By Emily Onheiser, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown
If you've been paying attention to the environmental industry lately, you've probably noticed one thing: companies are hiring, but finding experienced talent isn't getting any easier.
Whether it's new infrastructure projects, evolving environmental regulations, or an aging workforce, demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. Here are some of the roles we see employers searching for most often.
Environmental Engineers who can manage permitting, remediation, water resources, and compliance projects.
Water & Wastewater Process Engineers with experience in treatment systems, PFAS, water reuse, or biological nutrient removal.
Environmental Project Managers who can lead complex projects from planning through execution.
Field Service Engineers and Field Service Technicians who install, commission, troubleshoot, and maintain water and wastewater treatment equipment in the field.
SCADA, Controls, and Automation Engineers as utilities and industrial facilities continue investing in smarter, more connected operations.
What's driving the demand? A mix of aging infrastructure, increased investment in water and environmental projects, tighter regulations, and a wave of experienced professionals nearing retirement. Simply put, there are more projects than there are qualified people to support them.
For employers, that means hiring has become more competitive than ever. The strongest candidates are rarely on the job market for long, and many aren't actively looking.
For environmental professionals, it's a great time to be in the industry. If you have experience in engineering, water treatment, field service, or automation, opportunities continue to grow, and so does your value in the market.
Whether you're looking to grow your team or considering your next career move, staying ahead of these hiring trends can make all the difference. The right people aren't just filling jobs; they're helping shape the future of water, infrastructure, and environmental innovation.