Structural Engineer in Water/Wastewater facilities is good or not?

[designsimply]

I am looking for a new job as a structural engineer. I got an offer of structural engineer from a design consultant working in the industrial facilities of telecommunications market companies such as Intel, etc. I am expecting to receive other two offers of structural engineer in water/wastewater facilities. I am wondering what's the future of water/wastewater facilities? Is the industry of water/wastewater facilities keeping/continue to grow and a good opportunity for an engineer?

I am trying to make a hard decision for my future career. Any advice from you guys is greatly appreciated.

 

[PSE]

As long as there is consumption, there is likely to be waste. I would imagine that there would be steady employment in water/wastewater facilities.

Regards,

 

[MiketheEngineer]

More people - more poop. And we have a lot of new people every year.

And many of the existing facilities are overloaded, old and need major revamps.

Make sure you visit one first --- the sights and smells are somewhat over whelming for the newbie....

 

[zdas04]

It is also a hard industry to offshore.

Basically any expertise in water/wastewater is: (1) certain to be in high demand for as far out as anyone can project; (2) requires a willness to deal with smells and slime on a grand scale; and (3) [in my opinion the worst] requires a willingness to work with/for government agencies.

David

 

[DonPhillips]

Large municipalities are upgrading their treatment plants to meet EPA requirements. Some municipalities have aging systems that also need to be repairs or replaced.

Keep in mind experience is experience. If you work hard, learn, and grow, you will alway be in demand no matter which decision you make.

Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[designsimply]

Thanks for you guys' valuable comments.

 

[csd72]

When you move into this area there is no reason why you have to stay there if you dont like it.

If you dont like it, you can move back within 2 or 3 years and it wont necessarily effect your career. If you stay in it 10 years then you are there for good.

I have worked in a number of industries and they are all just different feathers in my cap.

Oh, and by the way, telecomms is notorious for being up and down business wise, may not be as stable (but it doesnt necessarily follow the normal business cycle either).

 

[rtmote]

I remember a time being split between going into computers with all my compadres or staying on as a structural engineeer in a depressed market.

I figured to play for the long term; in computers you have to re-invent yourself with new technology every few year but as an engineer, when you the grey hairs, it gets easier and interesting and you actually don't have to work so hard.

Water/Wastewater engineering is an excellent choice for the long term. You will be in demand, even worldwide, and the new environmental challenges will add a twist. As Mike suggested, visit a sewage farm; I haven't forgotten my first trip!

Robert Mote

http://www.motagg.com

 

[SomptingGuy]

If you ever visit England, forget London's attractions. The Brighton Sewer Tour rocks:

http://www.southernwater.co.uk/homeAndLeisure/daysOut/brightonSewerTours/

- Steve