Water Treatment Engineering

[stevebags]

Hello everyone, I am impressed with this forum and the associated helpful responses. That being said……….

I am a recent graduate in civil engineering. I just moved to Singapore for my wife's job (she’s on an expat package) and have been seeking employment with a local company that works in neighboring nations building water treatment facilities.

Unfortunately, while I have 7+ years of professional experience in geophysics (1st degree), I am technically new to this field, so getting my resume past human resources has been difficult. Would applying for an employment pass help in advance of getting a job? Is this even possible? Would I require a local or expat package even though my wife is getting perks thru her company?

I am seeking any suggestions or potential contacts from those exposed to this field.

Thank you in advance for your time and suggestions.

[Strong Eagle]

You can't apply for an employment pass. The employer applies for an employment pass and must state reasons as to why they cannot find local talent; hence the need to hire you.

Having said that, I'd say you'd qualify as an 'attractive' catch for the Singapore government which is trying to build skill sets and population.

Your best best will be to get here and start networking. There are a number of possible networking options including organizations like the American Chamber of Commerce.

Singapore is a small society, everybody knows everybody. You don't get to plop your CV on a desk and get a job... not at the professional levels. You do get to meet people who will get to know you and hopefully recommend you.

Cheers.

[water-guy]

Replying to this thread after a long time gap.

Steve, did you end up finding something in the water treatment field? I am looking for jobs in the same field. I have 12 years experience, so want to know how things are looking now.

[sundaymorningstaple]

The OP last posted on this board in Sept 2008, 14 years ago. The odds of him still being here are astronomical. Like most readers, he got the poo he was looking for and left.

[water-guy]

Ugg, I somehow missed the date of the post in my enthusiasm that someone was posting about water treatment as I didn't see many posts on the topic in this forum. Thanks for pointing this out!

[PNGMK]

Are you a chartered or professional engineer?

[water-guy]

Yes, I am licensed in California and Texas in the US. I am not yet in Singapore, but I hope to get licensed there as well when I move pretty soon. I do hear that it is a lengthy process, but I will go for it.

[PNGMK]

The websites for the Singapore Institute of Chartered Professional Engineees would be a good place to start.

[water-guy]

Thanks. Yes, I am looking at them and understanding the certification process.

Any insights into the job market and willingness from employers to apply for E pass? It seems to vary by quite a bit based on industry.

[PNGMK]

No unfortunately not. Also water here is under the public utility board...

[water-guy]

Ok, no worries. I would be targeting the engineering consultants who contract with the PUB to just design their projects and other EPC companies that do the full design, procure and construction. Usuall govt agencies like the PUB do small project and other maintenance in house while they contract out large projects to engineering consultants and contractors. It also looks like there is a lot of buzz and work in the renewables, sustainability and de-carbonization sectors (which is not a major thing in the US), so I will be looking at making a lateral move to those sectors also.

[PNGMK]

It sounds like you know where to look which makes a pleasant change from the usual idiots.

You might want to add the oil and gas service cos to your list as produced water management is a key issue.

[water-guy]

Thanks! Hoping to get all my research done now and make connections as much as possible and leverage them when I land in Singapore.

Yes, Oil&Gas is a target along with equipment manufacturers as well. Lower down my list, but they are there.

[YYCole]

If i recall correctly, u dont have to be PE to be an environmental engineer. You dont really have to sign off docs to design a water treatment process. Civil side will need PE to build the physical building/structures.