Associates of Wooster – Nelson Phelps, Staff Engineer
Discover the story of Nelson Phelps, a Wooster Staff Engineer whose straightforward approach and local roots help bring engineering projects to life throughout Western Pennsylvania, and beyond.
Five years into his career at Wooster, Nelson Phelps says it still feels like his first day was last week.
As a Staff Engineer in Wooster’s Design Unit, Nelson manages permitting with governing agencies and works with site engineers to develop designs and move projects through review.
A western Pennsylvania native and West Virginia University civil engineering graduate, Nelson came to Wooster after working on land development projects in the oil and gas industry.
Some of his favorite projects are now close to home. Pecora Farms, for example, is right next to where Nelson grew up — an area he still drives through every day.
For Nelson, seeing a project implemented and “operate in the way that it’s intended” is one of the best parts of the job.
Read on to get to know Nelson.
How long have you been at Wooster?
Five years. It feels like my first day was last week.
What exactly do you do here?
I’m part of the Design Unit. We work with the site guys. We take what they do and get permits for their project through, and then we’ll do our own design that kind of builds off their design.
You kind of get your hand in a lot of different things.
Favorite Wooster project?
Any project I work on that is in the community where I grew up is pretty exciting. Being able to have a hand in how it develops and what shapes everything that’s going on there.
Pecora Farms is one that stands out. It’s actually right next to where I grew up. I drive by there every day.
Who has been a source of inspiration for you?
The Wooster team in general. They help you stay ambitious and motivate you to develop in your career. They want you to be successful professionally.
As a team, we’re able to motivate each other.
Favorite Wooster event?
I’ve enjoyed doing the Adopt-A-Highway cleanup for the past two years. We started in Crafton, so being able to help out that community and give back to the area where Wooster started feels good, especially now that our office is on the North Shore.
What do you do outside of work?
Hiking. I go to the Laurel Highlands and different parks around the area. The Montour Trail is one of my favorites.
I just like walking in the woods.
Favorite motto?
Around the time Oppenheimer came out, I think Mike said, “We’re not splitting the atom.”
That stuck with me. It reminds you not to make things too complicated. We’re looking for straightforward solutions.
Get in touch with Nelson: nphelps@dewooster.com
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