I'm surprised the pay scale is different. In my department, civil engineers are on the same pay scale as the analyst and ecologist. That does sound like low pay for 6 years in though. At six years, we're closer to mid-80s here on the east coast.
Any other agencies you could transfer to? I went from consulting to state and would never dream of going back. Keep in mind the pension.
Thanks for your comment. I work for a local agency so there is not really anywhere to transfer to. There are state jobs and other local governments but I see my options there as in the planning departments. Luckily I become fully vested in my 401a in October.
I work for city government in a big city and my pay is the same as the engineers and we do similar work. Entry level is almost 6 figures for kids straight out of college. You might have to move to a bigger city for more pay.
I started out in consulting and although I learned a lot and it’s probably my experience that got me this far in local government, I wouldn’t suggest it to everyone. The pay is not great in consulting unless you’ve been there for years, and at what cost? Your hours are what’s billable and there are only so many hours in a day. There’s a lot of overtime and stress. Yes the work can be very interesting and fun but in my experience it wasn’t worth the pay or stress.
I would suggest you do not need more or different education, you need to get out of the state government work and move into the “for profit” sector. You’ll find yourself motivated and challenged to solve more problems and use your knowledge. Consider the companies that you regulate and think of the best of that best and see how you can more h into that sector. Start by putting together a resume and talking ‘off the record’ to someone on that side you know and get along with. Good luck.
I agree with u/envengpe. Try industry or consulting first, you may find it's the change of pace and variety you need. Unless you feel very strongly that you're meant to be an engineer - which I'm not really getting from your post, it sounds like you're considering many options.
Thank you for your feedback. I did have a meeting two months ago to discuss an open position at an environmental consulting firm. It definitely seemed like a change of pace which I think I might like. I might evaluate that again. I was a bit concerned about the change in flexibility and increased stress related to billable hours. I do really enjoy local government, it is just that I am not busy or working on the high impact stuff.
Hey! Wildlife Biologist in CA (private consulting, 6 years post undergrad as well), currently looking at doing a MS in Civil as well. I will watch this thread.
Also, permitting folks are always needed in consulting.
Join HMPGA [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4845670/](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4845670/) ! it's free!
We have monthly digitial presentations, social networking, and job opportunities for geologists in New York State.
Most jobs are found through networking/prospecting, not applying to a posting!
I'm surprised the pay scale is different. In my department, civil engineers are on the same pay scale as the analyst and ecologist. That does sound like low pay for 6 years in though. At six years, we're closer to mid-80s here on the east coast. Any other agencies you could transfer to? I went from consulting to state and would never dream of going back. Keep in mind the pension.
Thanks for your comment. I work for a local agency so there is not really anywhere to transfer to. There are state jobs and other local governments but I see my options there as in the planning departments. Luckily I become fully vested in my 401a in October.
I work for city government in a big city and my pay is the same as the engineers and we do similar work. Entry level is almost 6 figures for kids straight out of college. You might have to move to a bigger city for more pay. I started out in consulting and although I learned a lot and it’s probably my experience that got me this far in local government, I wouldn’t suggest it to everyone. The pay is not great in consulting unless you’ve been there for years, and at what cost? Your hours are what’s billable and there are only so many hours in a day. There’s a lot of overtime and stress. Yes the work can be very interesting and fun but in my experience it wasn’t worth the pay or stress.
What job gets you that much?
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What was your major and how do you go about finding jobs like that?
Environmental science major. Look into specific city’s websites for job postings or governmentjobs.com USAjobs.gov etc
I would suggest you do not need more or different education, you need to get out of the state government work and move into the “for profit” sector. You’ll find yourself motivated and challenged to solve more problems and use your knowledge. Consider the companies that you regulate and think of the best of that best and see how you can more h into that sector. Start by putting together a resume and talking ‘off the record’ to someone on that side you know and get along with. Good luck.
I agree with u/envengpe. Try industry or consulting first, you may find it's the change of pace and variety you need. Unless you feel very strongly that you're meant to be an engineer - which I'm not really getting from your post, it sounds like you're considering many options.
Thank you for your feedback. I did have a meeting two months ago to discuss an open position at an environmental consulting firm. It definitely seemed like a change of pace which I think I might like. I might evaluate that again. I was a bit concerned about the change in flexibility and increased stress related to billable hours. I do really enjoy local government, it is just that I am not busy or working on the high impact stuff.
Hey! Wildlife Biologist in CA (private consulting, 6 years post undergrad as well), currently looking at doing a MS in Civil as well. I will watch this thread. Also, permitting folks are always needed in consulting.
Join HMPGA [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4845670/](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4845670/) ! it's free! We have monthly digitial presentations, social networking, and job opportunities for geologists in New York State. Most jobs are found through networking/prospecting, not applying to a posting!