Recruiting A New Principal Geologist and Geological Services Manager Following An Important Conversation

Gaps that were acceptable before can become urgent quickly when a business changes hands. For years, the same founding team had been in the firm with a solid practice in environmental and geological consulting. Its clients include larger energy companies throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, many of whom have been long-time clients. It also offers emergency response on key accounts when spills/incidents require immediate technical coverage. When the new President bought the business, one of the founding principals was ready to retire. She was running the geological services business line and took with her years of client knowledge.

The outgoing manager was not just stepping into a role that had grown in her absence. She had co-owned the firm for more than 15 years and had personally built up its geological services practice. Her replacement had to have a Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Geologist credential, which immediately narrowed the field of potential candidates. Finding that person for a position in a small Pennsylvania town proved more difficult than the title suggested. The vast majority of people in that position are already settled in larger markets and have no desire to relocate. The incoming hire would have to jump into active project work well before the handover was complete as well.

Searches were also made of environmental and geological consulting firms in Pennsylvania and adjoining states. We identified one candidate that was both technically qualified and a cultural fit for the firm. She had the Pennsylvania Professional Geologist license with a proven track record of team leadership and hands-on remediation experience. Career-wise, the job was an easy decision for her. The catch was that the move would require her husband’s job situation to resolve itself, too. The client worked directly with her on flexibility, providing a remote day and adjusted hours to make the transition feasible.

She signed the offer and was confirmed for May 19. Her first week was at a groundwater remediation course in Las Vegas, something that happens only once a year. The client set it up specifically to give her the right grounding before she took on live projects. She arrived at the firm’s Montrose office for the first time on June 2. The appointment was made under exclusive engagement with Keller Executive Search.