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U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources

Conservation Service

Earth Team

Creative Recruiting Guide

2003

945 SW Ankeny Road

Ankeny, IA

\(515\) 289-0325

Table of Contents

**[Position Description]{.underline} [Page]{.underline}**

[Clerk/Receptionist](#clerk) 1

[Computer Data Entry Assistant](#computer) 3

[Conservation Aid, Administrative](#adminaide) 5

[Office Assistant](#assistant) 7

[Conservation Education Assistant](#education) 9

[Conservation Photographer](#photographer) 11

[Earth Team Coordinator](#etcoord) 12

[Educational Information Assistant (Soil Survey
Promotion)](#soilpromotion) 13

[Hugh Hammond Bennett Earth Team Intern](#intern) 14

[Public Relations Internship](#printern) 15

[Information Aid](#infoaide) 16

[Information and Education Liaison](#liaison) 17

[Media Coordinator](#mediacoord) 18

[Newsletter Assistant](#newsletter) 19

[Outdoor Classroom Coordinator](#classroomcoord) 20

[Photo Correlator](#photocorrelator) 21

[Promotion Development Specialist](#promotion) 22

[Public Information Coordinator](#picoord) 23

[Public Information Technician (Trade Shows)](#tradeshow) 24

[Public Relations Liaison](#prliaison) 25

[Radio Public Service Announcer](#psa) 26

[Special Activity Coordinator](#specialcoord) 27

[Visual Information Specialist](#vis) 28

[Visual Information Assistant (Calligrapher)](#calligrapher) 29

[Visual Information Assistant (Slides)](#slides) 30

[Conservation Aid, Technical](#techaide) 31

[Conservation Engineering Assistant](#engineeringassist) 33

[Conservation Field Assistant](#fieldassist) 34

[Conservation Plan Writer](#planwriter) 35

[Conservation Surveyor](#surveyor) 36

[Conservation Technical Assistant](#techassist) 37

[Conservation Tillage Coordinator](#tillagecoord) 38

[Conservation Tillage Technician](#tillagetech) 39

[Crop Yield Specialist](#cropyieldspec) 40

[Engineering Design Assistant](#engineeringdesign) 41

[Field Engineering Assistant](#fieldengineering) 42

[Field Inspector I](#fieldinspector) 43

[Follow-Up Planning Assistant](#followup) 44

[Marketing Research - Forestry](#forestry) 45

[No-Till Drill Coordinator](#notill) 46

[Research Farm Assistant](#researchfarm) 47

[Resource Data Collection Specialist](#datacollection) 48

[Soil Survey Assistant](#soilsurvey) 49

[Soil Survey Field Assistant](#soilsurveyfield) 51

[Soils Data Analyst](#soisdataanalyst) 52

[Tree Planter](#treeplanter) 53

[Tree Program Assistant](#treeprogramassist) 54

[Water Quality Assistant](#waterquality) 56

[Watershed Land Treatment Coordinator](#watershed) 57

[Blank Position Description](#blank) 58

[Other Recruiting Ideas](#other) 59

[]{#clerk .anchor}**Clerk/Receptionist**

**(Job Category: Administrative Support)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   First contact person for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
    and district office - answers telephone, screening calls and
    referring callers to appropriate staff member; greets walk-in
    traffic; and channels clients to appropriate staff member.

-   Disseminates information as training and skills allow.

-   Files and types training and skills allow.

-   Typing and word processing skills desirable.

Time Commitment: [one-half day per week]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Phone skills

-   Typing

-   Word processing

-   Filing

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

**Clerk/Receptionist**

**(Job Category: Administrative Support)**

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Colleen McCleary, Colorado

USDA-NRCS, 318 Lacey Ave., La Junta, CO 81050

\(717\) 384-5408

colleen.mccleary@co.usda.gov

**Partnering Organization:** Community Work Experience Program

The Community Work Experience Program provides training opportunities
for individuals seeking to improve job skills, work habits and work
maturity skills. The CWEP volunteers are referred to NRCS through the
County Social Services Department. All Social Services applicants
applying for financial, medical and food stamp aid are mandated to
enroll in CWEP. The Social Services Department has clients on a waiting
list to be placed in jobs to earn their public assistance benefits.

[]{#computer .anchor}**Computer Data Entry Assistant**

**(Job Category: Administrative Support)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Enters client resource information from case files into computer.

-   Enters client farm plans developed during the current year into the
    computer.

-   Enters all client notes into computer.

-   Extracts reports from computer or client database as requested.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Basic computer knowledge

-   Typing and word processing skills

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

**Computer Data Entry Assistant**

**(Job Category: Administrative Support)**

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Colleen McCleary, Colorado

USDA-NRCS, 318 Lacey Ave., La Junta, CO 81050

\(717\) 384-5408

colleen.mccleary@co.usda.gov

**Partnering Organization:** Community Work Experience Program

The Community Work Experience Program provides training opportunities
for individuals seeking to improve job skills, work habits and work
maturity skills. The CWEP volunteers are referred to NRCS through the
County Social Services Department. All Social Services applicants
applying for financial, medical and food stamp aid are mandated to
enroll in CWEP. The Social Services Department has clients on a waiting
list to be placed in jobs to earn their public assistance benefits.

