From nature hikes as a child to leading ecological restoration projects across the U.S., Kyle Filicky ’14 has built a career rooted in curiosity, resilience, and a passion for the environment. Since earning a degree in environmental science, Kyle has since developed an impressive portfolio of certifications and expertise—from wetland delineations to drone piloting. Today, he serves as a project manager specializing in ecological and botanical projects nationwide, while also giving back to Westminster students through mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities.

Tell us about your career path since graduating from Westminster.
Shortly after graduation, I began my professional career at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) specializing in rare, threatened, and endangered plant surveys, wetland and stream delineations, macroinvertebrate and electrofishing sampling, avian surveys, and managing ecological restoration monitoring throughout the eastern United States. I continued my education by taking appropriate trainings and college courses to meet the specific qualifications to become a United States Fish & Wildlife (USFWS) approved botanical species surveyor, Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Certified Pollinator Steward, FAA Commercial Drone Pilot, and most recently, a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP). Since graduating, I enrolled at the University of Minnesota to receive a certificate in Ecological Restoration while continuing to work as project manager focusing on ecological and botanical projects across the United States. 

What drew you to Westminster and your environmental science major?
When I was growing up, some of my earliest memories involved being in nature. My parents took me on nature hikes to teach me various aspects of nature. We would regularly attend events hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). These experiences were insights to potential career opportunities related to waterfowl capture and release, hunter safety course, and plant identification. When I was looking at colleges to attend, I preferred a small college atmosphere where I could have a personal relationship with my classmates and professors. Coach Tim McNeil first introduced me to Westminster by visiting me at my high school to become a part of the cross county and track and field team. I visited Westminster a few months later where Dr. Ann Throckmorton met with me and introduced me to the environmental science program. After seeing the campus and amenities, I knew I wanted to become a part of the Westminster College family. 

What WC classes/professors/people made an impact on your life?
The most impactful class I took at Westminster College was Dr. Throckmorton's Field Biology course. This course was essential for the development of my environmental consulting career. I enjoyed the hands-on learning of the natural world that included an introduction to identification and collection of plants and animals. During the same semester, I was enrolled in my capstone course with Dr. Throckmorton and Dr. Helen Boylan. I learned how to work as an effective team to overcome project challenges and meet timelines, a skillset that I continue to use every day. In my spare time, I would volunteer at the field station with Dr. Clarence Harms for a few hours once a week. Each week would consist of learning various ecological techniques such as measuring and planting trees along with learning carpentry skills to build a community garden. All of these experiences were essential for me to build my career.

In addition to being a multi-sport athlete, were you involved in other clubs/activities on campus? How did these experiences prepare you for life after New Wilmington?
I ran cross country and track and field all four years of my collegiate career. Running in both sports taught me to become focused, adaptable, and resilient. The more work I dedicated to running, the better result I would achieve. Unfortunately, I became injured a few times and had to find alternative approaches to train, such as biking and swimming. This allowed me to view my goals from different perspectives and to achieve them. I was a resident assistant (RA) for three years, one year at Russell and two years at Eichenauer Halls. This experience provided me with opportunities to help students manage various situations and create a positive atmosphere. I continue to use the experiences I learned from sports and residence life in managing projects and a team of ecologists. 

You have been active in sharing of your time and talents since leaving WC; working with various Westminster classes, volunteering with the Professional Networking Symposium and student symposium, etc. Tell us your inspiration for giving back in this manner.
Throughout my collegiate and professional career, I remember key moments or experiences where my parents, a professor, or colleague took the time to teach a new skillset to me. I look back on these moments and continue to appreciate each one of those experiences. I strive to present opportunities to teach anyone who is interested in the environmental science field. At Westminster, I have attended Q&A sessions for the Professional Networking Symposium and lead ecological learning opportunities related to electrofishing demonstrations and Lake Brittain Assessments. By providing these opportunities, students can learn more about the different career paths and help them pursue their own goals. Since these opportunities, CEC has hired Sara Small '22 in our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) group and had Avery Keenan '26 as an ecological Intern this past summer.
  
What advice do you have for students as they prepare to use their Westminster experiences to pursue career and educational endeavors? 
Say "yes" to every experience that you may encounter. The more connections and experiences you can obtain will allow you to reach your goals in ways you would never expect.

Outside of your work, what do you do for fun?
My career and hobbies align very well.  I enjoy traveling across the United States with my wife, Amy Filicky, our son, Rowan Filicky, and our dog, Chestnut, to explore a wide variety of plant species and National Parks.  Additionally, I like to capture photographs and create YouTube videos of all the natural settings we observe!

Keep up with Kyle's outdoor adventures when you connect with him on LinkedIn.

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