Skip to content
SWCA News
Our Culture

Setting the standard for field work at SWCA and across our industry

Several people standing in a lit-up conference room with table sand chair around them. Steven W. Carother's, Founder, can be seen handing Sara Lupis, Facilitator, a piece of paper.

Posted

April 17, 2026

Share

What does it take to set the standard for field work at SWCA and across our industry?

The answer starts with our roots.

In 1981, Dr. Steven W. Carothers helped define what field science could look like at SWCA and started the company, shaping who we are today.

And the answer continues through our commitment to never settling, which we take into our work every day. Events like the Field Summit carry that legacy forward by bringing field leaders together to share what works, learn from one another and turn experience into the next set of standards.

In its second year, the Field Summit is a company investment in field leadership. It creates time to share what works, surface key takeaways and strengthen how SWCA delivers in the field. The goal is that 45 years from now, teams will look back on moments like this with gratitude for the ideas, relationships and higher standards that helped shape what came next.

Logistically, the Field Summit brought together 30 of SWCA’s top field leaders, representing every subregion and 24 offices, for three days of workshops, working sessions and presentations. SWCA’s investment is intentional, with time, travel and planning dedicated to strengthening field leadership. Because field work does not pause for everyone to be in the same room at the same time, attendees come on behalf of their teams, with a shared responsibility to bring back what they learned so their teams can benefit from the tools, ideas and momentum as well.

Professionally, the summit centered on four objectives that guided three days of conversation and working sessions: celebrate field leadership, share tools and ideas to lead others, gather perspective to inform companywide delivery initiatives that strengthen project delivery and strengthen peer connection. The result was practical takeaways built through collaboration and shared problem-solving.

“I am completely floored by my experience,” one attendee summed up the summit, “an incredible, meaningful … investment … The experience did change me.”

The Field Summit is an example of how SWCA supports its employees. When you join SWCA, you join a company that prioritizes leadership development, celebrates your contributions and provides opportunities to lead and innovate. Whether you’re in the field or in the office, you’ll find a culture that values collaboration, curiosity and excellence.

If you’re ready to grow your career and make an impact in the environmental consulting industry, SWCA is the place for you. Learn more about our field work jobs at swca.com/careers.

A large group of people posing for a photo in a brightly lit indoor space.

Photo credit to Claire Hart Photography

See How We Can Address Your Needs