Michael Gumeny ⋅ Nutley, NJ Burberry ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Robb. Two things I would recommend.

First, check the career website of potential employers directly, rather than going through the clearinghouse sites like Indeed and LinkedIn. You will often find jobs listed on the companies own website that are not available on third-party sites. For example, BLM is always looking for people in Idaho (https://www.blm.gov/careers).

Second, do a search on LinkedIn for people you may know who work at a local employer. Start with a first-level search and if you are not connected directly to someone who works there, try second and third-level searches. You may know somebody who knows somebody that works there. Getting connected via a personal network will give you a much better chance of getting a callback and actually speaking to someone inside the company.

Also, don’t put too much weight on the “gaps” in your experience. Companies can’t always find candidates that match 100% of their requirements and are willing to talk to you about what you do have to offer. Consider applying to positions that are looking for skills and experience that you have, even if there is not a 100% fit.

Best of luck finding something in the Boise area!

Emanuel Carpenter ⋅ Alpharetta, GA SDR Master Class ⋅ 20 years experience

Robb - I know nothing about the environmental/conservation field and the demand for jobs in that area. Based on what you shared, here is what I would suggest:

1. If there are jobs available in your local area in your chosen field, you have to get to the jobs BEFORE they are posted on job boards. That means sending your resume to family, friends, and ex-coworkers unsolicited. Ask them for help. Tell them that finding a job in your field in your local area is imperative. Employers love personal referrals. This has been the #1 way I've been able to find jobs. Most people print out my resume and hand it to their bosses. Even if there is nothing available right now, they will consider you before they have to pay money to post on a job board. Also, try to connect with potential hiring managers on LinkedIn even if there are no jobs posted at that time. It's that old adage: It's not what you know, it's who you know.

2. Use job boards as a secondary source but don't just rely on them alone. Also, use boards that specialize in helping veterans like Hirepurpose and HireHeroes.org along with the others like Ziprecruiter, Indeed, and LinkedIn. When using LinkedIn, don't just click apply and complete the online application or upload your resume. Find the person who posted the job and send them a connection request. When they accept, send them a brief cover letter in the text telling them why you are the perfect candidate. Attach your resume too. Applying online and applying with the poster doubles your chances of getting an interview. I did this, and it worked. I got a rejection letter via email when I applied online but I got an interview for the same job when I contacted the poster. Plus, the output of those online applications can come out real funky looking.

3. If there are NOT jobs in your area in your chosen field, you will have think outside the box. You may not get a job in the environmental/conservation field. However, your degree is valuable and can be used to explore other careers like teaching or sales, even if it is just for a short time until your dream job opens up.

4. Other ways to earn money now might be to start your own business or taking advantage of the sharing economy to drive for Uber or rent out a room through AirBnb or using a pickup truck to help people move things through Bungii.

Hope this helps.

FRANCIS TEPEDINO, ESQ. ⋅ San Diego, CA THE CONDOR GROUP ⋅ 30 years experience

Check with Idaho Power & LIght. I was a consultant for them for many years. It is a good
company. Start at the bottom and work your way up.

Frank Tepedino

Paul Tusting ⋅ Salt Lake City, UT Bond Arms Inc ⋅ 20 years experience

Given your location and interests, it may be worth reaching out to public land managers. The federal ones may be particularly drawn to your military background.
Ones that come to mind:
*National Forest Service
*Bureau of Land Management
*FWS (US Fish & Wildlife Service)
*National Park Service (they manage more than just national parks)
*Bureau of Reclamation
*State Parks
*State Fish & Game
*Privet companies the federal entities subcontract to (a lot of campgrounds & recreational facilities are managed by for profit companies)

There should be regional offices in the Boise area for many of these. Please feel free send me a message if there are questions.
-Paul