Springfield's Joe Rogers On Earning The Professional Wetland Scientist Certification

Joseph Rogers, Project Manager and Wetland Ecologist with GZA, has recently been certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) by the Society of Wetland Scientist (SWS). Earning a PWS certification is a significant credential in the industry, demonstrating proficiency in all aspects of wetland science from delineation and assessment to restoration and mitigation design.  

“Becoming certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist was the culmination of many years of courses, workshops, and professional opportunities to work on wetland related projects,” Joe says. “I’m excited about the recognition within the industry that comes with a PWS and the opportunities to get involved with challenging projects while sharing my experiences with colleagues.”

Joe resides in western Massachusetts and works out of our Springfield, MA office where he focuses on wetland and stream restoration, using design with nature techniques for municipal, utility, transportation and private sector clients. Prior to joining GZA, Joe worked for the City of Northampton as the Conservation Lands Manager where he was responsible for the assessment and maintenance of public lands. Prior to that, Joe was the Associate Director of the Rushing Rivers Institute where he managed and collaborated on watershed ecology-based projects throughout the U.S. and in Europe.   
In addition to his recent PWS certification, Joe is also certified to conduct Non-Tidal Stream Crossing evaluations per the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC) and is a Certified Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI).

Recently Joe has been taking on more Wetlands Protection Act Enforcement projects for the Springfield Office, which has provided a great opportunity to develop creative wetland restoration solutions while assisting our client’s needs. He’s also a key member of the construction management team for several transmission line replacement projects. Having the opportunity to work with other GZA team members to manage high profile and dynamic projects is part of the reason that he signed on with GZA two years ago.

When Joe isn’t in a wetland, you can often find him in the woods with his Great Pyrenees or working in the garden with his partner.