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New Certification Program for Agricultural Conservation Professionals Launched with Penn State University

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In January 2024, Penn State University announced a partnership with HRG to establish a new certification program for agricultural conservation professionals, provide training, and supervise the certified individuals for the installation of projects statewide.

Today, the university announced it is officially launching the certification program, known as the Practice Approval System. The system was developed by the Penn State Conservation Commission in partnership with the Center for  Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training, administered by Penn State Extension. As the article linked below explains, it “allows conservation district employees to design, review and approve conservation practices funded through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program, or ACAP, that do not require certification by a registered professional engineer. Conservation professionals instead can work directly with farmers, reducing bottlenecks and moving projects forward more quickly.”

We’re excited to be a part of the team bringing this program to life and look forward to seeing the impact the certified professionals make on soil and water health in Pennsylvania! Click on the link below to read more about the program.

A fence keeps cattle in the field and out of the stream

PSU.EDU
New Certification Program Expands Conservation Capacity in Pennsylvania (open link in new window)

Mercer County Bridge Featured by Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance

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Hot-dip galvanized steel delivered a quick bridge replacement with superior long-term performance for Mercer County, as featured in a recent case study on the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance website.  HRG assisted with the design and permitting for this bridge, and construction was completed in January 2024.  The existing 85-foot long bridge was weight-restricted, and Mercer County wanted to replace it before the bridge had to be closed altogether.

HRG’s team chose structural steel for the new bridge superstructure for a number of reasons: The existing bridge abutments were being reused, and structural steel would help us match the weight of the existing bridge sitting on the abutments.  It would also help us avoid increasing the overall height of the beams and deck.  This was important because our hydraulic analysis had indicated an increase in the overall depth would have required a joint permit between the PA Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers, which would’ve increased the timeline of the project.

Hot dip galvanizing the steel provides a longer service life than simply painting the steel.  It has excellent corrosion protection and is a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution. The bridge was fabricated by Quality Bridge & Fab, Inc., and V&S Galvanizing galvanized the steel elements.  Horizon Construction Group served as contractor.

You can read more about the project on the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance website by clicking on the linked photo below:

Photo of short span steel bridge over creek with bare trees and blue skys

SHORTSPANSTEELBRIDGES.ORG
Pennsylvania County Selects Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel for Urgent Bridge Project

HRG, Bentley Systems to Implement Digital Twin Software for Water Systems throughout Mid-Atlantic U.S.

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Ben Gilberti Promoted to Assistant Vice President

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Ben GilbertiWe’re pleased to announce that Ben Gilberti has been promoted to assistant vice president.  He will oversee all operations and local engagement in Western Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Ben joined HRG in 2002 as an intern and most recently served as manager of the firm’s municipal and water resources group in Pittsburgh.  He is actively involved with the Town of McCandless Industrial Development Authority, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS), and the Allegheny League of Municipalities (ALOM).

Alex Bar Promoted to Manager of King of Prussia Water & Wastewater Group

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Alex Bar wearing a dark gray button-down shirtAlex Bar has been promoted to Water & Wastewater Group Manager in our King of Prussia office. In this role, Alex is responsible for managing local staffing, workloads and resource allocation to ensure the team continues to deliver high quality projects and superior client satisfaction.

Alex joined HRG in 2020 and most recently served as a water and wastewater team leader. He is a registered professional engineer and is certified in the condition assessment of pipelines, laterals, and manholes. He routinely assists with the design of water and sewer main replacements, pump stations, and treatment plant facilities. He is skilled at both engineering design and construction administration.

Justin Peaslee Named Morgantown Transportation Group Manager

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We’re pleased to share that Justin Peaslee was recently promoted Justin Peaslee wearing a black suit coat, white shirt, and yellow tie.to transportation group manager in our Morgantown office. In this role, he is responsible for managing staffing, workloads and resource allocation so that the Morgantown transportation team continues to deliver high quality projects and superior client satisfaction. This includes monitoring project schedules and budgets while enhancing the employee owner culture and supporting the professional growth of transportation team members.

Justin has seven years of experience at HRG and most recently served as transportation team leader.  He is a member of the American Society of Military Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

HRG Named One of the Largest Engineering Firms in Pittsburgh

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Point State Park Fountain Rehabilitation

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) has again been named one of the largest engineering firms in Pittsburgh by the Pittsburgh Business Times.  We are ranked #8 in 2025, a significant jump from #25 the previous year.

HRG opened an office in Cranberry Township in 1994 and currently has almost 90 employees living and working in the Pittsburgh region.

“HRG has a great group of professionals and a loyal base of clients that continues to grow each year,” assistant vice president Jim Feath says. “Our success in this region belongs to them, and we thank them for continuing to work with us in this great city of ours!”

We’re One of the Best Places to Work in Engineering

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Best Companies to Work in Engineering 2025 logoYesterday, we were announced as one of the Best Places to Work in Engineering.  This ranking is based on feedback provided by our employee-owners about corporate culture, training and development opportunities, salary and benefits, and overall employee satisfaction.

When asked what makes HRG a great place to work, 5 major themes emerged in their responses:

  1. Work-Life Balance – We have a strong emphasis on family-friendly policies and flexibility.
  2. Remote/Hybrid Work – Employee-owners appreciate the ability to work remotely or in hybrid arrangements.
  3. Fairness & Inclusivity – People feel the company is fair and treats everyone with respect.
  4. Positive Work Environment – HRG has a strong culture of support, kindness, and collaboration.
  5. Flexibility – Policies accommodate different work styles and personal needs.

Since our founding, we have always sought to create a place where people can feel proud of the work they do, be rewarded for their contributions, and truly enjoy the experience of working together.  This feedback from our team validates we’re succeeding. Thank you!

It’s #Good2bHRG

 

Jeff Mikesic Named Assistant Vice President, Transportation

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Jeff MikesicHRG has promoted Jeff Mikesic to assistant vice president, overseeing the firm’s transportation service offerings. The position was created as part of an ongoing organizational realignment to scale the firm for growth while preserving its commitment to technical excellence and personalized service.  The realignment creates unique channels for client outreach, technical expertise, and operational delivery, ensuring each gets proper focus and attention.

Mikesic’s position is part of the channel focused on technical expertise.  As such, he will be responsible for driving quality and consistency in project delivery across the organization by ensuring best practices are implemented across all transportation teams and ensuring staff members get the training they need to meet evolving industry standards.  He will also foster a collaborative, results-driven culture in the transportation group.

Mikesic joined the company more than 25 years ago as a CADD Technician and steadily earned increasing responsibility due to his strong commitment to the success of his clients and HRG. He has managed a wide variety of roadway, bridge, and capital improvement planning projects and is a member of the American Society of Highway Engineers.

Erin Threet, HRG’s vice president of services, says, “Jeff is a solid, reliable, and smart engineer with strong technical skills across all aspects of our transportation service offerings.  He is a natural leader who was already performing many of the responsibilities this role requires in his previous role as transportation practice area leader, so I have full confidence he will do an excellent job.”