I’m weighing an offer from a mid-size consultancy to lead 5-year post-construction monitoring on two dam removal projects on the Skagit versus staying in my state agency role focused on basin-scale nutrient dynamics and HAB mitigation… For those who’ve made this jump, did consulting give you more leverage to influence adaptive management (e.g., flow release adjustments, wood loading targets) or did the billable model pull you away from the ecosystem process work that drives restoration outcomes?
, the decision between consulting and agency work can be super frustrating. I went with a consultancy for a similar project once, and while it gave me more leverage on adaptive management decisions, the pressure to deliver results quickly was intense. Just make sure you’re considering the long-term impacts, both for your career and the projects you’re involved in. Have you talked to anyone in that consultancy about their experience?
, I totally get the dilemma. I jumped into consulting after a similar role, and while it gave me more flexibility in managing projects, I found that decision-making can sometimes drag because of the need for consensus. Just make sure you’re ready for those long meetings.