Save yourself- look elsewhere - Environmental Scientist HDR Employee Review

1.0
Jan 12, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Interesting/forward thinking projects. Some very bright coworkers you can learn a lot from.

Cons

Unless you live for your job you will not be considered for promotions. PMs often underbid so they land contracts, then expect employees to donate hours to finish the project without going over budget. Pay raises are barely noticeable, and you have to hound managers to find out what it is. There is no recognition for jobs well done or going above/beyond what should be done. The quarterly awards that are supposed to be for this reason, go to the same people, who live for their jobs. They will ask you to use your personal gear for projects, then not reimburse you if any damage comes to it. While they keep the money in the budget that was supposed to go to buying or renting such gear. If you aren't in the inner circle, you won't advance. There is absolutely no respect for employees. Common courtesy is completely lacking. At monthly NY office meetings you'll hear how great everything is, that all depts are making profit. Everyone but you will forget that when you see your new pay rate.

Explore other reviews about HDR

5.0
Jun 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Fantastic teamwork. The Coastal Group is very close and highly collaborative. There is a lot of support from upper management in the Coastal Group. Lots of projects lined up.

Cons

PTO and Sick Leave are tied together.

1.0
May 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Decent benefits and that was about it.

Cons

This was one of the most challenging management experiences of my career. The manager had spent her entire career at HDR and lacked both external perspective and experience in learning and development, which was critical for our team. There was a clear pattern of favoritism, and feedback tended to focus more on mistakes than recognizing contributions. Work-life balance was minimal, and expectations often extended beyond reasonable limits. I was consistently seeking growth and development opportunities, but these were not supported unless I was willing to fund them myself. Compensation and recognition also felt uneven. Outside of engineering and architecture roles, bonuses were not offered, and raises were infrequent—I received only two raises over four years. Although I’ve since moved on, the experience had a lasting impact on me. I would encourage the organization to invest more in leadership development, employee growth, and a more balanced and supportive workplace culture.

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