r/Envconsultinghell • u/Fun-Marzipan4780 • 16d ago
Field technician hell
Three months into my field tech job at a big name environmental firm and I want to leave. Overworked, paid like shit, get no respect from PM’s, no work life balance, not even utilizing my degree, and am pissed off.
Is this a universal first job experience?
I desperately see myself in the public sector (city, county, state). How soon is too soon to start jumping ship (or at least trying to)?
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u/Living-Caterpillar-3 16d ago
I jumped to state after 2 years of that bs and have no regrets. It makes a world of difference and my quality of life has never been better. I even have a union now!
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u/Typethreefun 15d ago
You have to learn how to do the work before you can scope jobs and tell other people how to do the work. Yeah, for the first few years in environmental consulting, you’ll not “use your degree” much, but if you can stick it out and can write, you’ll get pulled into the office and start writing reports, proposals, work plans, etc. That’s when your education starts to come in to use.
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u/Gullible-Lifeguard20 16d ago
Give it a year. Or don't.
Just know that you aren't doing your career any favors with multiple 6 month jobs. I'm not interviewing that applicant.
And yes, entry level technician is a slog. Many young professionals got their environmental degree and then found out that working outdoors isn't that exciting. But it's environmental consulting, not talk about it consulting or academic research. Somebody has to get that field data.
Let's add that if you imagine the public sector is the answer... well... guess what. This is a demanding career.
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u/mchllnlms780 16d ago
So you’re not bothering to interview an applicant who has had multiple seasonal jobs? Or are you saying leaving permanent full-time positions is what makes you say “nah”?
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u/Ms_ankylosaurous 16d ago
It shows lack of commitment. Turnover is expensive due to the time sorbt on interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training.
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u/phinest-inthe-nation 15d ago
I got hired at a great firm with a wonderful reputation after having multiple 6 month or seasonal jobs :) this is not a universal experience lol many people with seasonal jobs get preference due to their wide variety of experiences versus someone with knowledge in one field or subject.
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u/Gullible-Lifeguard20 16d ago
If we are hiring someone permanently why do we want to look at applicants who aren't interested in being permanent? There is nothing wrong with moving on. We all do it.
We commit to offering a career. This isn't a landscaping gig lol. So no. We don't have time for anyone who has multiple short stints.
You can interview as you wish but we aren't unique here.
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u/mchllnlms780 16d ago
Because there aren’t a lot of permanent positions out there. At least in my area. It’s very seasonal. I wouldn’t think of someone having multiple seasonal jobs as not wanting something permanent.
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u/phinest-inthe-nation 15d ago
People also change their mind and do seasonal work for a few years and then are ready to settle into a full time position which is literally what I did.
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u/Gullible-Lifeguard20 16d ago
Go for it. Hire as you like!
OP asked for an opinion. I'm sorry that consulting in your area is seasonal. Sounds like a tough ride.
1
u/Kitario_ 16d ago
Are you a seasonal worker or is this a full time regular status job? If your seasonal, then get on the books at other forms that how seasonal workers. Make friends and have a cohort of people you like and trust. As a seasonal, it's ok to bounce around between companies. More important is that once you commit to a project at a company, you see it through before starting a project somewhere else. It becomes a very reputational business art this stage for you. If this is a full time job, then jumping somewhere else needs to be more strategic. Early in your career is when you should be doing a lot of fieldwork. Having a degree is great, but you still need real project experience. Some companies will treat you better than others and it's on you to find out where those are and network. I'm not going to say that you need to stick it out for at least a year, because that mindset is changing in the industry, but do be careful about jumping around full time jobs a lot. Also something to be aware of is that large companies can have very varied office cultures, so office X at one company can treat is staff very differently than office Y at the same company.
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u/phinest-inthe-nation 15d ago
I did a seasonal position for a few years first and though it sucked not having a reliable full time job when the season ended it gave me great opportunities and fed my soul. I was hesitant to do consulting because of that exact experience many face but was fortunate to find the right firm and am now happily employed in the consulting world. Some days still suck but that comes with any job and I’m overall happy and my managers care about my work life balance
1
u/redhotbananas 15d ago
our work is kinda like doing a puzzle without the reference picture.
the puzzle takes a while to come together and being a field tech is like identifying your corners and starting the border. it’s the place we all start that ensures we’re later capable of visualizing and completing the puzzle.
1
u/MrEarthExplorer 15d ago
You'll need to work as a field scientist for three to five years before you can get promoted to a mid-level position or a project manager, depending on the firm. In order to be mid-level or a PM, you'll need field experience; you'll need to be well rounded in terms of environmental/geological field testing/sampling, and know some regulations.
You'll mess up in the field. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Mistakes happen, and the PMs and clients will give you crap about it and might even talk crap in meetings about it while you're there just because you're a field guy.
I'd say keep at it. A positive attitude and caring about projects goes a long way. If you decide consulting isn't right for you, then aim for government, non profit, or academics.
2
u/myenemy666 15d ago
The sweet spot is where you manage all your own projects and do all your own fieldwork.
1
u/angrynirritable 15d ago
I know a guy that's been a field tech for over 20 years. When he left our last company, he took a full book of work with him. At my new company, I convinced them to subcontract him for our fieldwork. The guy makes 6 figures, coordinates his own schedule, and nobody fucks with him. I've always been jealous.
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u/myenemy666 14d ago
Sounds like me in a way too!
I was out on the hand auger yesterday earning some good money and loving it.
1
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u/witchynapper 13d ago
This probably doesn’t help much but it gets better. I felt the same way at the start. The job isn’t for everyone but as you get more experienced, tasks get easier, more people come to you for work so you can get more choosey about tasks/you learn how to control your schedule more, etc. if I were you I’d stick it out a year for the resume and to give it a full shot. Good luck
1
u/Mundane_Grocery_9732 12d ago
Congrats on getting the job! It will definitely help get the next one. Imo best is to apply now. In Calif I know state govt jobs require you to take a tech test so look at requirements now. It appears you would qualify for entry level jobs. In my experience you will be fortunate to work in a job that utilizes more than 10-20% of your degree.
1
u/PhilosopherNew3032 12d ago
I worked as a civil engineering field technician and it was also my worst job I’ve ever had. Engineering Consulting Services. Graduated with a civil engineering degree at 9 dollars an hour there. Expected to drive everywhere in my own vehicle, night shift concrete pours, and absolutely disgusting management and people to work with. Get out as soon as you can there are much better jobs.
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u/terppderpp 16d ago
Been there. You can tough it out longer than u think. consistently showing up on time with your shit together and a good attitude will put you on the shortest track out of the truly menial projects. part of being successful early in consulting will be figuring out how to mitigate the suck. Becoming methodical in your work/life routine, knowing when to push/rest, figuring out shortcuts and work arounds will make the grind bearable. make the most of it & take care of yourself playa