Environmental consulting is a common yet mystifying career path for freshwater scientists. In this talk, I will share my career trajectory as a fish biologist working in environmental consulting, highlighting how academic training in aquatic ecology translates into applied science, regulatory processes, and on-the-ground conservation outcomes. Drawing on experiences from salmonid habitat restoration, flow augmentation studies, endangered species consultation, and field-intensive monitoring programs, I will describe the diversity of projects, roles, and day-to-day work that define my consulting career.
The presentation will explore key skills that are critical for success outside academia, including project management, interdisciplinary collaboration, regulatory navigation, and effective communication with agencies, clients, and stakeholders. I will also touch on how consultants and academic researchers can work together to address complex restoration questions, before, during, and after project implementation.
I will conclude by discussing the trade-offs and rewards of consulting work, ranging from seasonal field “adventures” to report writing and long-term project development, and how applied careers can offer meaningful opportunities to contribute to both ecological understanding and real-world conservation outcomes. This talk is intended for students and early-career scientists exploring non-academic career options, as well as for those interested in applied pathways within freshwater science. I also welcome discussions from academic and non-academic professionals alike on how we can work together to achieve habitat restoration objectives for the betterment of our shared natural resources.