Pros
ARCADIS has some highly talented people that do great work for their clients. They are also willing to take sizable risks on challenging projects (i.e. guaranteed remediation programs) that are fairly unique to the industry. The total compensation package was very good compared to similar firms that I know. I thought Steve Blake, the former CEO, was actually very down-to-earth, and I liked his stated visions for the business. The issues were in the implementation further down the chain of command.
Cons
Billability expectations are unrealistic and are calculated based on overall hours - in many cases, requiring employees to work significant amounts of overtime or forego earned vacation time. The management, at least where I worked, are so focused on meeting week-to-week numbers targets that they neglect the long-term needs of the business, laying off key staff and cutting off opportunities for long-term growth. A large percentage of the best and brightest in the water division have either left or been laid off, almost negating the purpose of the Pirnie acquisition. I have personally noted that at least one person has been let go just prior to their work anniversary and ostensibly given less severance pay as a result. Eventually, the work environment got so bad that I had to leave. I was told when I was there the grass isn't necessarily greener on the outside - but my experience, and that of many others I have known, is that it certainly can be.
