By Greg Sigmundsson, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown, LLC
The water and wastewater industry is often described as facing a talent shortage. Utilities across the country are working to hire operators, technicians, engineers, and future leaders, and many report the same challenge.
But the issue is not simply a lack of capable people. The deeper challenge is that the industry does not consistently tell its story early, clearly, or widely enough.
Water and wastewater professionals protect public health, safeguard the environment, and keep entire communities functioning. Every hospital, school, business, and household depends on the work they do. Clean water enables life, and wastewater treatment ensures that life continues safely and sustainably.
Much of this work is invisible by design. When systems operate properly, no one thinks about them at all. Attention only comes when something goes wrong. That invisibility shapes how the work is perceived and why so many people never consider it as a career.
In many career conversations, challenge is framed as a positive. Complex problems and constant urgency are often seen as signs of meaningful work. A wastewater operator once explained why that framing does not apply in their world.
In water and wastewater operations, challenge is not the goal. It is the warning sign. Operators work tirelessly to prevent challenges because challenges can mean boil water notices, environmental damage, or public health risk. Success is measured by consistency, vigilance, and systems that never make headlines. Their job is to make sure nothing happens.
Where the Story Breaks Down
When water and wastewater careers are discussed publicly, the focus often lands on licenses, certifications, schedules, and regulatory oversight. Those details matter, but they are rarely what draws someone in.
What is often missing is the purpose behind the work. We do not consistently explain how these roles protect public health every day, how technical positions grow into leadership, or how long, stable careers are built serving communities over decades.
Many younger professionals are actively seeking careers that are tangible, mission-driven, and connected to real-world impact. Water and wastewater careers offer exactly that. Other industries have simply done a better job telling their story earlier. The water industry has the same strengths, but they are often communicated only after someone is already inside the system.