Contributed by Stephanie Evans, Staff Geologist, PPM Consultants
When I graduated with a geology degree in 2019, I thought I had my future all figured out. But in reality, I was stepping into the unknown. I had a general sense of direction, but the path ahead was far more uncertain—and far more exciting—than I could have imagined.
At the time, I wasn’t sure where to direct my career. I applied for a variety of jobs and internships, each with its own allure—oil and gas? Maybe. Environmental consulting? Perhaps. Mining geology? Possibly. Or maybe I should follow in the footsteps of my professors and pursue a master’s or even a PhD? The options were endless, and I had no clear direction.
Then, everything changed that summer. I was selected for the Geological Society of America/ExxonMobil Bighorn Basin Field Program, and that experience became the turning point I didn’t know I needed. It not only reignited my passion for geology but also broadened my perspective on the wide array of possibilities a career in this field could offer. Surrounded by the grandeur 
of Wyoming’s geological formations, I realized that I had chosen the right field—who doesn’t love science and the great outdoors? Still, I wasn’t sure which specific path to take. The possibilities seemed infinite, and the uncertainty persisted.
But sometimes, luck—and a lot of hard work—leads to the right place. I landed a job in environmental consulting, and looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for that decision. At 22, I couldn’t have known just how impactful this career choice would be, but the future me looks back with a sense of fulfillment. The journey has been 
rewarding, challenging, and above all, a perfect fit for my interests and skills.
As a geologist working in environmental consulting, I’ve had the opportunity to apply my technical knowledge and passion for the Earth sciences to help clients address complex environmental challenges. My career in this field has allowed me to blend my expertise in geology with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and sustainability.
In the course of my work, I’ve been involved in a wide range of projects at PPM Consultants, each requiring a unique set of skills and a deep understanding of both the natural environment and the human impacts on it. Whether assessing soil and groundwater contamination, revitalizing brownfield sites, managing underground storage tank removals, or conducting environmental site assessments, each project has brought its own unique challenges and valuable learning experiences. The diversity of the projects I’ve worked on has helped me build a well-rounded skill set that combines technical expertise with a solid understanding of regulatory frameworks, environmental law, and risk management.
I began my career at PPM Consultants in the field, gaining hands-on experience by drilling monitoring wells and collecting groundwater samples. This foundational work gave me invaluable insights into environmental site assessments and the practical challenges of monitoring contaminants in the subsurface. It was a deeply engaging process—each drill site had its own set of variables, requiring careful planning, precision, and problem-solving. Over time, I became adept at interpreting the data we collected, which helped guide remediation strategies and ensure that we were addressing the root causes of contamination. This early fieldwork not only strengthened my technical skills but also deepened my appreciation for the critical role geology plays in solving environmental challenges.
In addition to fieldwork, I’ve also been deeply involved in the preparation of technical reports and environmental site assessments, where I synthesize data and provide expert opinions on how a site’s geological and environmental conditions may affect proposed projects. These reports are crucial for guiding clients through permitting processes, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and helping them make informed decisions.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been contributing to the remediation of contaminated sites. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking a site that has been negatively impacted by industrial activity or pollution and transforming it into a safe, sustainable environment. Whether it’s cleaning up soil and groundwater contamination or managing hazardous waste, the process of restoring these sites not only helps protect public health and ecosystems but also gives me a tangible sense of accomplishment. Each project is a unique puzzle, requiring a blend of scientific expertise, problem-solving, and collaboration with stakeholders, all of which make the work both challenging and deeply meaningful.
I’ve also learned that success in this field is never a solo effort. The preparation of complex environmental reports and assessments involves collaboration with a talented and diverse team—geologists, engineers, drafters, reviewers, and technical staff—all working together to ensure accuracy and compliance. The collective knowledge and expertise of my colleagues at PPM Consultants have been invaluable in shaping my growth and helping me deliver high-quality work.
Ultimately, my experience in environmental consulting has deepened my conviction that geology is essential to understanding and addressing environmental challenges. It’s reinforced the 
importance of a multidisciplinary approach—where science, engineering, policy, and public health intersect—to create solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable. And as if the work itself weren’t rewarding enough, this career has also taken me to some truly incredible locations across the United States, offering me the unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects in diverse and occasionally breathtaking settings.