Roberts, Rukakoski earn notable certifications

Date: 9/22/2010

WESTFIELD Two Tighe & Bond environmental scientists recently earned notable certifications from national and state organizations.

Jessica Roberts received notification in July that she has become certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS). Roberts has worked at Tighe & Bond for six years and this national certification recognizes her educational and work-related accomplishments as a wetland scientist.

The Society of Wetland Scientists, an international organization that furthers scientific and educational objectives of wetland science, administers the PWS certification program.

To qualify for certification, Roberts had to demonstrate five years of comprehensive wetlands experience and meet stringent educational requirements.

Dan Rukakoski, a professional wetland scientist, recently learned that he has been approved as a Certified Wetland Scientist by the New Hampshire Board of Natural Scientists. This achievement will allow him to provide professional wetland services to support Tighe & Bond's expanding New Hampshire based business.

The New Hampshire Wetlands Scientist certification process is an arduous one. To qualify for the examinations, Rukakoski needed to document all of his wetland-related education and experience, provide professional references, wetland delineation plans from previous projects and more.

He also needed to pass a rigorous written and field exam with a 70 percent grade or better.

Currently there are just more than 200 other individuals certified as wetland scientists in the State of New Hampshire.

Founded in 1911, Tighe & Bond is one of the most experienced engineering firms in New England, with offices in Westfield, Worcester and Pocasset, Mass., as well as in Middletown and Shelton, Conn.

Engineering News Record annually ranks Tighe & Bond among the top design and environmental engineering firms nationally. The firm provides engineering and environmental services for clients in government, industry, health care, education, power, and real estate development.