David Ward, 45/ SELF-EMPLOYED: Ward Environmental Services Inc. / SALARY RANGE: $25,000 to $75,000
What is an aquatic biologist and what do they do?
[An aquatic biologist is] a scientist who studies fresh water organisms and their habitat. In other words, any organisms found in rivers, streams or lakes. This research also includes the vegetation or sediments at the bottom of the water itself plus any organisms found in those sediments and the immediate shoreline. Similarly, a marine biologist studies organisms in salt water.Like the French explorer Jacques Costeau?
No, he was actually an engineer who was wealthy enough to travel and explore the underwater world. I suppose marine biology is much more glamorous to most people.
Why did you choose this field?
It was the particular area of science I landed in, and I I was always interested in science. I love the hands-on factor; when I’m out in the field collecting data I have the chance to interact with what I’m studying.
What is your educational background?
I have both a bachelors and a masters in biology from Washington University in St. Louis. For a semester I studied marine biology in the Virgin Islands, which kind of takes the sting out of studying. There were other studies that reinforced my interest in science. I recall in high school getting the opportunity to research biochemistry at the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicagoand assisting at the Cook County Coroner’s office with autopsies.
Describe an average day.
I go out into the field and collect data, which can consist of collecting aquatic organisms or sediments like gravel, sand or mud. Then I identify and document the presence of fish and macroinvertebrates. I physically characterize the habitat by measuring the slope of the banks, including the width and depth of a stream. There are only certain organisms that can specifically live in each type of habitat. I then analyze samples and write a report on the health of that community. Sometimes an agency may be concerned that the activities of an organization may be negatively impacting a lake or stream. I test it to see if it’s true and then suggest ways to mitigate the impact caused by this company. For instance, if they are discharging a substance into a stream that is having a negative impact, then the next step would be to make several recommendations to the company. They have the option to stock fish somewhere else nearby, where the fish will not be impacted, or they can change the concentration or frequency of the discharges.
What’s the best thing about this job?
Every project is unique. Plus, I get to be outside in natural settings away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
What’s the worst thing?
You are often either cold and freezing or being eaten alive by helicopter-size mosquitoes.
Do you have any favorite projects that you have worked on?
Yes, I have two. One was for water quality issues for southern Illinois coal mines. I helped a client demonstrate that they had restored pre-mining conditions. A local university had tried unsuccessfully to address this issue over a period of several years. The university’s report raised more questions than it answered. I did the job in one year, which eliminated the second year allotted to me for more study because all of the agency’s questions were addressed to their satisfaction. There’s a difference between an experienced professional and a bunch of students with a professor looking over their shoulders. Consulting is more than just what you know but being able to use what you know to solve problems.
The other project was another southern Illinois coal mine. This required adapting some indices designed for western part of the United States for use here in the Midwest. The project entailed recognizing certain features of the habitat used to evaluate conditions in that part of the country and substituting conditions that occur here.
Where do you go from here?
[I hope to] expand my company so that we can increase the scope of services we can provide to clients.What are you currently working on?
A power plant. We are addressing the Department of Natural Resources concerns that there might be some negative impact associated with a small oil spill.
What three attributes are essential to doing your job well?
Analytical skills, writing and flexibility. You should be able to trouble-shoot. Not just document your observations but provide answers to questions that have been posed by government agencies regarding that site. For example, if a client is getting a permit to discharge a particular substance into a stream they need to demonstrate that their actions will not negatively impact the ecosystem of that area. Flexibility because things may not go the way you planned and you may have to shift gears in order to answer the questions you have been looking for. You must be able to be a good technical writer and relay information so that lay people can understand as well as scientists.
What advice would you give people who are interested in this field?
If you can’t stand pressure don’t go into the consulting portion. Instead consider the governmental or academics. If you can tackle the pressure every project is a new challenge.
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