By Emily Henion, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown

In an industry built on precision, compliance, and public safety, it makes sense that we aim for perfection.

Perfect designs. Perfect operations. Perfect candidates.

But when it comes to hiring and getting hired in the water and wastewater industry, that mindset can quietly work against us.

The reality is that this is a specialized field with a limited talent pool. The work is technical, the stakes are real, and experience matters. Because of that, both sides of the hiring process tend to look for the ideal.

Hiring managers hold out for someone who checks every.single.box. Candidates hesitate to pursue roles unless they meet every requirement.

In the meantime, positions stay open, teams get stretched thin, and good opportunities get missed.

For Hiring Managers

The perfect candidate on paper is often not available or not actively looking.

What is available are strong professionals with related experience, solid fundamentals, and the ability to learn quickly. These are often the people who end up making the biggest impact over time.

Waiting too long for a “perfect fit” can slow projects down and put unnecessary pressure on your team. Bringing in someone who can grow into the role is often a great (better?) decision.

For Candidates

On the other side, many professionals in this industry hold themselves back.

They have proven experiences and a relevant skillset, but maybe haven’t worked on a specific process. They feel like they need more time before making a move.

So they wait.

But most hiring teams are not expecting perfection. They are looking for people who can step in, learn, and contribute. If you have a strong foundation and a willingness to figure things out, you are probably more qualified than you think.

Final Thought

In water and wastewater, delays affect more than hiring timelines. They impact operations, compliance, and the communities being served. Waiting for perfect often costs more than moving forward with someone who is ready to grow.

Good in this industry does not mean average. It means capable, dependable, and willing to learn.

The best teams are not built on perfect hires. They are built on people who grow into their roles and deliver over time. And the best career moves do not come from waiting until everything lines up perfectly. They come from recognizing when you are ready enough to take the next step.

Progress is what keeps this industry moving.