I've had a recruiter stalking me on LinkedIn and I finally agreed to a phone call. He made a big production out of building up the company that was interested and when I pressed as to which company there was a long pause and he said SWCA.

I don't really know much about them, but over the last decade or so everyone seems to turn their nose up when talking about them. I was at a conference a few weeks ago and a couple of people I spoke with would gesture at their booth like they were some type of black-sheep cousin or something.

I looked at reviews on Indeed and GlassDoor last night and there were plenty of statements talking about low pay, little opportunity for advancement, frequent layoffs, and shoddy management practices. There were also a decent number of glowing reviews, but the many negative reviews all seemed to carry the same theme.

I'm not sure how to feel, the office location would make for a much easier commute for me, but there just seems to be a bad vibe in the air.

Thanks,

(using a sock to hide my true identity)

What is your background and what kind of position is it? Also which conference was it? Which office location?

I was previously with a consultant but now in industry. We have SWCA on more projects than any other consultant. I've got no personal ties to the company, so really curious to hear a little more.

Also, are you currently with another consultant? Based on the black sheep comment while at a conference, I'd venture a guess that you're with a firm that is more engineering focused.

I'm on the wetland/wildlife (bugs and bunnies) side of things. The recruiter said they have statewide openings but I would be interested in the Arlington office, a senior project manager role.

I'm currently with another consulting firm, but my office is all environmental services (natural resource and due diligence), there are plenty of engineers in other offices.

I was on the bugs and bunnies side as well. Now in industry I'm more of a catch all in development of our projects.

I'd say SWCA will always get work because they are notoriously cheaper and I'd say they have a generally good reputation. When I was in consulting I had (or had heard) the same type of comments and feeling toward SWCA. I know the field staff are typically hourly and if gets slow some offices have had their people come to the office just to be told to go home because there's no work and they can't get paid that day. At your level I don't have much feedback. I know several people at that level that left my previous firm for SWCA and I haven't heard any negatives.

I want some of your work man!



I've got nothing to really add on SWCA, they're a major player with strengths and weaknesses like all firms.

I will say their Houston office is probably where this position is located knowing the staff or lack thereof there.

Don't know about Arlington though.

Like tlh, I was in consulting and now in industry. SWCA does about 60% of our work and about half of that is out of Arlington. Yes there are pluses and minuses to SWCA but they do the best work in my opinion. Most consultants have pissed me off at one time or another.

The crew in Arlington are good people and we have a real good relationship with them. What you are hearing is probably a little bit of jealousy at how dominant they are in the field.

There is a poster who works for them. I believe he frequents the outdoors board. Maybe he will be along.

I have been following SWCA for a few years and I believe I have worked with one or two on projects in the air quality division. SWCA seems to be a decent company to work for, especially entry level or early mid-level. I say at least interview with them. What is the worst that could happen? Your bank account could be slightly better and you gain experience! They are a rather large Env. firm. That could go two ways. But in the end, if they seem to offer a path to moving up in the company and furthering your career, I say take it or at least explore the idea if you get the interview.

SWCA has done work for me for years. They are doing quite a bit of wetlands/cultural work for me right now. One of my favorite consulting firms. I have never heard bad things about them from any of their employees.