Does anyone know of a color blind PWS?

I am color blind and working as a junior wetland scientist. My employer is concerned with my ability to properly classify soils with the Munsell color book. He says that I may not be fit for the job because of this condition.

So, I am trying to do some research and make some contacts with people in the field who are color blind. Specifically, I'd like to know how they have dealt with similar concerns and if this condition is truly exclusionary for scientists conducting wetland delineations.

Any input, tips, or contacts would be greatly appreciated!

Gene

I am not color blind, but I do know others who are. There are degrees and variations to color blindness. You need to know what your limitations are. Your color blindness may have absolutely no effect on your ability to match soil observations with a Munsell color chart. You are making a relative comparison of your ocular observations by matching what you see on the ground with what you see in the book. And if you are truly incapable of judging browns, reds, yellows and grays, apply for a job with the Corps.

Gene Fiebich asked:

"...I am color blind and working as a junior wetland scientist. My employer is concerned with my ability to properly classify soils with the Munsell color book. He says that I may not be fit for the job because of this condition..."

Dear Gene,

My recommendation it that you study wetlands law. In today's wetlands environment there is a far greater need for experts in statutory, regulatory, and relevant case law. A keen legal insight coupled with a good foundation in the technical aspects of wetlands could earn you a rewarding career in the wetlands business.

It is not necessary to go to law school to study Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and the regulations it authorized. Technical experts often lack adequate legal knowledge and may rely too heavily on regulatory staff when dealing with with complex legal issues.

The recent Rapanos Guidance documents offer a fine opportunity to anyone who is willing to invest the time and mental effort to read, absorb, and apply this complicated library of regulatory guidance documents.

In Soil Minerology they use a digital colorimeter to measure Munsell colors. I'm thinking the employer should provide this for you.

American Disability Act.

Good luck to you.

Gene,

Please contact me at jacksonchip@ec.rr.com and I will provide you with contact information of a color blind wetlands scientist who has flagged many a mile of wetlands line.

I'm not sure how well the munsell chart worked for him, you can ask him yourself. If I had to guess, you can learn most of those color chips, they are just different shades of gray.

I do know that he did not like blue ribbon and could not see it easily. Pink, orange, etc were no problem.

I also work with a color blind surveyor who has his field crews use white ribbon because he says it is easier for him to see. Sure ain't for me!! I can't see that stuff and I am not color blind.