Pros
New employees receive ample training to ensure that they are safe and aware of the hazards associated with the job. Overtime is almost always available for hourly staff allowing them the opportunity to increase their annual income substantially higher than the base salary they are brought in under. Great opportunity to experience the many different facets of the Environmental field.
Cons
Management staff has long tenure making it very difficult for hourly employees to advance into salaried positions. There is a tiered structure that allows hourly employees to advance from entry level to supervisor in just a few years, but once you make it to that level you become "stuck in a rut" looking for advancement opportunities and raises will only consist of cost of living increases normally less than 3% base salary after you advance to supervisor.