Answering the FIELD WORK questions you're too afraid to ask... (biologists, engineers, o&g)

[@brennaobrien9467]

I'd be really interested to see a video on networking during undergrad, thanks for sharing this!!

[@kristina_lynn]

Good idea, I don't know how I haven't thought of this idea before, thanks!

[@brieee854]

@@kristina_lynn yes I agree with this idea, it would totally be awesome to see a video on details and more on the beginning of getting into the field and what you with you would've known and whatnot :)

[@patrickerwinsingh7451]

brenna are you studying environmental science?

[@rachelnoriega3682]

Best video ever! As someone who didn't come from an outdoorsy family I feel so unprepared. Thanks!

[@kristina_lynn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gabrielledennis549]

So glad that someone actually stood up and made a video like this.

[@smolshroom2893]

Thank you for this video, not many people are willing to talk about these "uncomfortable"/personal stuff

[@juliaolson161]

My biggest questions related to field work are how do you manage 1.) owning a pet while taking seasonal field positions, and 2.) being in a long-term relationship while being in the field. Thanks!!

[@kristina_lynn]

Owning a pet can be super tough! You'll need to have someone who can watch them on short notice and potentially for a long period of time if you're going to a different location for an entire season. Long-term relationships can be really tough too if you're away for a long period of time, I personally don't take long term contracts where I'll be away from home longer than 3 weeks now just out of fairness to my partner. I used to do longer contracts but it's so hard to maintain a relationship long distance for so long.

[@Sunny-jw7qs]

I didn't think this video would apply to me since I thought it was about periods and issues females might have in the field but I'm glad I kept watching cause you touched on sexual harassment and racist. Thanks for making the video!

[@gabrielledennis549]

Thanks Auntie Wildlife lol

[@watchingvids101]

I'm considering starting an undergraduate degree in environmental science and management (just turned 30 and looking for a career change) and have found your videos very informative and helpful. You explain things so well and seem to have a broad scope of knowledge regarding enviro science. You should consider (university) teaching down the line! Teaching is half knowledge, half personal character. Having one without the other makes for a mediocre teacher at best.

[@nicolebobo9328]

I love this channel so much. I've really been wanting to study environmental science and oof I just love your channel.

[@kristina_lynn]

Thank you!

[@wildbuddy7535]

Thank you for sharing. I totally agree with you bcoz it's true for women in this field we have to deal with many conquience but love for animals is our strength.

[@kristina_lynn]

I love thinking about it that way!

[@izzygeib7734]

Would I have time to care for my cat as a wildlife biologist? It might be kind of a silly question but i was watching your other videos and being wildlife biologist seems like such a busy job. :)

[@iambarnowl]

highly job-dependent. if you're living in agency-owned or shared field housing, it's going to be common to have a no-pets rule. so pets being allowed is probably more likely to be your limiting factor rather than care time. having enough time to care for a pet shouldn't be an issue. dog will be a bit more challenging since they're a bit less self-sufficient and typically aren't potty trained. work hours are often irregular as a field biologist, but plenty of time to take care of a pet's needs in most cases.

[@izzygeib7734]

@@iambarnowl Oh okay, thank you so much!!

[@ecoclubglobal5472]

Thank you for sharing this! This is so important!! I am really sorry you went through a lot of struggle in terms of sexual harassment. But thank you again for speaking out about it and helping others navigate through the same trials and tribulations

[@fabianaa.7660]

Thank you for this video! I have always wondered these things but never knew who to ask or what to expect. Thanks 😁

[@kristina_lynn]

You are so welcome!

[@Ara_Ara2]

Great video 👍🏽, what would you recommend someone should do if they are assaulted by their supervisors?

[@kristina_lynn]

Such a good question and such a horrible place to be in. I definitely encourage taking it up to the next level and going to someone higher up in the company or to law enforcement if it feels possible and safe to you. If it's a systemic thing in your company and no one is listening to you, it's probably best for your own safety to leave. Unemployment will cover you in most countries if you quit due to harassment and safety concerns.

