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How to Get a Career in Environmental Engineering Jobs Off the Ground

More AEC professionals are considering environmental engineering as a lucrative career path. These professionals are responsible for crucial aspects of industrial projects as they ensure the protection of the environment by limiting waste and other construction activities that could be harmful to the environment. 

There are many paths toward getting a position  as an environmental engineer and having a successful career. We’ll examine some of the best ways to do this so aspiring environmental engineers know exactly what to do to begin a career in this field. 

Opportunities in Environmental Engineering

There are many things you can do as an environmental engineer. You’ll be responsible for planning and implementing processes for reducing waste and pollution common on industrial project worksites. 

Typical workplaces for environmental engineering jobs include large construction and mining sites. You’ll work with companies operating in this space to ensure they know what the regulations are for public and environmental safety and comply with them. Below are a few responsibilities you may have as an environmental engineer.

• Develop processes for reducing pollution and waste. 
• Consult and advise companies on how construction negatively affects the environment. 
• Develop and implement recycling programs at construction sites. 
• Conduct environmental audits. 
• Design wastewater collection and treatment systems. 
• Assess the potential impact a project has on the environment. 

Environmental engineers may work in the field, in the office, or some combination of both depending on the company and project type. There may also be some traveling to assess sites in different locations across the state or country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for environmental engineers in May 2021 was $98,820 per annum or $46.55 per hour. 

Skills for Environmental Engineering

You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or similar fields like civil or chemical engineering. It’s also possible to begin a career in this field by gaining experience on the job through internships or working as an engineer-in-training. 

You can also take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE) or the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam (PE). There are other skills that make you stand out and help you land a job as an environmental engineer, such as: 

• design skills 
• advanced math, physics, statistics, and chemistry 
• structural design 
• ecological rehabilitation technologies 
• site management 

Hiring in Environmental Engineering 

AECOM

AECOM is hiring an environmental engineer in Long Beach, California. The company was officially established in 1990 and strives to reduce emissions and create a more sustainable and equitable future. They’re one of Fortune 500’s largest companies in America and are also named among the most ethical companies dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment. 

You can find current job openings on their careers page. Some of their services include:

• Climate adaptation and sustainability 
• Water waste and natural resources preservation 
• Remediation, restoration, and redevelopment 
• Air quality consulting and engineering  

Stillwater Sciences 

Stillwater is hiring an environmental engineer in California. They’re dedicated to developing a better world using rigorous science. The company focuses on beneficial users of water and watershed, including recreation, energy generation, flood protection, and balancing water supply. They also manage river resources, such as rivers and floodplains to safeguard functioning ecosystems. 

You can find their current job openings on their careers page. Some of their services include: 

• Water quality management 
• Environmental compliance 
• Watershed management 
• Floodplain protection 
• River restoration 

CDM Smith 

CDM was founded in 1947 and has locations worldwide. They’re a construction and engineering firm that provides smart solutions to their client’s environmental, energy, water, transportation, and facilities challenges. 

You can find current job openings on their careers page. Some of their services include: 

• Solid waste management
• Remediations 
• Climate resilience 
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFA) investigations and treatments polyfluoroalkyl

Certis Solutions can help you launch a career in environmental engineering. Our team works with you to build a resume that stands out and connects you with potential employers. Contact us today to get started.

Knowing what it takes to land Construction Project Manager jobs is vital if you’re looking to transition from your existing career or are still in training to enter the construction field. This career path can be challenging but is ultimately rewarding for many individuals with a passion for organizing, scheduling, planning, and building. 

You may already be familiar with what Construction Project Managers do. These individuals are in charge of managing a construction project from start to finish. They ensure the project is executed according to the set timeline by collaborating with contractors and the various teams involved in making it a success. 

They also ensure workers perform their tasks in line with health and safety requirements and monitor the quality of work to ensure the project is completed in line with industry standards. Many construction projects have multiple moving parts that need to be monitored closely to ensure each worker knows what they’re doing and when to do it, so they don’t delay the project. 

