Abstract
A common concern of water managers in local governmental and consulting sectors is the challenge in finding, training, and retaining qualified, experienced water professionals capable of independently analyzing and directing work and managing projects. There has been a chronic shortage of employees with at least five years of experience that are prepared to advance to independent project management. This shortage appears to be slightly lessened with the recent economic downturn, but is expected to return once the economy recovers. Is this shortage of qualified candidates a perceived or real issue requiring discussion and action in both the academic and professional water communities? Has water engineering become a low valued profession such that many qualified students and young professionals with the skills and drive to excel are not considering this field of study or, if they have, leaving the profession after a few years for other more attractive professional opportunities? How is the consulting profession responding to this challenge?
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1936-704x.2008.00013.x
