Pros
The fellow meteorologists were one of the only good things about working at this company. Establishing friendships is perhaps the best way to get by. In addition, the experience obtained at this job is an excellent stepping stone to further a meteorological career.
Cons
Inconsistent, rotating shift work was extremely detrimental on both physical and emotional well-being. It would have been different if employees were put on the same shift for more than two weeks at a time, but constantly switching from mornings to days to nights was terrible. Part of the problem was a shortage of employees, and after working at Versar, I understand why they are extremely short-staffed. The compensation was extremely poor, not even remotely in line with the cost of living in a D.C. suburb. The company cut time and a half for overtime, slashed insurance and 401k benefits, and asked employees to donate their earned PTO to someone with an illness. Employees are expendable and overworked here. They are made to feel unappreciated and undervalued. And though upper management says they care and will “fight for the little guy,” their actions do not reflect this statement. Despite short-staffing and employees legitimately becoming physically ill from being overworked, they are unwilling to hire more meteorologists or increase compensation. The manager of the forecasters seldom sets a good example for subordinates. The manager does not show up to work on time, often falls asleep on shift, and does not finish work in a timely manner, leaving it for the subsequent forecaster. The manager refuses to acknowledge this behavior as unacceptable, and will not make changes to set a better example for and gain the respect of other employees. My advice for anyone looking to work here as a meteorologist? Run.
