Dynamic Company - Geotechnical Engineer DOWL Employee Review

5.0
Aug 16, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Get to work on a lot of unique projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. Pay is good and the fellow employees are great.

Cons

A little slow to evolve to the modern age of dynamic change. However, DOWL is getting better at this and is a good company to work for.

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DOWL Response
6y
Great advice and I assure you that we dedicate a sizable portion of our budget to modernization of our tools and software expenses. In fact, our software budget alone in the company is around $3 M annually. We are trying to spend that money effectively and eliminate duplication of software packages and equipment, but it is hard when you are serving multiple clients in multiple states with client driven demands/requirements. DOWL will continue to invest heavily in training to make for the best, happiest, most motivated, most trained, and most well-equipped work force in our industry. Thanks again for the recommendations and suggestions.

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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