An Overview of the Water Resources Industry – Professionals are in Demand

Other reasons for low staffing levels are due to a lack of awareness. Many people in the water resource industry did not enter it purposefully. Often they become aware through friends or experts in career guidance. The industry however, has a large number of entry paths and is ripe with advancement opportunities. 

The Employers

The Water Resource Industry is widespread and covers a broad swath of engineering disciplines; Civil, Construction, Environmental, Electrical, Mechanical, and Design Engineers to name a few. This diversity results in the industry being made up of many different types of companies:

• Engineering firms, especially those specializing in design, construction, hydraulic modeling, environmental consulting, chemical and process engineering.
• Public Utilities and Public Works departments employ numerous engineers who have specialties in water production, wastewater treatment, construction or maintenance. Project management experience is a plus. Many municipalities have paid internships. These internships are usually not well publicized. 
• Large Water Treatment Facilities (both private and municipal) employ civil engineers, treatment plant managers, water quality managers, as well as a multitude of consultants and contractors. 
• Membrane Filtration companies,  electric cooperatives, and chemical plants are also seeking professionals to fill vacancies. 

The concern for sustainability initiatives and the implementation of green processes continues to grow. In response, many municipalities and private sector entities are creating entire departments to help address these environmental issues. 

Career Opportunities

The industry offers many opportunities for engineers and other technical professionals. Hydraulic modelers, Design, Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Project Engineers are in demand. Utility Directors, Assistant Directors, Junior Engineers, Chemists and Plant Managers are being sought nationwide. Companies need Water Resource Engineers, Water Resources Technical Managers and Engineers skilled in biological processes. 

Industry Trends

Forecast trends do not show the gap decreasing. In fact the opposite is true. Trending points to an increase in manpower shortfalls.

Staffing Firm Advantages

The Water Resources community strives to strengthen its recruiting efforts through various committees, outreach programs and staffing agencies. Using the services of a top notch staffing firm will afford you many advantages. These firms have the resources and professional network connections that open doors to opportunities you can’t find through a Web search.

The best firms are intimately aware of the career progressions and paths that lead to hiring. They know the qualifications employers are seeking. Often an employer will bring a candidate on board knowing they will be able to achieve a particular qualification. A tier one firm will be able to accurately represent your accomplishments, goals and worth to prospective employers.

A few of the most valuable advantages that a premier Staffing Firm offers is that they are invested in you and view your career as unique. They also recognize that a best fit scenario is a win for both you and the employer. 

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com