Scientist Spotlight: Marty Hilovsky
04-29-2009

Marty Hilovsky

Nearly thirty years ago, Marty Hilovsky made a decision that would have a lasting impact on the landscape of ecological consulting. He had found few opportunities after graduate school in his chosen field of study - aquatic biology - and he widened his net to pursue other alternatives. “I was fortunate enough to land a position with Ohio EPA, so the first eight years of my career were spent learning various aspects of water pollution and stream ecology from within a regulatory framework,” he recalls. “I started EnviroScience because I saw an opportunity to combine the regulatory knowledge I had gained at Ohio EPA with my love for aquatic ecology.” In the twenty years since its inception, EnviroScience has built a reputation of excellence, growing to become one of the top ecological consulting firms in the U.S. From the MiddFoil® process, a unique biocontrol measure which utilizes a native beetle to control the exotic aquatic weed Eurasian watermilfoil, to bioassay and threatened and endangered species surveys, EnviroScience’s specialized team of scientists offers an unparalleled variety of services.

Mr. Hilovsky notes, “As the degraded habitat of our nation's streams and rivers is increasingly being recognized for the major problem it is, there is increasing interest in natural stream restoration and that is rapidly becoming a larger part of EnviroScience's business. The whole topic of invasive species is beginning to get the attention it deserves. It has been said that this 'biological pollution' is the next great environmental challenge of this century after climate change. Our work with the milfoil weevil over the past ten years is a great example of how our work can have profound positive impacts on the environment.” Mr. Hilovsky has practical advice for students interested in pursuing a career in ecology. “Get as much real-world experience as possible while in school. Make every effort to spend your summers working as an intern or volunteering in your field. That experience is what helps elevate the resumes of our successful job applicants. Two other suggestions: 1) learn as much GIS as possible because every field science is dependent on it, and 2) be persistent.”

Milfoil Weevil

For Marty Hilovsky, the rewards of such a career are thrilling. “There are few careers and companies where you can make such a difference on a regular basis. Many of our people are directly involved with protecting or restoring critical habitat or helping identify and protect threatened and endangered species,” he explains. “Each day is different – there's no such thing as a routine work day. Additionally, I like that I'm constantly learning something new.” Overall, though, EnviroScience itself is the biggest accomplishment of Mr. Hilovsky’s career: “I'm proud that after nearly 20 years, EnviroScience continues to grow and provide its employees with unique opportunities to learn and make a difference.”