Greetings all. I am new to this forum and I am seeking ANY help on trying to obtain the required references/letters for a PWS certification. I have been performing wetland delineations/USACE permitting/EA's for approximately 8 years now, but due to the competitive market in and around the Atlanta area, I have been unable to attain any PWS/SWS references to submit my application. I am more than willing to send copies of my work, answer any questions or possibly meet in-person to make whomever feel comfortable and confident in my abilities as a wetland scientist. ANY help is greatly appreciated. Please advise.

Thank you.

Michael Barnhart
michaelbarnhart@hotmail.com

Michael, I don't know where you are on this, but the essence of a PWS is an ethics statment and a committment to high standards of wetland work. The ethics statement prohibits use of the certification for strict commercial benefit.

I don't know who you know in your geographical area of work or your rationale for obtaining a certification. Somehow, I think there may be a prize here (such as you can not work for the local DOT unless you have a PWS). That is really contrary to the nature of the certification.

Having said that, I also work as a small business consultant and I understand how hard it can be sometimes. However, the way to get references is to attend SWS chapter meetings, write an article for the local website, publish some research, volunteer for a committee.

I have a rule that I use. I must know someone or be acquainted with their work for atleast one year before I can provide a PWS recommendation--6 months for a WPIT.

It seems that you must have associations outside of competing consultants after 8 years of work.

OK, thank you for the info. Actually, there is no "hidden prize" here, but I am networking differently now, attending more local meetings and talking with my local USACE contacts. I am looking forward to posting more on this forum

Michael