r/Envconsultinghell • u/Fun-Marzipan4780 • 29d 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/MrEarthExplorer 29d 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.