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Haestad Methods

Water modeling software for municipalities worldwide

You could say Haestad Methods has built a long list of clientele over the past 20 years. The water resources software company that helps utilities and government agencies has more than 40,000 clients, with a presence that spans 10,000 cities in 170 countries.

Haestad made a mark moving software designed from large mainframe computers to personal computers, and they've also pioneered the development of Windows-based hydraulic and hydrologic software applications. Based in Waterbury, Connecticut, the company has remote employees in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Texas, Maryland, Georgia and even abroad in Japan and India.

"Even though we're a water resource software company at the core, we offer a lot of support activities," says Robert Mankowski, P.E., director of operations for research and development. "We have Haestad Press, which publishes text books and continuing education software. Our training department provides training for sanitary and storm sewer and urban hydrology. In the 1990s, we did a lot of work with AutoCADD, but we're currently working with GIS systems and awaiting the release of WaterGEMS (Geographic Engineering Model) software." WaterGEMS water distribution modeling software provides seamless integration with GIS applications.

It might appear such a company would only hire civil and environmental engineers, but Mankowski says otherwise. "We always look for engineers for various positions. We hire all sorts, with the majority being civil and environmental, but we also hire mechanical and chemical engineers. We've been in a growth mode since last year when we had 70 full-time employees. Now, we have more than 100. We look for an engineering degree in research and development and a background in hydrology and technical writing skills. If we find the right person, we create a position suitable for that engineer."

Obviously, technical expertise is a must for Haestad, but they also look for other traits in engineering candidates. "We look for people who are excited about the company and the position," Mankowski adds. "Passion, honesty, and integrity are all important and obviously, strong technical skills in engineering and hydrology are also. We primarily hire through word-of-mouth, after meeting with a candidate at a trade show, and similar means. We also recruit at universities, career fairs, and on our Web site and others like Monster.com. As a software company, we always look for people in tune with software. They don't have to be builders but must have an affinity for software and hydrologic modeling. We want people who are excited about working."

For more information or to view current openings, visit Haestad's Web site at www.haestad.com and apply online.

Kellie Speed is a freelance writer in Weymouth, Massachusetts.

Progressive Engineer
Editor: Tom Gibson
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©2004 Progressive Engineer