Skills for Project Management Jobs

Anyone interested in this career needs to know and assess whether or not they have the skills to excel in it before making the decision to take on a Construction Project Manager job. You’ll need to have a diverse skill set and be highly adaptable since this individual is responsible for large projects involving many people. Here are some skills you’ll need to succeed as a construction project manager. 

Time Management: One of a Project Manager’s key responsibilities is ensuring projects are completed according to schedule. So, having excellent time management skills to complete tasks on time and guide  other team members toward the same results is critical.

Leadership: Construction project managers need to be innate leaders who know how to inspire their teams to complete tasks efficiently. 

Organization: Being organized and paying attention to the finest details of the project helps a construction project manager keep track of people, deadlines, and plans. Paying attention to details ensures nothing important falls through the cracks.

Problem-solving: You’ll need to work under high-pressure environments often, so thinking on your feet and problem-solving is necessary. You’re the go-to person for both clients and team members so taking ownership of situations and keeping a cool head is highly beneficial. 

Communication: Effective communication skills are essential for a job where you’re in constant contact with important stakeholders. Adapting your communication style to suit your audience and get your message across properly is ideal. 

Certifications

Several certifications are available to AEC professionals interested in construction project management jobs. Some are suited for entry-level professionals with no prior experience in the field. A few others build on existing knowledge in the construction industry to help you pivot into the role. Having one or more certifications establishes your expertise and credibility in the field and helps prove your skills to employers. 

Certified Construction Manager 

This certification is considered the highest level of Construction Project Management certification. It’s accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and awarded by the Construction Management Certification Institute and the Construction Management Association of America CMAA. 

These professional bodies have courses and certifications suited to entry-level professionals, such as recent graduates of CMIT (Construction Manager-in-Training) and CCM (Certified Construction Manager) certification for more experienced individuals with some years of managing or working on a construction site under their belt. Having this certification shows prospective employers you’ve mastered vital areas and techniques of construction project management. 

Project Management Professional 

This certification is awarded by the Project Management Institute and is one of the most respected project management qualifications worldwide. It’s well respected in many industries, and with experience in construction or combined with a construction-related certificate, it gives you a leg up amongst other competitors vying for construction project manager jobs. They teach how to master key project areas, including the business environment, processes, and people. They also teach key skills on how to lead teams and deliver results.

Certified Professional Contractor 

This certification is the highest level of accreditation awarded by the American Institution of Contractors. It teaches skills in managing a project’s performance and efficiency in accordance with the institute’s code of ethics. The Certified Professional Contractor certification is suitable for AEC professionals with some level of construction project management looking to advance their careers and solidify their knowledge of project management.  

Associate Constructor 

Also awarded by the American Institution of Contractors, having this certification is the first stage and demonstrates your knowledge of familiarity with construction. Any AEC professional who holds this certification also abides by their code of ethics and must conduct themselves in a professional manager. 

It covers the basics of construction management and sets the stage for qualifying for higher certifications. Since it’s a first-stage certification, it’s suitable for entry-level construction project managers, such as someone transferring from a different construction career or a recent graduate of a construction-related post-secondary program. 

Most of these certifications require the applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to construction, such as civil engineering or construction technology. You may also need some years of experience in project management or the construction industry. This can include roles such as field superintendent or site manager. 

Some projects may accept experience in construction project management as enough qualification to hire you for the role, although this happens rarely. You need extensive experience and a proven track record of success to qualify for this exemption. 

Using technical staffing agencies

Working with a technical staffing agency as you consider a new role can be key to landing your dream job. Searching for work on your own can be overwhelming and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. You’ll have a wealth of resources to aid the job search with help from the right technical recruitment agency. At Certis Solutions, we help our clients land the perfect role, whether they’re recent graduates or experienced professionals. 
Contact us today if you’re interested in using our extensive database of job opportunities and our industry contacts to find your new role as a Construction Project Manager. 

