Jason, I share your same predicament. I completed a technician job this past September and who knows how many jobs I've applied to. For me though one of the things I've done to make it through the time (partly because student loans required that I do something) was to go to a temp agency. After that temp job, completely unrelated to my schooling, I started volunteering at a wildlife rehab center and with the humane society. Partly, for my sanity and also to demonstrate that I'm active in the wildlife field and quite serious about a career.
Through volunteering I was offered a part time job whose boss works with me so that I can still volunteer (since she is a rehabber with the lady I volunteer for) and it helps pay the gas. One of the biggest things I've been able to do is network. For me Twitter has served as a platform that I can be exposed to a vast array of current events in conservation via blogs and news media essentially making contact with professionals/organizations I wouldn't have otherwise. I'm also taking Wendee Holtcamp's nature writing course to further skills in writing for my own blog, and burgeoning freelance writing career. Lastly, it has served as a great time to work on improving my KSA, resume, and cover letters with every application sent out. I'm not an established professional and I look forward to hearing what others recommend but seek out ways to increase your skills by considering the area you want to improve the most. Continue to apply to jobs as they pop up and don't disqualify yourself unless you are absolutely certain you don't qualify. Consider applying to unrelated career jobs the closer it comes to the end of your job term just so that job can serve as a cushion until you get an offer. Zuri Kelley Clemson University Alumni 2009 -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jason Hernandez Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 7:30 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season? I see that the surge of recruiting announcements for the seasonal technician jobs is underway. It looks like a lot of important and exciting projects, as I would expect. But it is impossible not to notice the time frame: usually just spring and summer, some only spring or summer. I cannot really complain; I am fortunate in that my current job began in January, instead of having to wait for April or May. Still, it does end in July, about the time so many other jobs are also ending. This means I will have to compete with all those other temporary and seasonal technicians for my next job. Which brings me to my question: what does someone like me do in fall and winter? Granted, based on my current qualifications, someone I work with predicts I could have a permanent position "within two years." But I must still make a living DURING those two years. What should I be looking at now to maximize my chance of being employed come this fall and next winter? Jason Hernandez Biological Science Technician, USDA Forest Service