[@fashionovawigs]

What about homophobia in the field?

[@kristina_lynn]

Yeah great question, I missed that in this video. It can be really scary to face that and also be isolated with coworkers in a remote area. Many people don't disclose their sexuality with their coworkers out of fear of harassment, which is really heartbreaking but understandable. I specifically ask about inclusivity in the interview room when they ask me if I have any questions. What the company does to promote inclusion, etc and gauge their response. Even in "inclusive" companies though, it doesn't shield you from homophobia in the field. It often show up in insidious ways like constant "jokes" where they continue after you ask them to stop - this is still harassment if it makes you feel uncomfortable and can be reported! A firm "that makes me uncomfortable when you say that" can often stop it right there, but for repeated remarks or serious offences, you'll want to escalate that up to your supervisor. That's just my viewpoint though, I'm just a field worker. Promoting a positive and inclusive work culture around your coworkers helps people know they're not alone too

[@michellel75]

I have a question! I'm 42 years old. Love love love what your doing. Have always had the urge to do this since I was 5yrs, but managed to let others talk me out of pursuing it. I am currently working as an accountant and couldn't be more miserable! Do you see people come into this career midlife? I literally cannot picture myself doing anything but this. Thanks in advance and thank you for these videos!!

[@PellyAaron]

I'm 42 and just graduated with a master's (started my bachelor's 5 years ago at 37). I had this same worry, but I had several profs and other scientists reassure me that I wasn't too late. I haven't gotten a job yet, but I can say that's it's certainly not too late. My best advice is to start school and try to get a field-oriented internship as soon as you can. That's how I found that I really enjoyed ecology field work, which led me to the career path I'm on now. If you can afford the pay cut, you could even try to get a field job that doesn't require a degree before you start school, to get experience and see how you like it. Good luck!

[@caroliner.7628]

My mom just graduated law school at 54. She now has a job in a law firm. I'd say go for it, as long as you can do so financially. Maybe get some savings to fall back on

[@michellel75]

@@caroliner.7628 thank you so much for your encouragement. I truly appreciate it! It is not easy for me to get past this age thing, but your words help.

[@michellel75]

@@PellyAaron thank you Aaron, for taking the time to respond. I appreciate this so much! I hope you are doing well in your field of study!

[@koddable]

I have a couple of classmates who started when they were around 40. It doesn't matter. I feel like it is kind of an advantage when you search for jobs since most people change profession does it out of passion. Go for it!

[@osochoso]

This was so helpful! I feel like there are so many components of field work that I never hear people talk about and it's great to know all aspects of the job

[@laurendausch3989]

Hi Kristina, I love your videos! I have a question for ya. So I'm just getting into the wildlife biology field (starting my first internship in a few weeks as a river steward in western Massachusetts after leaving the mental health field), and I've been doing a lot of research on various jobs/the lifestyle of someone in this field. I've realized that wildlife jobs are sometimes hard to come by, and may require travel. I was wondering if you know of wildlife biologists who live in RVs and make it work that way? I have two cats and a service dog and potentially moving apartments every year sounds stressful to me. I'd love to be able to fix up an RV (probably a tow-able one) and make it a home, so that if I end up taking jobs in various places it would be easier to move. Do you know if that's feasible with this career? And do you know of any youtubers I could look up who do that? Thanks in advance! Hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy!

[@slopcrusher3482]

I too have been considering this, I’m going into my freshman year at university and have been debating getting a RV to travel with so I have more of a sense of “ home” while in the field

[@laurenarianaaa]

preach, girl!

[@MegaCashmagnet]

Fabulous advice. Great delivery. I enjoyed watching your video presentation.

[@princeza7030]

Thank youf ro maing much needed videos like this! So helpful!!!!

[@lilbabywipe1536]

Random question. Would you ever consider making a video on the best water filters or some alternatives to using plastic bottled waters/gallons? I’m trying to limit the about of plastic I use by drinking a gallon of water each day. Thanks

[@doboily2630]

Thanks for these great videos and awesome advice, very sorry you were harassed at work, and appreciate your courage to continue in the field and helping others regarding these difficult topics. Great job!

