Water treatment’s labor shortage could jeopardize it’s projected exponential growth within the next decade. Its struggling to meet demand with the waning workforce and low interest from younger generations. This week, Water Treatment 411 will dissect the issue, including hiring challenges and how to overcome them.
Black & Veatch’s 2023 report cited the combination of recruiting and retainment challenges as their second biggest concern in the sector. This challenge extends to not only entry level jobs, but also to management and supervisory positions. In an article for SmartCityDrive, Lori Sutton, executive at American Water, said over 35% of their workforce is nearing retirement. This leaves the succession of higher-level jobs unclear.
What’s causing the labor shortage?
A retiring workforce and lack of recruiting class is creating a tense hiring competition. Unfortunately, smaller, rural utilities almost always lose, leaving them without the manpower they need. Even with more resources at their disposal, larger utilities with more demanding loads feel the pressure. In fact, this issue’s affects spread across the board as 85% of water utilities operate with three or less employees. This balancing act can quickly come crumbling down if an employee takes a leave of absence, relocates, or retires., or retires.
One major obstacle is that water treatment lacks appeal due to an unglamorous reputation. Potential hires may fall for stereotypes and assume the work is too unsavory or don’t offer opportunities for growth. It’s true that water treatment is a hands-on, physically demanding job and a particularly hard sell in the world of AI and work-from-home. But the work can be rewarding, especially for those with a passion for public service.
How to fix it?
The most effective way to fix negative connotations is a good marketing strategy. Water treatment is functionally intertwined with its community yet disconnected from the people who live there. The utility tends to function behind the scene, only receiving attention during crises, continuing the cycle of distaste.
To gain visibility, consider running a social media campaign to update the community and familiarize them with the work it takes to provide clean water. Participating in job fairs at local high schools and colleges can also expose students to a career opportunity in a field they may not have considered before. Emphasizing the high pay and low educational barriers can also attract those looking for jobs that won’t require more traditional schooling.
Like many other sectors, water treatment is growing into its digital era. Software is being updated, and new AI-led tools are revolutionizing the field. Water treatment may not be widely perceived as a tech forward field, but that perception is changing. Additionally, conservation work in water is crucially overlooked. Communicating the necessity and opportunity of sustainability efforts in the utility while recruiting could be the missing piece when reaching out to rising generations.
Here’s what to keep in mind
If finding pre-qualified operators with years of experience seems to be an issue for your utility, consider connecting with apprenticeship programs. They usually involve two years of hands-on curriculum, teaching students alongside a mentor. These programs give students the opportunity to earn the knowledge and certificates they need for a career in a sector defined by job security and necessity in every region of the country.
Finally, don’t be afraid to look beyond the stereotypical job candidate. The water industry lacks gender and racial diversity in its workforce. According to a Brookings report, almost 85% of workers in the water sector were male, two-thirds were white, and the amount of Asian and lack employees was about 7% below the national average. These numbers represent previously untapped demographics, not to be overlooked while recruiting in a labor shortage.
Overall, water treatment’s labor shortage overshadows a rewarding job that flies under-the-radar of potential hires. The work can be physically demanding and not for those with a weak stomach, but it’s perfect for those with a passion for public safety or conservation. The labor shortage can be combatted by showing the community lesser known aspects of the career.
