Orlando, Fla. – DRMP is excited to announce that Rachel Schmidt, PWS, DRMP Senior Environmental Scientist in Orlando, Fla., has earned the Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) designation from the Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS). The nationally-recognized certification requires five years of education and experience requirements that demonstrates the applicable technical knowledge in wetland science, according to the SWS. The applicant must also provide a minimum of five professional references, three of which must be a certified PWS, as well as work to maintain the certification through continued education and experience every five years.
Schmidt, who has been with DRMP’s Ecological Services Division since 2018, has seven years of environmental science experience with extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local permitting, as well as protected species surveys and relocations. She is also an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent in Florida.
“I am excited that my hard work has earned me this important recognition,” Schmidt said. “By obtaining my PWS, I can become a part of an international organization of wetland professionals who meet the highest standards for education, experience, and ethics in the practice of wetland science while enhancing recognition of wetland science within other disciplines, especially in a multi-disciplinary work environment such as DRMP.”
Becoming a PWS provides acknowledgment to clients and regulatory agencies of your level of expertise and adherence to standards in the practice of wetland science, Schmidt said. According to her, keeping up-to-date on the latest practices, standards, and advances in the wetland industry will assist Schmidt’s professional career and benefit DRMP’s Ecological Services Division.
“We are proud of Rachel for earning this achievement and growing as an environmental professional,” Vice President George McLatchey, PWS, CEP said. “Her dedication to professional development is a testament to her work ethic and drive to continue delivering her best with everything she works on.”
About DRMP
DRMP is a multi-discipline firm serving clients in the public, private and industrial sectors in the development of infrastructure and has been in business since 1977. DRMP currently employs 500 professionals in 19 office locations spread strategically across our service area. Today, DRMP is ranked among Engineering News-Record’s “Top 500 Design Firms” in the United States. For more information, please visit www.drmp.com.
