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Salary Survey Slump

If the comments posted under Environmental Protection's invitation to participate in the annual salary survey are any indication, the bad news seems to outweigh the good in this year's job market.

One reader griped about the number of federal employees and their salaries while a reader who appeared to be a manager was curious to know if the survey has a category for government employees (it does). On second thought, the manager added that maybe he didn't want to know what he pays his staff. It sounds as if there might be some truth ringing here.

Others noted that their employers switched to contract operations and that non-union wages had been frozen across the board since 2008.

The one bright note came from a reader who wrote that his or her company reinstated raises, bonuses, and fringe benefits and improved insurance benefits, including adding eye care. Wouldn't you like to know where he or she works?

While interesting, these comments surely fall short of telling the whole story. Maybe because we haven't heard from you?

When last year's survey closed, more than 1,200 people had participated. This year, we've only received 250 responses over the last two months. The survey is scheduled to close at the end of this month.

Obviously, Environmental Protection's Salary Survey needs your help. Please click on this link: www.surveymonkey.com/s/Environmental-Protection-2010-Salary-Survey so we can offer greater value in February's salary survey results feature. The whole process really only takes about 10 minutes.

Posted by L.K. Williams, EPonline on Jan 04, 2011 at 12:43 PM


Comments

Mon, Mar 21, 2011 anon

I started my "environmental career" doing air sampling for Asbestos abatement jobs. Then, through some connections, I got a job as a compliance specialist for a telephone company. These "compliance" jobs are interesting. If you tell anyone your company will have to spend money to obey the law, you are the bad guy. Anyway, once you make a move like that, you are no longer a professional and forget about going back to an environmental firm. I made a painful move into computer programming but now make more than these averages. Why would anyone pursue a degree in science? Just so they can labor for peanuts working for much dumber business majors?

Wed, Feb 16, 2011 State Env. Regulator

I want to respond to those of you who think a state regulator has a "high-paying" job. I've worked as a state regulator (Kansas) for over 25 years now. I make $51,000/yr. That is the same salary I have made since 2004. There are no COLAs and no perks with this job. I've been offered sweet paying jobs. So why do I stay ? Because I've been able to contribute to finding the dumpers who are polluting. I'm able to assist in finding the responsible party and making them accountable for their pollution. Polluters usually take the financial easy way out. Polluters think they should not have to be held to the same standards as the rest of you. As a result, the government ends up writing even more regulations to address some env. crook's cleverness to circumvent the regs. Our state strives for consistency and fairness. But we aren't perfect. I would think that if you cut our programs, we will see more pollution. I would encourage you to report any government employee who is not performing to your expectations. I am proud of my work and will continue to do my best for the public. Obviously, I'm not in this for the money. I'm in it to protect our environment.

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 Common Citizen California

Correction to a typo in previous post: the number on social services is 20% of the population in LA County.

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 Common Citizen California

I have filled in the survey. Thanks, and these have been a valuable feedback tool over the years. I was out of work for over five months, and had been looking for a job for five months prior to that. In California, with a 13% unemployment rate average, its been really tough. After 12 separate interviews and a 10 month search of looking nearly every day, I found a position. The economy is the worst I have ever seen, and California is at the bottom of the heap. Manufacturing is nearly gone here, and construction is dead slow. Over 50% of LA County is on welfare now. So, having any job with any benefits is great. Unlike job creating states like Texas, the policies here are job killers. We hope for the best for the coming years. Wish us luck, we'll need it!!

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