It’s a common misconception that full-time employees cost less than working with consultants. Consultant hourly rates may look discouraging compared to similar costs of full-time labor. Still, when you look closely at other factors surrounding work in the AEC industry, it becomes evident that the differences in working with full-time employees and consultants don’t skew favorably for the former. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that influence the cost of labor. 

Here’s why consultants aren’t more expensive than employees 

Hiring consultants saves money

Working with a consultant might seem more expensive at first since their hourly rates are higher than that of employees. But if you take a closer look at all the costs involved in onboarding an employee, you’ll find consultants are significantly more affordable. There’s also the possibility of completing the onboarding and training process only to discover the employee isn’t a good fit for the job. You’ll have to start the entire process again, resulting in more resources spent. 

In addition to their pay, consultants are usually highly experienced and knowledgeable in your field, so they’re less likely to make mistakes that cost you money. You also save money on training an employee on subjects outside their expertise for specific projects when you hire a consultant who is already a master in the field. 

Eliminate liabilities, benefits, and indirect costs 

Full-time employees come with certain liabilities companies must handle, which cost money. Consultants usually have their work systems set up and have  insurance. Even when they charge your company for these costs, they come at a lower price than purchasing new equipment for full-time employees. 

Potential layoff risks

There are lower financial risks that come with terminating a consultant’s contract. If the consultant fails to perform to your satisfaction, letting them go is usually a quick decision without many ramifications. On the other hand, underperforming employees can cost the company valuable resources as they’re usually kept on for some time (probationary periods) and fully paid before being let go.

Why AEC professionals favor contractor positions 

Flexible hours. Working as a contractor usually means you’ll have a shorter schedule and more flexible hours. You may need to come in for only a few hours daily, giving you enough free time to take on more jobs or pursue other interests. 

Helps determine if a company is the right fit. For many consultants, working as a contractor is the stepping stone that leads to full-time employment with a company. A contractor role gets your foot in the door and allows the firm to see your skills and how you can bring value to the company. 

It can also help the consultant decide if the company is an excellent long-term fit. You’ll have a chance to experience their culture and see if their practices encompass the values you look for in a company. If you enjoy the work environment and connect with their team, you may consider applying for a full-time role in that company. 

Higher pay. Many AEC professionals enjoy the draw of contractor positions because of the higher wage. Looking at the difference between the hourly rate of full-time employment and consultant positions, it’s no wonder many AEC workers favor working in consultant roles. Granted, there are no benefits, and the work is usually short-term. Still, with flexible hours and shorter schedules, many consultants can work multiple jobs simultaneously to make up for it.

Grows their professional network. Working with different companies as consultants means most contractors will build a vast network of connections in their field. Since they’re often integrated into new companies each time they take on a new job, they meet many people across multiple fields in the AEC industry. 

Benefits of working with a consultant for your upcoming projects

They bring a wealth of experience

As mentioned earlier, consultants are often highly skilled professionals. They would’ve spent years honing their skills, knowledge, and influence. Since they have a more profound understanding of your industry, including emerging trends and challenges, you can be sure your project will be conducted to the highest standards and completed on time.

They’ll help save time 

Being experienced usually means consultants know quicker ways of getting things done. Since they’ll make fewer mistakes, your firm is less likely to spend time going back to fix errors. The consultant’s knowledge of best practices and leaner processes means higher efficiency, thus, saving your firm time on projects. 

They’ll provide custom solutions 

Consultants will usually access your business and offer bespoke services that suit your exact needs, meaning they’ll get a lot done that moves your firm closer to achieving its goals. Their practical advice means your project will undoubtedly have a higher chance of success.

Why hire for your next project through staffing agencies

Hiring consultants doesn’t always guarantee the best results. For as many excellent consultants that exist in the AEC industry, there’s a fair share of some that may not be the best fit for your company. So, how can your firm find the right consultant? 

Working with a technical staffing agency like Certis solutions ensures your firm is only connected with consultants with a proven track record of success. We have a database of AEC professionals whose backgrounds we have screened meticulously to ensure they’re qualified to provide top-of-the-line services. 

