in class!

Have a great week!

Marc

Northeast Wetland Delineation Jobs Contact Form
Please provide your contact information below. This information will be sent to the hiring organization and they will contract you directly.

Grinders, Minders and Finders

Swamp Stomp

Volume 13, Issue 37

Last week we spoke about the idea of doing your best as a means to succeed in life and business. It is a solid concept and not a new one. However, implementation of it can be a bit challenging. The problem arises when we start asking what we are good at. We need to start at “good” before we can get to “best.” If you boil this down a bit further we need to ask ourselves, “what are we doing in the first place and where do we fit in?”

There is an old business concept that helps us focus on where we are in an organization and how to move up the company ladder. It is quite popular in the legal profession and sometimes finds its way into engineering companies. I was first introduced to the idea when I was working for a fairly large engineering company. It was part of a new employee training program. The partners would meet with the new recruits for some business counseling. At the time I did not appreciate the wisdom of what they managers were trying to do. But in retrospect, it was a brilliant plan as it fostered an entrepreneurial spark and at its core encouraged me to do my best.

Each of us in our daily work has some aspect of being a grinder, a minder or a finder. The trick is to know which of these you favor and which of these you desire. There is no better or worse with each of these. Each one carries its own benefits and liabilities. The secret is finding the balance that makes you happy and in turn will be reflective of your best work.

To start, we will discuss what a grinder is. A grinder is the worker bee. They are the folks that actually make or do the things the company produces. Without the grinder there would be no goods or services. A grinder in their pure form shows up for work each day and is told what they will grind out each day. There is no expectation of them other than to produce the goods or services.

Typical examples of a grinder are the folks that put light bulbs in those paper sleeves or who puts the plastic tips on the ends of shoe laces. In the wetlands consulting business a grinder would most likely be the wetland delineation investigator. In short, the grinder is the one who does the work.

The major benefit to being a grinder is that you do not have to look for something to do every day. You go to your manager and they give you a task to do or send you home. Either way, there is no expectation that you will find work or get others to work with you. This is perhaps the lowest stress level of the three.

Of course there is a major downside to being a grinder. It pays the least. Stress and pay level seem to be inexorably linked. The more stress, the more pay.

There is also another major downside to being a grinder. You are always facing the possibility of being replaced by either a better grinder or by automation. I am pretty sure that there is a machine that puts the plastic caps on shoe laces now. The issue of older expensive grinders being replaced by younger cheaper grinders is also a very real phenomena.

Minders keep track of the grinders. These are the managers. They usually have a working knowledge of what the grinders do and organize them to be more efficient. Minders are concerned about production statistics. How many shoelaces did we make today?
The minders are the middle managers. They keep track of timesheets, billable hours, vacation days and production results. In the wetlands business these people are often referred to as project managers. They will do some grinding, but their main job is to make sure that the work is getting done. They may even have some client contact. They will submit progress reports with each invoice and crack the whip if work is not up to par.

The major benefit for a minder is that they make more money than a grinder and probably do not physically work as hard. Their days are mostly spent behind a desk answering client questions, filing reports and managing the grinders. These are the people the grinders go to with their problems.

With all risk there is reward. As a minder, you are acutely aware of how risky you job is. Consequently, the pay is a little better.

The major downside to being a pure minder is that you are in the middle. Guess who gets cut when the company slows down. You need the grinders to get the work done. Perhaps they can manage themselves? Every ten years or so, we go through a company re-engineering, empowering the employees to manage themselves. Sometimes it is called a paradigm shift or thinking outside the box. Aggggh! This is code for the company’s sales are down and they cannot afford the middle managers.

The apex of the company food chain are the finders. These are the rainmakers. These people find the clients that the company works for. These may be the partners, associates or the CEO of the company. They have the least amount of knowledge of how a grinder does their job, but they know people who will give the company money for the work the grinders do.

The major upside to a finder is that they make the most money. I have known some sales people who made substantially more than the company CEO. I worked with one salesperson that was making over $100K per month. He had no idea how the product was made, but he knew how to sell it.

There is a huge downside to being a pure finder. If you do not sell, you do not eat. Most finders work either on a commission basis or if they are a partner in the company, their compensation is some percentage of profit. Lots of risk, but a there is big return if successful.

The secret to your business success is to identify what role you have in the company and then chart a path for where you want to go. There is not right or wrong with your decision. There are many fine grinders out there that are perfectly happy with their lot in life. They may desire more pay, but they sooner eat glass than pick up the phone to make a sales call. That is OK, so long as they recognize that it is their decision to be a pure grinder.

Each of us has a little, grinder, minder and finder in us. Find the ratio that works for you and go for it. The real secret is to make the decision and then act. That is doing your best!