Civil Engineer, Public Utility (Water) v.s. Pubic Works 2

[Albertdorian]

Hi everyone,

Setting all thinks equal, and having experience in both fields, which one is a more secure job and has more potential of surviving a recession just like the one we had in 2008.
A job in Public Works or a Job in Public Utility (Water)both in abut equal size municipality. (both in Southern California)

Thank you.

 

[MFJewell]

As someone who does not work in that field, but is a habitual job seeker, I have seen plenty of adverts for both in the last 5 years (probably slightly more for public works though).

 

[JedClampett]

Any job in a Public Utility or Public Works is subject to Budget Cuts and politics. At least in the private sector as long as you're making your boss money, you're safe. But a recession like 2008 hurts everyone.
My advice is take a job you like and don't worry about layoffs.

 

[rterickson]

Broadly speaking, a public utility is financed by revenue from selling its product (water), while public works will have to make do with whatever allocation it receives from city management.

I'm sure some cities in SoCal do better during economic downturns than others do.

 

[77JQX]

I work in a public water utility, and I think we did better through the 2008 recession than the local public works guys did. While they had cut hours, etc., we did not. On the other hand, we were staffed pretty lean to begin with.

 

[Albertdorian]

More details in my current situation.

Current position:
Assistant Level, (one year into my current utility job)
30 miles away from home
Public Water Utility
Salary will be going up about 9.5% next month (due to obtaining water distribution license incentive, and step increase)
Out of pocket cost for benefits and retirement is more than the other job.

Position offered:
Assistant Level
3 miles away from home (yes 3 miles)
Public works
A lot of design work (civil 3d)
Out of pocket cost for benefits is less than current job
Take-home Pay is about 7% more

Add to all this that I only need to pass the seismic exam to obtain my PE. I don't know if I should remain in place until after I receive the PE and then look for something higher.
Maybe is a no brainer for some, I will still appreciate any comments.

 

[Terratek]

Well, on the face of things, option 2 looks the best. It's really hard to overestimate the positive affects of changing your commute from 30 miles to 3 miles. There is a huge cost and time savings in the commute alone. I had a commute change from one hour each way to 20 minutes each way and four years later it is like heaven. I can't imagine how blissful a 3 mile commute would be. I'd ride my bicycle to work.

Don't plan your career for 2008 conditions. Next time around will likely be different somehow. Attempting to predict the nuances of the economy and how they affect which jobs is akin to trying to out perform the stock market.

 

[rterickson]

At some public agencies, the promotion from assistant engineer to associate engineer is a mere formality with the PE and 2 years experience. At others it can be a full-scale civil service ordeal.

 

[Lomarandil]

Agreed, 3mi vs 30mi in SoCal would be a world of difference.

I wouldn't wait for the PE to make the job switch, especially if you don't see your day-to-day responsibilities changing much once you're licensed. Most times, new PEs still have a while before they start stamping plans. (Assistant level, like you said)

However, if you anticipate taking and passing the seismic exam soon, have that conversation with the new employer before starting (maybe before accepting the offer). Come to agreement about what sort of perks/bonus/salary bump you would be eligible for upon getting your PE -- you don't need to have it in writing (usually), but laying that groundwork early will make it a more amicable conversation later. (Also, you may find that one employer or the other has already baked that in to your offer/raise, which might change the calculus).

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The name is a long story -- just call me Lo.