Contact us today if your firm is interested in working with well-established consultants, and we’ll connect you with highly skilled professionals. 

Natural and non-natural or human-induced disasters are commonplace worldwide. From hurricanes to wildfires, these devastating events negatively impact many people’s lives. However, with help from disaster restoration workers and service providers, they can restore properties and means of livelihood to usable conditions. 

What are disaster restoration services?

Disaster restoration services work to restore the property and other infrastructure destroyed by disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, fires, and other natural and non-natural disasters. They’re usually conducted by state-licensed restoration companies well-trained in repairing damage, fixing property, and clearing and cleaning up the after-effects of these disasters. 

Technicians do disaster restoration services with years of training and hands-on experience. This ensures all cleanup and repairs are done right. After a natural disaster, restoration firms visit the site to ascertain the extent of damage and start planning the restoration process. The first step is usually cleaning the area, removing all harmful debris, and then rebuilding and repairing commences.

How to prepare for a disaster restoration career

1. Consider your career path 

There are many roles you can take in disaster restoration. While preparing to work in this industry, decide what path you’d like to take, your specialty. An example of specialization is habitat restoration. There are also desk jobs available if you prefer the path of administration and support services. Once your entry point is figured out, you can map out how you intend to grow from one position to the other. 

2. Acquire training 

Although it’s possible to begin the job with no training and learn on the job, getting some training can help better prepare you for a role in disaster management. Some significant areas to acquire training in this industry are water, fire, and mold restoration. 

These are some of the most common types of property damages, whether you’ll be working on residential or commercial properties. Several courses are available to sharpen your skills, and having one or more under your belt can make you stand out from competing candidates.

3. Gain experience 

Finding an entry-level position is the first step to learning how things work in disaster restoration. Getting experience is usually relatively easy, and you’ll gain hands-on skills and watch seasoned professionals at work. Watching professionals execute repairs firsthand helps new candidates assimilate work processes and real-world skills. The job may be stressful with long hours, but it’s a gratifying career path for many. 

Training and education required to work in disaster restoration

To have a career in disaster restoration services or building restoration services, candidates must have at least completed education at the high school level with a diploma or equivalent. They may then take certification courses or an associate degree program in a related field, such as carpentry or maintenance to enhance their knowledge. 

Many workers in the industry begin by learning on the job. You’ll start as an observer or help with minor tasks like clearing debris. These tasks don’t require expertise or handling dangerous tools, so they’re an excellent way to enter the industry. While learning on the job, you’ll have to take some training to ensure you can handle tasks like using power tools. 

This training helps improve the skills you’ve learned on the job or choose a field of specialization. You may also need to sit for the Certified Restorer Prerequisite Course by National Restorers Organizations. It’s also important to verify the state requirements for disaster restoration workers where you’ll be working to ensure you’re not breaking any rules.

Disaster restoration services companies currently hiring

WSP

WSP is an AEC company established 130 years ago. The company is headquartered in the United States, with operations in multiple countries. WSP challenges itself by developing innovative solutions for societies that thrive. Its disaster management department has years of experience and different capabilities in emergency management, including preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation of natural disasters. 

Capabilities

• Preparedness training, exercises, and planning
• Disaster response 
• Hazard mitigation, resilience, and sustainability 
• Recovery through individual and public assistance 
• Economic and risk analyses
• Damage assessment
• Environmental cleanup
• Aid management and distribution
• Cost recovery

RegasGroup

RegasGroup is a family-owned environmental consulting firm located in San Francisco, California. The company’s specialty is comprehensive hazardous material assessments in residential and commercial properties. They pride themselves on using the latest technology to conduct inspections, allowing them to meet client demands. 

Services 

• Asbestos
• Bacteria 
• Mold 
• Lead
• Radon
• Silica 
• VOCs
• Soils
• Soot, char, and ash

SLS

Also known as SLSCO, SLS is a construction management and general contracting firm that provides various emergency and disaster response services. SLS is committed to delivering its clients the highest levels of excellence and integrity. The firm has been operating for twenty-seven years and works in private and governmental industries in the United States and worldwide. 