[@a.g.r1350]

Pee funnels, kula cloths, and water bottle with a squirt top are my toilet business essentials.

[@kristina_lynn]

Giving you an A+ in peeing, great equipment list hahah

[@julianrivera8567]

I found your channel recently and it has been so helpful and inspiring! Quick question for if you see this, do you think a major in physical sciences would allow me to get a job in environmental sciences? I know my college also has the option of this major + a concentration in environmental science so I might do that.

[@jungkookie0552]

Do you ever get to work from home or is all the research/writing/etc always done in an office?

[@ferhatlynda5009]

Hello Kristina I just find your vedeo today and i started to follow your vedeo so I would like to tell you about my degree so I'm from Algeria i graduated from university sience biology with specialized in plant ecology and environmental so I moved to America like more then 5 years ago and i used to work for restaurant business then I evaluated my credential degree from WES ( West education service from New and I got a bachelor's and master degree. So then I decided to walk to university in 2018 andand talked to the counselor about that but he said required to do English classe 101 and he said WES evaluate the credentials differently then I decided to went back to college and i took English classes and spent all money from my pocket for 2 years and i just graduated 3 weeks ago so about my lack of network so i went back last time at university, they just told me that they used the same model credential at WES and this university so pretty much I felt like he want to pay my money again then he said today you do have a bachelor's degree and master so if you went to continue in your degree fiend search you can apply for PhD .I'm like made instead to go look for experience by internship or volunteer. So he made me doing all this English classes then he released that WES and university has the same model of credential evaluation. Please Kristina I need your help with any advices and I'm kept maching you vedeo to learn from your experience thank you and I appreciate your time.

[@clairetrostel-shaw3271]

If I love environmental science & social science, but I hate math, do you think getting a bs in environmental studies would be a good idea? Love your videos, they're always super helpful & interesting :)

[@rosiedraws5287]

Your videos really help thank you

[@arivubharathi931]

I am also Biologist... Thanks for your videos....

[@karenramirez-lc7re]

Thank you for this!!!

[@katuwalgovinda5028]

Thank you for realistic video.

[@PellyAaron]

Excellent advice. I think having experience backpacking really prepared me for some realities of field work. For anyone who's never gone to the bathroom outdoors, I highly recommend looking up some of the videos that backpackers have produced on how to go in the woods. There are some techniques (e.g., how do you manage your toilet paper? how do you hover over the hole without your legs giving out?) you can learn that will make the experience a lot easier. On sexual or racial harassment and assault, I think it's also important for us-especially if we're in the group with social power (i.e., white and male)-to decide in advance that if we see it happen to someone else, we'll step in. I'm sure the worst of it isn't likely to happen in front of us, but we can let someone know that racist/sexist/homophobic jokes aren't okay, and we can support a colleague by backing up their report of what happened. I've never had this happen to me, so I'm sort of speculating. Do you have any thoughts of how a colleague might be able to support you (without stepping on your agency) if they were there and you were harassed?

[@kristina_lynn]

Yes!! I think you’re spot on. I personally would want someone to step in and stand up for me if someone is harassing me or making disrespectful comments, but if you’re not sure or the person laughs it off you can always talk to them after and ask if that comment/question/situation made them uncomfortable. Everyone is different with levels of what they tolerate or are upset by I suppose. I think someone just caring in general and being kind about it is really nice to have.

[@lumieredice485]

Wow, field work is more physical than I thought

[@johannp7535]

I think you talked a bit about this previously, but are ticks a big concern being out in the field (I guess depending on the season)? Have you done okay by just wearing long socks/long pants/long sleeve shirt, etc.? Do you use any sort of repellent?

[@kristina_lynn]

Yeah they can be depending on where you live! Clothing like you said and tick checks are always what I've relied on. I don't use any tick repellent.

