DOWL is a great place to work - great people, great projects! - Project Manager DOWL Employee Review

5.0
Jan 19, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Right size for me! Not too large of a firm. Large enough to get good size/challenging projects, but small enough where you can get to know your peers and leadership. You can have a voice and influence, and are recognized for your work. The firm is always working to improve quality and project delivery - recently ISO 9000 certified the company is committed to continuous improvement. There is a PM training program, and they have a clear path to becoming a partner. They give you responsibility and autonomy. DOWL has an OpEx (Operational Excellence) program that drives their project delivery. It is a good tool to assist the design team with project delivery. DOWL recently merged with OBEC, a first class civil engineering firm located throughout Oregon. OBEC has significant structural and bridge design capabilities.

Cons

They expect a lot but also recognize hard work. Project deadlines.

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DOWL Response
7y
Thanks for acknowledging the programs we have invested in to make our company, and the professionals that comprise it, more well rounded and successful. Our OpEx system of quality management, our ISO 9001 certification, our PM training and advancement program, and our merger with OBEC in Oregon has created an environment of growth, engagement and excitement that is unprecedented for our firm. What a great time to join DOWL.

Explore other reviews about DOWL

5.0
Dec 5, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company attracts highly talented and knowledgeable engineers and project managers. The peer mentorship is invaluable. The benefits package is competitive, particularly the 401(k) match and health insurance options. There's a lot of flexibility in working arrangements and hours, which is helpful for personal scheduling. Clear opportunities for career growth and advancement if you demonstrate initiative.

Cons

The company could benefit from more standardized knowledge-sharing protocols between different departments and geographic locations.

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DOWL Response
6mo
I’m so glad to hear you are using some of DOWL’s programs to your advantage and your career is being supported by some of our great people. You’ll be happy to know that we plan to expand on our supervisor/leadership and project manager training in the coming year! We try and keep the whole company apprised of high-level goings on through intranet posts and all-staff meetings, among other things. Our market sectors get a lot of autonomy, which is important for those groups to be able to run their corners of the business, but can sometimes lead to gaps in communication. Be sure to talk with your supervisor or office manager if there are specific things you wish were better communicated between departments or geographies. These dots can sometimes be connected by regular office or market sector meetings where the larger group can discuss what they’re up to.
2.0
May 27, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Met some great people that I am still in contact with - Learned new skills

Cons

- Bad management. When I told my supervisor that I was burnt out, I was told to "Smile through it" and "Be happy that I'm not working 60 hours a week like other departments. - No room to grow at all unless you are an engineer.

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DOWL Response
3w
I agree – we have great people at DOWL! As with most consultancies, our project workload does occasionally necessitate putting in additional hours so we can meet our clients’ needs. I’m sorry you feel your manager did not work with you to take advantage of some our flexible work options or coordinate workshare. The facts do not support your claim that you cannot grow unless you are an engineer. We have many people in leadership roles who do not have PEs, including Practice Area Leaders, Board Members, and most of our C-suite staff.
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