Services 

• Man camps and base camps 
• Emergency services 
• Rapid repair housing 
• Responder housing 
• field hospitals 
• Emergency sheltering 
• Emergency feeding

Aptim

Aptim is a construction firm located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They provide critical infrastructure, support first responders in disaster restoration, and create sustainable communities. They champion clean energy and provide their services to government, industrial, and commercial customers.

Services

• Critical infrastructure 
• Resilience 
• Environmental 
• Technical and data solutions 
• Program management 
• Sustainability and energy solutions  

Tidal Basin Group

Tidal Basin is a preparedness and disaster recovery firm located in New York. Their team of experts provides their services and the company’s unmatched resources to communities, governments, and businesses. Tidal Basin uses Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants to provide emergency response, recovery, and mitigation. They’ve actively participated in restoration services after major disasters in North America, using their resources and solutions to maximize recovery. 

Services 

• Disaster software solutions 
• Grant management 
• Preparedness 
• Risk consulting 
• Disaster recovery

Certis Solutions: Work with a technical staffing agency 

A technical staffing agency can help you begin your career in disaster restoration services. Certis Solutions is skilled at making our clients stand out to employers. We’ll review your resume and qualification to ensure you’re matched with the right jobs in our database. Contact us today to get started.

Emergency management and restoration services jobs are on the rise in California. Although working in this industry can be challenging, it can also be rewarding if you’re passionate about it. This job is the right fit for you if you’re hardworking, can work in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy working on teams. 

As with most jobs, you’ll need a resume when applying to work in emergency management and restoration services. A good resume will help you stand out from the competition and other people applying for the same position. A well-constructed resume can make all the difference, even if you don’t have any relevant experience and are just entering the field. Learn how to build the perfect resume to launch your career. 

Emergency management and restoration opportunities in California 

California is prone to earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters as it has many active fault lines, dry grounds, and drought conditions. California has dealt with more than 300 catastrophic disasters between 1953 and 2019, primarily floods, mudslides, and wildfires. This means there’s a constant need for emergency restoration workers to assist with cleanup and restoring structures to their livable states. There are no solutions for natural disasters besides minimizing their impact, which is where emergency services come in. 

Quality resume construction for emergency restoration 

Here are a few things to consider when building your resume for emergency restoration services. 

1. Match up your skills

Look to the job description to identify the skills the employer is looking for. This will help determine which skills to add to your resume (if you have them of course) and increase your chances of getting the job. Some of the most common skills are: 

• Strong sense of ethics
• Communication (both verbal and written)
• Demolition and extractions 
• Proficient with heavy equipment and/or hand tools 
• Plumbing and water extraction 
• Customer service skills
• Debris removal 

2. Include your qualifications 

Most emergency management and restoration services roles involve learning on the job, and you can sometimes start working with no qualifications. However, some positions may have requirements for that specific job. Most employers will also prefer you have at least a high school diploma or GED. Ensure you include assets that make you the right candidate, such as any certifications you have (some are free and can be found online). You can also include attributes, such as your level of physical fitness, willing to work long hours, and ability to lift heavy objects.

3. Include relevant experience

Using what the job responsibilities are can help guide what experience you include in your resume. Include relevant information that matches the employer’s requirements. It can be something other than professional. Include neighborhood cleanups, volunteer activities, and any routine tasks you engage in daily that present you as an asset. Any prior emergency management or disaster recovery work should be listed, including any FEMA or USACE projects. 

Hiring for emergency management and restoration

The following companies are currently hiring for emergency management and restoration services jobs in California.

Critical Control Restoration

Critical Control is an Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified firm in Petaluma, California. They’re hiring a fire and water restoration technician to join their team and help restore homes after they’ve been affected by disasters. The company has a reputation for handling the most demanding and challenging cleanups. You can find the job posting here.

