I often read the details for public works offferings and one attractive item I see is the time off allowed. Here in the private sector, we get the requisite holidays and a few weeks' vacation, but the public sector gives additional time, at least in the executive positions. That is more time to pursue outside activities, or spend with family.
Dan Chase
Stantec
1327 Del Norte Road Camarillo CA 93010-9123
Office Phone: (805) 981-0706 Ext 103
Direct Phone: 805 322-1665
Cell: 805 233 0900
Fax: (805) 981-0251
Dan.Chase@...
The content of this email is the confidential property of Stantec and should not be copied, modified, retransmitted, or used for any purpose except with Stantec's written authorization. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete all copies and notify us immediately.
ü Please consider the environment before printing this email.
------Original Message------
During my Federal career, I had the privilege of working with different state DOTs and when salary freezes hit and continued for multiple years, it was relatively easy for consultants, contractors, and FHWA to attract experienced employees from the state DOT. How can you fault an individual for deciding it's best for the family to make a career change with good benefits and a substantial salary increase that can make it much easier to pay for up coming college expenses for the kids?
From what I saw, nearly all who left State service stayed in highways which benefited the whole industry. Those that returned to work on projects for the State they left were high on the learning curve and brought back their knowledge and skills to benefit the State as consultants.
Questions on loyalty are useless as people's financial situations change quickly over time. You should be looking for the best and brightest individuals for the State DOT and explaining the non-salary benefits for working for a public agencies such as (1) the many challenges and responsibilities ahead in managing, rebuilding and modernizing the transportation system infrastructure, (2) the many possible and varied career paths, (3) possible special assignments and training opportunities, (4) potential for improving statewide (or national) standards and practices, and (5) opportunities for serving on technical or administrative committees and task forces...opportunities that are possible that will result in great job satisfaction.
In the long-term salaries will eventually cycle back up but if potential employees see the bigger career picture, you may be able to hire and retain them during a turndown or get them to return some time in the future with even more relevant experiences.
------------------------------
Allen Masuda P.E., M.ASCE
FHWA ASSOCIATE ADMIN
Plainfield IL
------------------------------