At SWCA, we believe that investing in our people is the key to building exceptional leaders. That’s why we hosted our first-ever Field Summit, held March 12-14, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This event brought together field leaders from every SWCA subregion and 23 different offices to celebrate their contributions, share knowledge, and discuss the evolving needs of our clients.
We used the summit as an opportunity to empower our field leaders and gain insight into how we can improve upon our field experiences. By focusing on our professional growth, we’re not only helping advance careers, but also strengthening the foundation of SWCA’s success from the field perspective.
SWCA Field Leaders at SWCA’s Inaugural Field Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada.4 KEY GOALS OF THE FIELD SUMMIT
The Field Summit was designed to achieve four key objectives that reflect SWCA’s commitment to empowering our people:
1. Recognizing Excellence – Honoring field leaders for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding contributions.
2. Leadership Development – Equipping leaders with tools and strategies to enhance their communication, teamwork, and influence.
3. Shaping the Future – Listening to field leaders to identify future opportunities and focus areas.
4. Building Connections – Bringing people together to create meaningful relationships that strengthen teams.
Heather West, an Assistant Project Archaeologist and Field Director from SWCA’s Tucson office, who has been with the company cumulatively for 25+ years, shared her experience attending the Field Summit: “It was really nice to have management say, ‘This is important,’ you know, to be like, ‘We recognize that you are valuable, and that we’re going to take care of you.’ It wasn’t just a pat on the back, ‘Let’s take you to Vegas, have fun.’ They really did have specific issues that they wanted addressed and a conversation with us.”
A MOMENT TO RECHARGE
Beyond the sessions, attendees had the chance to explore Las Vegas and its surroundings. From hiking trails to iconic landmarks like the Hoover Dam, these moments allowed our leaders to connect, recharge, and return to work with renewed energy.
Some SWCA Field Leaders spent time hiking and exploring Las Vegas beyond the strip.
EMBRACING COYOTE MENTALITY
At the heart of the Field Summit was the coyote — a fitting mascot for the team and event and a symbol of the qualities SWCA field leaders embrace. Coyotes are observant, adaptable, and resourceful, traits that mirror the leadership style cultivated at SWCA.
Like coyotes, our field leaders can work alone or can work in “packs,” influencing and guiding their teams to work towards a common goal. They are connectors who bring people together, influencers who inspire action, and problem-solvers who approach challenges with creativity and confidence.
The coyote mentality reminds us to be bold, adaptable, and unwavering in our commitment to excellence. By embracing these traits, SWCA field leaders embody the spirit of leadership that drives success for our teams and delivers exceptional results for our clients.
SHAPING CAREERS, BUILDING LEADERS
For SWCA’s field leaders, the Field Summit was more than just an event — it was a career milestone. With sessions focused on leadership, career growth, and technical skills, attendees left feeling inspired and empowered to take their careers to new heights.
The agenda included:
- Day 1: Sessions on leadership influence and applied scientific processes, followed by networking opportunities to build connections.
- Day 2: Workshops on career development, smarter systems, and better communication, as well as a safety moment underscoring SWCA’s commitment to safe, reliable field practices.
- Day 3: Optional activities to build connections and recharge before heading back to the field.
Henry Schumacher, a Lead Wetland Scientist from SWCA’s Pittsburgh office who attended the Field Summit shared, “I think that the field summit was a great way to celebrate our field leaders; have collaborative discussions about what’s working and what we can improve upon; provide field leaders with tools and guidance to help our teams perform better; and importantly, as a way to differentiate SWCA from other consulting companies who may not appreciate the value of field leaders as much as SWCA does.”
By investing in our field leaders, SWCA is creating clear pathways for career advancement while creating a culture that is #AlwaysLearning and #NeverSettling.
A group of SWCA Field Leaders visiting the Hoover Dam.
WHY JOIN SWCA?
The Field Summit is a perfect example of how SWCA supports its employees. When you join SWCA, you’re joining 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 at swca.com/careers.