Management trumps technical ability - Technologist Stantec Employee Review

2.0
May 25, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

If you are competent at your job you will always be busy. There are lot's of incompetent people around to make you look good. Salaries and benefits are based on industry standards in your area. Reasonable but not outstanding. Lot's of chances to do different types of work including travel to site. You must advocate for yourself though. Local management can be very unfair when it comes to treatment of employees. Looking out for number one is a must or you will find yourself on the outside looking in. If you want to advance your career through management (project or people) this is the place for you. High premium placed on manners, conformance and saying the right things to the right people

Cons

High technical competence is valued secondary to management abilities and soft lips. If you expect to be promoted based on hard work and technical ability this is not the place for you. Stantec is a management company first, an engineering company distant second. No premium salaries or bonuses for technical staff, only for management staff. Very easy to get stuck in a rut, not learn anything new and find yourself a 5 yr veteran with 1 year of real experience. You must manage your own career. Internal review process is a joke. If you disagree publicly with any senior management decisions you will be branded a trouble maker and find yourself on the outside. Being a team player is of vital importance. I have witnessed many vaguely competent people proceed rapidly up through the management track by parroting anything anyone above them in the chain of command says. This has resulted in an extremely ineffective intermediate management structure that pays only lip service to those under it. Focus is always on those above it and how to make them look and feel good so you can make the jump to the next salary bracket. What you say is much more important than what you do. If you grasp this and are adept at self promotion you can do well here. If not prepare for disappointment as others take credit for the hard work you have done.

Explore other reviews about Stantec

5.0
May 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Working as an Administrative Assistant at Stantec involves a wide range of responsibilities and can be highly rewarding for those who are motivated and proactive. The office environment is positive, and colleagues are approachable and collaborative. Being part of a large international organization also brings a strong sense of pride and purpose to the role.

Cons

One downside of working at Stantec is the uncertainty around job security, as organizational restructuring and cost-saving measures can sometimes lead to unexpected layoffs.

2.0
May 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Hybrid Work and access to useful engineering tools

Cons

Projects are inconsistent in organization and structure (some good some bad). High (and strict) utilization requirements of >93% for entry level and mid level engineers results in overtime with overlapping work loads to avoid any downtime between projects. No development or mentorship strategy around work assignments, the main goal is to keep utilization up. Stantec has been very focused on cutting costs by offshoring, limiting conference attendance, reducing volunteer hours, no tuition reimbursement, multiple layers of approvals to attend in-office CPR training, etc. Very corporate environment and top heavy management with over 240+ “Vice Presidents” currently at the company. Difficult to get raises/promotions besides annual raise. Typical raise is ~3-5% with a good review depending on where your current salary is in relation to the pay range for your career level.

2
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All