In many ways, public service is like planting a pecan tree—it isn’t really for our benefit but rather a gift to future generations. Just like a pecan tree that takes many years before it produces nuts, the work we do in the service of the public today, lays the foundation for a better tomorrow.
Whether it’s working to preserve our natural resources, enhancing public facilities, or ensuring our energy future, if you are reading this, you are likely in some version of public service and your position may be a blend of duty, passion, and even a bit of fun.
Traditional government roles, such as those in regulatory agencies or public safety, form the backbone of public service by ensuring continuity, stability, and implementation of long-term policies. On the other hand, contractors to the government complement this work by providing specialized experience and additional capacity, especially in areas with staffing gaps or high turnover.
Whether you’re a government employee or a contractor, you are not alone in this mission. Understanding the dynamics between these roles can shed light on how each contributes to the overarching goals of public service, specifically as they relate to environmental and engineering projects. To illustrate this, I want to share my distinct experiences and perspective of working directly for the government versus contracting with government agencies.
What’s it really like working for the government?
Whether I was serving my country as an enlisted member of the U.S. Navy or analyzing federal actions for potential impacts on our natural resources for the Bureau of Land Management, I have been immersed in public service since I was 18. Over the last decade or so, I’ve been living in the same community as the public lands I helped manage, which has given me a unique sense of pride. Knowing that my work has contributed directly to something positive for my community is immensely fulfilling.
Working for the government on environmental projects offered a unique blend of challenges and rewards. My role involved assessing the potential impacts of federal actions on the resources we managed, which meant diving into extensive environmental reviews, conducting field surveys, and ensuring NEPA compliance. Thanks to NEPA, each project was an opportunity to protect and manage public lands while balancing the needs of development with conservation.
However, a significant challenge always seemed to be the influence of political priorities. The projects that received attention and funding were often subject to the focus of those in office. An administration prioritizing environmental conservation could propel projects aimed at protecting natural resources, while a different administration emphasized development and resource extraction. This shift in focus at times felt like long-term planning could be uncertain, and some projects were delayed or sidelined based on the political climate. These political realities required flexibility and adaptability. Patience and persistence were essential traits I refined during my years as a government employee.
Through it all, my passion for our nation’s public lands was the driving force behind my role in public service. Knowing that my efforts contributed to the betterment of our natural resources and public infrastructure, along with the sense of pride in seeing the tangible benefits of my work for my community, made every challenge worth it. Public service from the government side of things, with all its ups and downs, was a rewarding path and I feel grateful for the opportunity I had to make lasting impacts.
Transitioning to Contracting: Am I still in the service of the public?
Transitioning to a contracting role, while initially daunting, has been a transformative experience. The shift has provided the flexibility I was craving in projects and work schedules, and joining Scout has allowed me to apply specialized skills and expertise across diverse projects nationwide. The work is dynamic, with each contract presenting new challenges, fostering growth and learning opportunities.
Beyond collaborating with outstanding professionals, one of the most rewarding aspects of contracting is the variety and scope of projects we undertake. Unlike the more localized focus of government roles where the focus might be on a specific region, field office, or ongoing tasks, contracting has allowed me to tackle diverse projects across different states and agencies. This breadth of experience not only broadens my professional capabilities but also offers a fresh perspective on how different agencies approach environmental analysis and management of resources.
While contractors may not have the same long-term commitment to a single agency as a government employee would, our roles are crucial in supporting government initiatives. Our specialized knowledge and flexible capacity can be vital in bridging staffing gaps and maintaining project momentum amid turnovers. This dynamic allows us to contribute significantly to public service by ensuring continuity and fostering project success.
Transitioning to contracting has enabled me to engage in public service in a distinct yet equally impactful manner. In this new role, I have come to appreciate the opportunity to drive meaningful change and address complex environmental challenges on a broader scale. Each new project reinforces my commitment to public service, affirming that while the context may change, playing a role in making a difference in our nation’s environmental landscape is deeply rewarding.
Bridging the Gap: Teamwork in public service
One of the most important aspects of successfully implementing projects, particularly through the NEPA process and engineering services, is the collaboration between government employees and contractors. Government personnel bring deep institutional knowledge and continuity, they ensure adherence to federal regulations and promote long-term planning. In contrast, contractors contribute specialized skills and additional capacity, performing detailed technical analysis and offering innovative solutions. In addition, where government agencies can face frequent employee turnover, contractors can integrate into existing teams in order to provide some stability and consistency, allowing projects to progress, regardless of internal staffing fluctuations. This partnership ensures projects are executed efficiently and effectively, leveraging each party’s strengths.
Through the NEPA process, for example, an environmental assessment, the synergy between government employees and contractors is paramount. Government officials oversee the rigorous assessment of environmental impacts, ensuring compliance with NEPA and agency guidelines. Meanwhile, contractors bring specialized expertise and conduct detailed environmental analyses by leveraging scientific insights and technological advancements. This collaborative effort not only ensures thorough environmental review and regulatory compliance but also enhances the resilience and sustainability of projects across diverse ecosystems and landscapes.
In an area like facility condition assessments and electrification studies, this collaborative approach becomes even more crucial. Government employees oversee compliance and strategic oversight, while contractors provide the technical expertise needed for comprehensive assessments and innovative solutions. Together, we navigate complexities and deliver results that meet both regulatory requirements and project goals.
As I reflect on my journey from government service to contracting, I am reminded of the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change and addressing complex challenges in our nation’s environmental and infrastructure landscapes. Whether serving directly within a government agency or contributing as a contractor, my desire to serve remains steadfast. Each role, with its unique challenges and rewards, contributes to a broader mission of enhancing our communities and protecting our natural resources. My experience has reinforced that. Regardless of the role or perspective, a career in public service is a deeply fulfilling endeavor, driven by a passion for making a positive impact that, just like the gift of the pecan tree, resonates for generations to come.
Scout is your guide to making complex environmental and engineering issues simple. Contact us today at hello@scoutenv.com to make a lasting impact together!
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