Their services include: 

• Restoration services for fire, smoke, mold, and water damage 
• Demolition services 
• Cleanup/board up 

Superior Restoration 

Superior Restoration is a mold removal, water, and fire damage restoration service located in Carlsbad, California. They provide round-the-clock disaster restoration using the latest techniques and equipment. The company was founded in 1995 and has serviced the county of San Diego, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino since then. You can find their job posting for a water damage restoration lead technician here.

Some of their services include: 

• Water damage restoration 
• Sewage damage and drain backup
• Mold remediation 
• Fire damage restoration
• Leak detection 

Advanced Restoration

Advanced Restoration is a restoration services company located in San Jose, California. The company works to restore its clients’ lives to order through a seamless process. Advanced Restoration is hiring a water and fire restoration technician. You can find their current job openings on their careers page.

Some of their services include: 

• Structural drying 
• Fire and smoke damage cleanup
• Sewage cleanup
• Structural cleaning 
• Mold inspections, remediation, and removal 
• Water extraction

Finding your dream job is easy with help from Certis Solutions. Our team of experts works with you to build the perfect resume to get your desired role in emergency management, restoration, and disaster recovery services. Contact us today to get started.

Quality control managers are essential to companies as they ensure their products and services meet customers’ needs and quality standards. They supervise the staff and production process. Construction companies often reach out to companies that offer construction staffing services to hire the best quality control managers. 

Are you applying for a quality control manager role? 

There are certain things to know if you’re interested in applying for the role of quality control manager (QCM). The job is essential and cuts across many industries, though they are more common in construction, engineering, and manufacturing. 

It will help to know if your skills and experience match the most common requirements for the role. The usual process for becoming a quality control manager is to obtain a bachelor’s degree. 

When you graduate, the next step is to get an internship to gain hands-on experience in the field. You can also take certifications endorsed by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Some of the common undergraduate degrees of people who work as quality control managers are: 

• Engineering
• Construction Management 
• Computer Science
• Human Resources
• Calculus
• Statistics
• Economics 
• Business Administration
• Quality Management Systems

Five resume tips for a quality control manager

Your resume must stand out to recruiters when applying for this role. Many professionals don’t know the crucial things to include in an application, whether for an entry-level or mid-senior level role. Here are five tips for creating a resume that stands out and impresses employers.

Keep it short 

Recruiters have a lot of resumes to go through, so it’s essential to keep your resume short. Only include the information most relevant to the role so you don’t exceed the standard one to two-page requirements for resumes. Information like your street address, hobbies, and other irrelevant information shouldn’t be on your resume.

Include your skills

Include skills sought after in quality control managers and customize them to what the organization is interested in. You can find the skills required for the role in the job description or posting. Add a mix of soft and hard skills to your resume (a good range is between six to twelve skills). 

Some examples of skills recruiters look for in quality control managers are: 

• effective communication (verbal and written)
• ability to use applicable software for quality control submittals (e.g., proficiency in the RMS system)
• facility skills
• product quality skills
• compliance skills
• oversight skills 

List your relevant experience 

The experience section in your resume is arguably the most critical part. You must show how well you perform as a quality control manager, so avoid simply listing job duties. Detail your experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). You can also use bullet points to show your achievements. Recruiters look for numbers, so use statistics to measure your achievements.

Make your contact information stand out

Your contact information should be the boldest part of your resume so it’s hard to miss. Your name should be at the top of the page and have the biggest font. Include links to your LinkedIn profile and other relevant professional pages. Your social media pages are unnecessary here unless the posting specifically requests it.

Add relevant certifications and education

Include the name of your school, relevant degrees, and the month and year of graduation. Include any awards, academic projects, and relevant training and certifications you’ve completed. Your education should also be in reverse chronological order with your graduation dates and your GPA (optional). You may add your expected graduation date if still in school.

Get expert help with construction staffing services

Finding the right quality control manager for your firm shouldn’t have to be a demanding task. Certis Solutions’ dedicated team of recruiters has years of experience finding suitable candidates for the job. Contact us today to learn more about how you can take advantage of our construction staffing services.