[@Shasen589]

Great video! there’s a lot of things I should consider when working in a field work oriented profession but also as a non-local. I do have a question not sure whether it is related. As someone who looks after a cat, how long can you keep your cat from becoming depressed when you are out in the field for several days? Is having pets going to be damaging to you and the pet if your job demands you to be in the field most of the time?

[@Thatgurljesss]

Hey i have question ! :) My community college doesn't have biology or ecology which really sucks :/ but they said they had associating science Or association of science. Is that still good enough to be a wildlife biologist??

[@kristina_lynn]

Hey, generally I would recommend a bachelor's degree minimum to be a wildlife biologist. If you are planning on transferring, you don't need an associates degree, just the classes needed to transfer to an ecology major. There are some limited jobs available for 2 year diplomas but they're more technical schools like wildlife tech, for the goal of getting the job title of wildlife technician. Almost all biologist jobs require a bachelors or masters minimum.

[@Thatgurljesss]

Right ! But am i still able to become a wildlife biologist by taking association of science? Because my college does not have ecology :(

[@loafalini]

This is so helpful. Are their any industries with especially bad reputations?

[@kristina_lynn]

Resource extraction definitely gets a bad reputation for toxic work cultures, but it's not unique to any industry unfortunately

[@budhinsaikia3990]

I love to see your video mam...... i want to be an wildlife biologist and your videos are always encourage to be with my dream..... lots of love and respect to u for encouraging me..... please make a video on the wildlife internship........ thank you mam🥰🥰

[@jonsnow2313]

I recently watch a video of a ecologist from a field work infested by a botfly larvae. Is it common during field work?? aspiring wildlife biologist here💟

[@kristina_lynn]

Ackk! I have not had it happen personally but a few people in my field station in the Amazon had it happen to them. They hung their clothes out on the line too long and the botfly laid the eggs in their clothes, which they then put on.

[@SuyKiki]

Girl I love you! All the things I wanted know.

[@jamieclaire1988]

Do you get to choose where your placed for your field work..can you talk about how to get. Into environmental consulting...I am graduating next year. So I am interested to learn more.

[@gbird.]

Being a girl sounds scary sometimes :(

[@bbabybaby143]

How do you keep the ticks off? In the field I kept getting covered in ticks 😂

[@kristina_lynn]

Oh no!! I haven't found a way to keep them off from the beginning but I do cover my hair sometimes with a bandana (they get in my hair) and do tick checks before getting back home/into the trucks, checking neck under hair and rolled up pants, socks etc. bleh!

[@social3ngin33rin]

I love pooping outside, minus being eaten by something while I poop >_> I thought toilet paper would be biodegradable 6 inches to 1 ft below ground level in thriving soil.

[@kristina_lynn]

you're right, if you bury it deep in good soil its going to eventually biodegrade. But many camping and parks areas specifically make you pack out your TP because of the volume of people who are all digging cat holes and throwing their toilet paper into them adds up

[@ejhandy5890]

Are there salary jobs

[@edsongomes5309]

Hello

[@varshatong3690]

Are environmental scientist and wildlife bioloflgist same?

[@kristina_lynn]

Nope! Environmental scientists can also study water, soil, ecological processes, while wildlife biologists focus on wildlife and their ecological interactions with their habitats.

[@varshatong3690]

Thanks for help

[@jeronimselles7840]

Please react to Jacob Feder, he """""rescues""""" wild animals and he treats them as pets and shows them on his youtube channel to get views and then people on the comments (mostly kids) see that and say that they want a pet lion or tiger, this is a really dangerous behavior. And I haven't watched a lot of his videos because they disgust me but the animals that he has are always dying

[@kristina_lynn]

I will take a look 👀

[@dandychiggins3668]

I want to be a wildlife biologist, but I'm not about to pop a squat in the jungle, lol

[@kristina_lynn]

Dandy Chiggins 😂😂😂😂 try it it’s not half bad!!!

[@christopherporras1234]

She looks like my ex but educated 🙂