I have noted that through the various job sites (monster, etc...) that it seems that there are no environmental/civil engineering companies in Switzerland.
Am I completely missing something? Is the UN the only environmental employer in CH? If anyone has seen anything that remotely seems like water resource work...could you point it out?
Thank you
Offices in Zurich and Basel. Great bunch of people to work with, with a particularly refreshing committment to their principles even when in conflict with the furtherance of their business. Quite a shock after my last sector (lawyer in the financing and construction industry).
I have not found one position in over a year. I realize that this is due to my language skills. I have a very good permit and should not have any issues being hired...but, I don't speak German. Our initial plans were to live in the west of Switzerland, so all of my language training went into french. Oh well! At least Im not completely lost when were are in Neuchatel/Geneva.
Surely you must have heard (even prior to moving) that Switzerland is a technology leader in terms of water and wastewater solutions.
There is a relatively new cleantech export platform called Cleantech Switzerland which alone lists 111 companies in that field, but there are many more.
http://www.cleantech-switzerland.com....php?page=1818
In short, I suggest you do a tiny bit of research on the topic and report back, I have difficulty believing that it's impossible to find a job in that sector, but as always, some initiative helps.
I was wondering if you are still at carbotech. Would be great to find out some information about the company.
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It's now to the point of being funny.
How do you render a hydrogeolgist/Environmental Engineer useless?
Have him move to a German speaking country where there is tons of water and a very small population.
The best lead I've had to date was an email exchange that had about 10 exchanges...I almost had an interview. That project found a more ideal candidate (German speaking despite the fact that the working language of the firm was English).
Surprisingly, headhunters have also provided zero prospects.
So what have I learned in all of this:
Switzerland has so much freely available clean water that there is essentially no market for my line of work. For the rare occasion that there is a job posting, its always filled by a multi-language speaking candidate (DAMN YOU AMURKA EDUMAKATION SYSTEM). Any career field outside of pharma, IT and banking is not considered important. The Swiss seem to be very very very particular about breaching the confines of "the box". Unless one has the exact profile for a position, there is absolutely no change that someone with tangential experience would ever seriously be considered for a position. Its such a dreadful thought to know that I can't even work at McDonalds or the COOP or be a street sweeper because my German is no where near ready for the day-to-day job market. So, that's that. No German...no Job. And lately...I can't even take German classes because they are priced WAY TOO HIGH and then the one class I was supposed to start this past Monday was cancelled do to low enrollment. Its so frustrating to get flyers in the mail about "Learn English for an exciting new career" yet at the same time know that this "skill" amounts to almost nothing in the end when you are uniquely qualified.
At this point I have no more ego, pride or otherwise. I guess what my point is...is that if I was able to at least participate in something that resembled a job I would be forever grateful. Yet I don't sulk. This saga is old now to the point that is has become funny. Its amusing to reflect back on everything and realize that in the end, life is just a matter of doing things for the sake of love. I've killed my career, social life and sense of belonging all in order to support my wife's career. Now that's love.
Enough of the rant. I just want those who read this to be very thankful and mindful of their position in life if they are comfortable and forgot how they got there.
sorry to hear that... But if you still have energy to think constructively, here are couple of suggestions:
1. It is true that German is important here, even if you make mistakes and have accent. It is also true that courses are very expensive if you have a small budget. Have you considered to sign for RAV. You won't get money probably, but they can help you with German courses. You will have to report them on your job applications every month. But if you are searching and applying anyway, it is a small paperwork for possibility to improve your German, right?
Besides they have good courses on Swiss CV and motivation letter requirements. Very helpful!
2. Try with start-ups. They can't provide you with fancy salary, but you will get some money and additional plus on your CV. I would start with technopark.ch. Check what kind of companies are there, come by for some event... There are tons of English speaking start-ups, so your German won't be such an obstacle.
3. Try networking events. I know two in sustainability area - Green Buzz and Green Drinks. The idea is that people who work (or want to work) in this area meet once in a while, have some drinks and learn about each other. I find greenbuzz.ch especially interesting.
Cheer up and don't give up!
L.
Sorry to revive an old thread, but I am curious of the environmental job market in the Ticino region, specifically Lugano. I am currently still in school, graduating in about a year with a BA in Environmental Sustainability with a concentration in water sustainability. I understand that it is very difficult to find a job right out of school but, I am willing to take any entry level job to gain experience. I am also pretty fluent in Italian which is why I am looking at the canton of ticino.
Thanks in advance,
Fabio
thanks for the post. I can most certainly empathize with you. I'm an Environmental Engineer with an MSc in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management. Also into hdrology and hydraulic modelling. Fluent in French and English but my German isn't good enough. I got too frustrated with finding a job in the sector and ended up in Germany doing some administrative work. Goodbye Engineering!!!
Hope you found something in the meantime
As a chartered civil engineer with plenty of experience in water, esp. Hydraulic modelling, I would hate to see good talent go to waste.
There are plenty of opportunities in London and the south-east of England in the water sector as the UK is moving out of recession.
I'll be happy to give some guidance if you feel that's an option for you.
pbt
You think there is no need for hydraulic engineers or you simply need to be fluent in German in order to find something?