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| |  Posted 8/3/2007 2:08:11 AM | |
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| I just graduated with a B.S. in Biology and I didn't have opportunity to take much environmental classes outside of Biology & Microbiology because the school didnt offer much, so I did my own work with wastewater with the help of my advisor. Needless to say I'm interested in working in the environmental field of water quality. 
I have been looking for jobs like crazy & I have noticed that in the public sector, the easiest avenue for landing a gig is through applying as an OIT or Grade 1 Operator. SO, I have just taken the CWEA grade 1 exam (too easy), applied to a few places out in and out of my area (would relocate) and hopefully soon I may have an interview. I've also applied to two waste discharge compliance jobs, but they both require 1 year related experience so I don't think I'm looking too good there, even though I know somebody with the same position that can give me a good reference.. I've also applied to an internship through my city even though I needed to re-register for school as a requirement for being eligible (GIS class ;-) ).
Are there any other positions within the city/state/fed that hire for environmental related jobs (water) which require little to no experience with an education? Working as a wastewater operator sounds like fun because plants require that you control a bio-machine to get an acceptable effluent, but it is to my understanding that Grade I operators are mainly on the operations/grunt work side of things which is also okay, but working on a changing project sounds more satisfying (grade III).
My short term goal is just to get as much experience in the water field as possible, start exploring the events from organizations like WEF+CWEA and use the city employment benefits for tuition reimbursement so I can keep going to school & possibly pursuing a Masters degree or just taking a handful of ENV classes.. Can anybody give some kind of father-to-son or mentor type of suggestions for a 23 year old MAN like myself?
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| | | Posted 8/3/2007 5:45:20 PM | |
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| | I am in the San Francisco Bay Area of California by the way.. |
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| | | Posted 8/3/2007 6:45:41 PM | |
| Supreme Being
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| | I would be looking at smaller operations if you want to get experience. Many smaller operations need you to be water, wastewater, collections, and distribution certified. Plus run a loader on snow days, inspect water and sewer installations, and review building plans as they pertain to water and wastewater issues. Often smaller places are swamped and are more than happy to let you take a little work off the bosses plate. You don't get to be the King of Crap without spending time in the poo! Mark |
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| | | Posted 8/3/2007 9:25:26 PM | |
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Supreme Being
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| For what it's worth it, here is my take. You'll do yourself a greater service by working as a chemist, lab technician, biologist, microbiologist at a wastewater treatment plant. You'll make quite a bit more money than an operator, chief operator (if microbiologist, biologist, chemist) plus you'll be practicing what you learned in college. There are some positions (a few of them) where you can actually go scuba diving and sample lakes, dams, rivers, for local fauna and flora. The smaller plants will also allow you to work in the lab as well as operate the plant. Something to think about.
E. coli happens!Database Central |
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| | | Posted 8/4/2007 4:38:46 PM | |
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| Thanks for your replies guys!
Dvant (8/3/2007)
I would be looking at smaller operations if you want to get experience. Many smaller operations need you to be water, wastewater, collections, and distribution certified.
Often smaller places are swamped and are more than happy to let you take a little work off the bosses plate.
You don't get to be the King of Crap without spending time in the poo!
Mark
Yeah, you are right Mark. I noticed there was an opening in small town that is growing & the position required the person to be both lab & customer compliance/permitting duties.
Victor (8/3/2007)
For what it's worth it, here is my take. You'll do yourself a greater service by working as a chemist, lab technician, biologist, microbiologist at a wastewater treatment plant. You'll make quite a bit more money than an operator, chief operator (if microbiologist, biologist, chemist) plus you'll be practicing what you learned in college. There are some positions (a few of them) where you can actually go scuba diving and sample lakes, dams, rivers, for local fauna and flora. The smaller plants will also allow you to work in the lab as well as operate the plant. Something to think about.
Yeah, I hear ya Victor. The ultimate goal is to have a meaningful job that I enjoy and by reading the content from your post history, I can definitely say that the depth of theory & troubleshooting wastewater systems sounds fun which is a good thing. I really liked the way Mark put it when he said, "You don't get to be the King of Crap without spending time in the poo!" HAHA! I just need to find a job, make connections and move into a lab position as it opens because there definitely is competition for these positions and I don't really stand a chance without an internship or job experience at any level. I took an exam for a chemist position at a plant and out of the 18 people there, there was only 1 other person at my age (21-25) while the other people were in their 30's.
