The Native Prairie Grassland Roof The Native Prairie Grassland Roof ProjectProject

1. The Native Prairie Grassland Roof The Native Prairie Grassland Roof ProjectProject The Native Prairie Grassland Roof Project So you want to get a job as a Biologist… Tom Boag, M.Sc., P. Biol., President Mid-Canada Chapter, American Fisheries Society

2. Overview • Who am I and why bother staying? • Factors which influence job • Jobs versus careers • Types of Jobs and Careers • 2010 – 2020 Expectations vs. Realities • Finding the job • Relationships + Practical stuff • Gratuitous fishy career porn

3. Resume as a Biologist • Graduate Student Assistant at Lac Ste. Anne field station when I turned 18; Meanook Field Stn. @ 19; Summer NSERC (UofA) @ 20, F&W St. Paul @21 during undergrad • I started M.Sc. (growth and life-history of burbot at Lac Ste Anne) in Sept. 1987, defended Apr. 1989 from Dept. of Zoology, U. of A. (Big fun) • Worked summer of ‘89 on Red Squirrels (NEVER AGAIN) • Consulting as a fish biologist Jan. 1990 (More big fun) • Feb. 1 1996 began Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. (AAR) as eqt. rental firm (Risk) • May 1 1998, AAR became full service consultancy (Still FUN) • We employ up to 30 staff; >250 passed through the doors over the years • We own our $1.5 Million equipment inventory • We pay the mortgage on the LEED compliant office buildings we lease from Property Mgt. Co. (AAR Management Inc.) • AAR is one of three firms in a partnership called The Boreal Group Inc.

4. What do you want to do? • What do you like to do? • Are you tolerant of risk? • Are you fit? • Why do you like doing what you do? • Indoor versus outdoor • Realities of life • Relationships • Parenthood • Pets and property

5. Who are you? Keep in mind……. • Personality • Extrovert or Introvert? • Age • As it relates role • Education • Tech. diploma, Univ. undergrad. Degree, Univ. grad. degree • “school of life” • Other “talents” ………………………..All play a role

6. Job versus Career Trends • My father’s generation - 1960’s career evolved from one job experience. • My generation – 1980’s up to 5 jobs lead to careers • Your generation – 2000’s trend continues (increased number of jobs to yield careers) and labour shortage (feast/famine) What’s changed? Attitude, expectations, economic realities, “permanence” You can become invaluable to an organization…

7. Jobs and Careers in Biology • Academic Careers • Teaching and research: Diploma or B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.d., Post-doctoral fellowship (X2) = 4+2+4+4 = 14 years gets you into position to take a run at a tenure track job in University or College. • All of the above with a 2yr B-ed= Career • Research fellowships/grants + Sessional Instruction = fate of many graduate students early in their careers (“job”). • Applied Careers • Government biologist: F&W, DFO, Envt. Canada, ARC • Industry biologist: Mining, Oil and Gas, Infrastructure • Not for Profit Sector: e.g., Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited • Consulting biologist: Multi-national engineering (100s-1000s) or “boutique” firms (1 - <50) • Zoos • Farming • Medicine – Animal and Human “Inside versus outside (field)”

8. To be a Biologist I(Expectations) • Facebook/twitter/internet phenomenon • You need to prove yourself • You must be willing to take on any number of tasks • Positive attitude – you • You NEED to communicate effectively • You need to listen • You need to be willing to try

9. To be a Biologist II - Field realities • Driving is 80%- Highway / Off-road / Towing • Orientation – can you read a map/follow GPS • Use an ATV – Quad / Side-by-Side / Argo • Drive a boat – Jet and Prop drive / Airboat • Trouble shooting / rudimentary mechanics • Small engine mechanics (fuel, spark, turn over) • Computer ability • Neatness IS an asset: • With equipment • With notes Think of your resume…..

10. Finding a JOB – PART I • KNOW what you want to do • FIND OUT WHO is the person to send resume to • Is this a job, or a career • Resume • Sentences would be a dream. If using bullets, please use a sentence • Cover letter • Why are you ideal for this job? • PROOF them before submitting

11. Finding a JOB – Part II • Rising above the competition: • “only those who are successful in making the cut will be contacted” • NOT so much – first cut is objective, second subjective • Follow up with a phone call • Arrange to meet folks OR talk to reception – WHY?? • SEE organization & prepare in the event of an interview. FACE YOUR FEAR

12. Finding a JOB – Part III • Formal Interview or Informal Chat • Know the 5 W’s of the position. • What is the position, when does it start, with whom will you be working, where will you work • Why do you want the position? • Know what “winds your watch” (recall first slides) • “Scrub up and wear some socks” • Be yourself

13. Fishy Careers Start predominantly with field work (0 to 3 years of experience) • Love working outdoors • Most equipment intensive of all natural sciences, therefore - Physically fit • Communicate effectively • Enjoy working with peers Intermediate is mix of field and office (4 to 8 years) Senior is predominantly office and management (10 plus years)

14. Challenges Noted Consistently • Literacy • What is a sentence? (Grade 7 Language Arts) • Must be able to tell a story! • Introduction, supporting phrases, conclusion All Writing! • Fear to: • Assert needs, explain conflict, justify rationale • Life changes • Modify expectations and adapt

15. Gratuitous fish career photos

16. Questions??