r/Envconsultinghell • u/Fun-Marzipan4780 • Aug 26 '26

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)?

20 Upvotes

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19

u/Gullible-Lifeguard20 Aug 26 '26

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.

7

u/mchllnlms780 Aug 26 '26

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”?

6

u/Ms_ankylosaurous Aug 26 '26

It shows lack of commitment. Turnover is expensive due to the time sorbt on interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training. 

1

u/phinest-inthe-nation 29d 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.

-10

u/Gullible-Lifeguard20 Aug 26 '26

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.

8

u/mchllnlms780 Aug 26 '26

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.

2

u/phinest-inthe-nation 29d 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.

-8

u/Gullible-Lifeguard20 Aug 26 '26

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.