Can you tell me more about your work history in water quality/microbiology? Where did you start out of college, how did you end up doing what your doing currently and where do you see yourself in a few more years (if not retiring).
BTW, I really liked the database you made. |
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| | | Posted 8/4/2007 9:33:47 PM | |
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Supreme Being
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| | Alex: Very few people in a wastewater treatment lab or for that matter operators, study to become a wastewater lab employee or wastewater treatment operator. The majority of the people employed in this field happen to stumble onto their current position. This is what happened with me. I needed a job while at school and a nearby agency needed a lab assistant for their internship program. The thought of working in this field had never occured to me but I've been doing this type of work for the last 19+ years. Yes, you could get a Masters in management, environmental engineering, environmental health and rise up the ladder if that is your goal. But do keep in mind, that lab work can at times become tedious and repetitive, specially with potable water labs. You are one step ahead in that you already have a degree. Getting your foot in the door may mean that you may have to look elsewhere other than your current area. Here is one example of an aggressive person. One time we had a person call our Human Resources department telling them that they would be willing to volunteer (1 -2 days a week for about 8 hours) as a lab assistant just so that they could get some experience so that when they applied for a position they could write on the application that they had some experience. Some agencies do have internships for those that are going through school. Just call nearby agencies and start enquiring! You'll lose nothing and gain everything.
E. coli happens! Database Central |
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| | | Posted 8/4/2007 10:25:26 PM | |
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| | Thats a very good suggestion, will do. |
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| | | Posted 8/14/2007 5:16:14 PM | |
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| | Hello everyone! As a recent graduate myself, I wanted to let you know it is possible (albeit very frustrating at times)! I graduated May 06 in FL, moved to CA, and ending up finding/ stumbling into a job as an assisstant environmental inspector (I knew I wanted to do something with the environment, but I did not know exactly what - something I am still tweaking). I hear your pain in trying to find an entry level position - how are you supposed to get experience if they already require it for each position?! I was able to get my current position through the completion of my bachelor's degree (chemistry classes and such) and some interviewing skills - but the minimum was just 2 years of college and 2 semsters of chem! My advice is to apply for positions even if you would have to stretch to meet the requirements. For example, the city of san jose is hiring an operator (https://jobs.quickhire.com/scripts/qhsanjose.exe/runjobInfoApply?aOrg=1&aJob=2486&ORGIMG=&INTERNAL=0) and, of course, it requires a year of experience. However, you would be surprised. Sometimes they have a difficult time getting a qualified candidate pool, and often you can at least be placed in a pool for future hiring events w/o having to reapply every time. Oh!! I think this might be helpful though! I was looking in old recruitments I've gotten from professional development groups and the like for you and I found this - http://www.unionsanitary.com/PO_III_Trainee_0807.htm. It specifically mentions it can be an entry level postion and you have a time frame to earn the grade III certification you expressed interest in and you are placed in a pool for future postions and you have until almost mid september to apply (plus the benefits wouldn't be a bad thing)! You do, however, have to request the application materials in advance so if you're interested why not do it now? Good luck! Let us know how it goes - I can keep an eye on jobs postings I see. |
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| | | Posted 8/14/2007 5:54:49 PM | |
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Supreme Being
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| | Alex/Andrea: Some advice in regards to starting out in the wastewater field: 1. I would greatly recommend that you become a member of California Water Environment Association and attend functions such as the annual conference where you can become "submerged" in various topics of interest, have the opportunity to ask questions of participants, and just comingling with various different disciplines that makes up this great industry. 2. There are some community colleges that have dedicated curriculum for this industry whether it be potable or wastewater. Start visiting nearby colleges and look up their majors. 3. Join the Young Professionals chapters of WEF in specific colleges or start your own chapter. For one reason or another (don't ask me why) but it is nearly made up of engineers. 4. Use the following link to access job opportunities through CWEA.org http://www.cwea.org/crj_seeker_resources_otherjs.shtml Good luck. Do keep us posted on your trials and tribulations.
E. coli happens! Database Central |
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| | | Posted 8/15/2007 6:18:59 PM | |
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| | Victor - Thanks! I actually am already a CWEA member and attended their annual conference last Feb. I will have to keep my fingers crossed for funding for Long Beach! I was searching for YP info on the website and found a YP committee, but the chapters seem to be geared for just students. In fact, I ended up on the San Jose State page (the nearest chapter) and the link to request more information about the club asks you for your SJSU student ID! I think I will email members of the Student and YP Committe about getting involved... |
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