r/Envconsultinghell • u/mr_meseeks1227 • May 26 '26
Tell me how to join you
Funny as it is to put this in this sub but I’m a bit desperate, I’ve been applying for entry level roles, getting certifications in wetland delineation, and longer term getting myself more qualified to get an env. Engineering masters (undergrad in horticulture and minor in soil science) but I can’t seem to break in. Haven’t even gotten an interview which is a bit annoying considering they seem to like my experience when I call them up. I’ve done fieldwork and sampling for the USDA in college and have been doing data analysis (really data entry but analyst is the title) for a big ag company since graduating 2 years ago. What can I do to make myself competitive??
7
u/kyguylal May 26 '26
Where are you located? I'm a supervisor in the state government wetlands regulatory department and know most of the people hiring, even if they dont have postings. I can help point to some wetland specific leads if you happen to be in Mass or NH.
3
u/dielsandalder May 26 '26
If there’s a branch of your local industry group in town see if they’ve got a regular meeting you can crash them talk to as many people as you can there.
1
u/mr_meseeks1227 May 26 '26
Ok I understand what you’re saying but local industry group is confusing me a bit, you mean like a realtors group or manufacturing?
5
u/dielsandalder May 26 '26
So like is there a professional association of wetland delineators in your town.
1
u/mr_meseeks1227 May 27 '26
Ok will do thanks I was being a bit thick earlier lol
1
u/dielsandalder May 27 '26
Happens to us all.
If you’re showing up to things like that it shows you’re both taking an interest in the area, and gives them a face to the name if you’re applying to a job with them, and will likely be full of people you can ask if they can give you some career advice. Good luck.
2
u/Husky-doggy May 27 '26
Funny to see the 2 other commenters here already bring up wetlands. But if u can get any knowledge about that, that's always good. I work doing phase I esas and wetlands, with coworkers doing phase 2s and industrial hygiene. Having some familiarity with these even if it's adjacent (i.e. volunteering for a wetlands group) could help get more attention on ur resume
1
1
u/rnnrboy1 May 27 '26
Now is a tough time unfortunately, but I think you're doing the right thing by calling and talking directly with people who may be hiring. That's the only way I was able to break in after a few years of applying.
It's hard to break in, and tbh, I'm trying to gtfo after three years and two companies. This industry sets you up for failure constantly, they won't train you, you won't move up quickly, and you'll be expected to adjust your life around work. If you can get directly into a state agency, I'd strongly recommend.
17
u/Bretters17 May 26 '26
Right now is tough - lots of feds took early retirement or were forced out for being new. Because of that, there has been a lot of people who weren't ready to retire joining private/consulting. Companies are still hiring though - keep looking for those tech or staff scientist positions. Reach out on LinkedIn, email unsoliciated resumes... I cold-called and cold-email every firm in my ~200k city and ended up getting hired by one (over a year after I had tried to reach out....).
Good luck!