Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are needed to become a Ecological Assessment Coach (EAC)
EACs typically have:
- Professional experience in ecology, agriculture, forestry, or related fields
- Local ecological knowledge and understanding
- Experience with assessment, verification, or fieldwork
- Strong interpersonal skills to work with producers
- Cultural competency for their region of operation
What training will I receive as an EAC?
EACs receive comprehensive training on:
- The PIE assessment framework and methodology
- Field verification techniques
- Data collection protocols
- Report writing and documentation
- Professional ethics and standards
- Regional ecological context
How does the EAC certification process work?
The certification process includes:
- Application and initial screening
- Training program completion
- Field assessment under supervision
- Peer review of initial assessments
- Annual recertification
What is the time commitment for EAC work?
The time commitment can vary based on your availability and the demand in your region. Options include:
- Full-time EAC work
- Part-time alongside other professional activities
- Seasonal work during key assessment periods
- Occasional assessments as needed
How are EACs compensated?
Unlike traditional professional services that charge fees, EACs participate in the Earth Returns system by receiving a share of the “harvest” of PIE Points for the value they add. This share can be negotiated based on specific circumstances and the nature of the assessment work. This approach aligns incentives throughout the system, as all participants benefit from properly verified ecological improvement.
Typically, producers receive about 75% of the harvest of PIE Points from their property. The remaining portion is distributed among contributing parties, including EACs and Earth Returns (which takes a share for providing mutual services and to compensate Earth Returns Pty Ltd).
The only service paid in cash is the initial PIE Assessment itself, and this fee is kept at a very modest level to recover costs rather than generate profit.
How are EACs organised and allocated?
EACs are not allocated based on regional exclusivity. Multiple EACs may share a single workspace and operate within the same geographic area, much like a legal or accounting professional firm. This model allows for specialisation in various ecosystems, agricultural systems, or cultural contexts within a region. Producers may work with different EACs based on their specific needs or the particular aspects of their ecological work being assessed. This non-exclusive approach ensures access to the right expertise while maintaining professional standards across all assessments.