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Sonja Coderre, Arkansas

USDA-NRCS, Rm. 3416 Fed. Bldg., 700 W. Capitol Ave., Little Rock, AR
72201

\(501\) 301-3133

sonja.coderre@ar.usda.gov

**Partnering Organization:** Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs\' Veterans Education and
Rehabilitation Program assists disabled veterans in gaining education
and job experience to reenter the workforce. VA offices exist nationwide
and often need work opportunities in small communities. Veterans are
paid a stipend by the VA, making them hosted volunteers, and work in a
variety of fields including computers, financial services, etc. Arkansas
used a veteran successfully to create a media tracking database.

[]{#adminaide .anchor}**Conservation Aid, Administrative**

**(Job Category: Administrative Support)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Update cooperator files.

-   Follow up contact with cooperators by phone or mail.

Time Commitment: [4-6 hours per week (one year or until
done)]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good communication skills

-   Understand legal descriptions

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

**Conservation Aide, Administrative**

**(Job Category: Administrative Support)**

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Colleen McCleary, Colorado

USDA-NRCS, 318 Lacey Ave., La Junta, CO 81050

\(717\) 384-5408

colleen.mccleary@co.usda.gov

**Partnering Organization:** Community Work Experience Program

The Community Work Experience Program provides training opportunities
for individuals seeking to improve job skills, work habits and work
maturity skills. The CWEP volunteers are referred to NRCS through the
County Social Services Department. All Social Services applicants
applying for financial, medical and food stamp aid are mandated to
enroll in CWEP. The Social Services Department has clients on a waiting
list to be placed in jobs to earn their public assistance benefits.

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Mary Hess, Illinois

\(217\) 322-3359 x 103

**Partnering Organization:** Rushville High School Business Partnership

The Rushville High School business teacher started a new business class
where students spend part of their time in the classroom and the rest of
their time with a partnering business. NRCS has served as a business
partner for two years and it is working well.

[]{#assistant .anchor}**Office Assistant**

**(Job Category: Administrative Support)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Assist with clerical work and typing correspondence, forms, and
    worksheets.

-   Assist with the administrative duties in the office. Act as
    receptionist.

-   Answer telephone (screen calls and refer calls to proper person).

-   Assist the public with questions, requests, and direction; assist
    the staff with outgoing calls as well as setting up conference
    calls.

-   Assist with the filing of correspondence, forms, soil interpretation
    sheets, time and attendance sheets, various engineering needs,
    directives, manuals, and handbooks.

-   Photocopying and assembly.

-   Assist with incoming and outgoing mail.

Time Commitment: [one-half day per week]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Must be a qualified typist, able to communicate verbally and in
    writing

-   Must be able to get along with people and take directions

-   Knowledge of office etiquette

-   Skill in operating an electric typewriter, and an up-to-date phone
    system

-   Some computer knowledge

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

**Office Assistant**

**(Job Category: Administrative Support)**

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Colleen McCleary, Colorado

USDA-NRCS, 318 Lacey Ave., La Junta, CO 81050

\(717\) 384-5408

colleen.mccleary@co.usda.gov

**Partnering Organization:** Community Work Experience Program

The Community Work Experience Program provides training opportunities
for individuals seeking to improve job skills, work habits and work
maturity skills. The CWEP volunteers are referred to NRCS through the
County Social Services Department. All Social Services applicants
applying for financial, medical and food stamp aid are mandated to
enroll in CWEP. The Social Services Department has clients on a waiting
list to be placed in jobs to earn their public assistance benefits.

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Michele Eginoire, Iowa

USDA-NRCS, 945 SW Ankeny Rd., Ankeny, IA 50021

\(515\) 289-0325 x 29

eginoire@swcs.org

**Partnering Organization:** Polk County Community Service Sentencing
Division

An individual walked into the office one day and asked if there were any
volunteer jobs available because he had been sentenced to 40 hours of
community service and wanted to volunteer for NRCS. NRCS is now on the
list of organizations offering volunteer opportunities for the Polk
County Community Service Sentencing Division.

[]{#education .anchor}**Conservation Education Assistant**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Develop conservation education lessons or use established lessons,
    videos, slides, etc.

-   Contact schools, clubs, and/or organizations and sell them the
    program.

-   Schedule and present programs.

Time Commitment: [as scheduled]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Teaching experience/training helpful

-   Knowledge of agriculture and the environment helpful

-   Valid drivers license

-   Knowledge of audio-visual equipment helpful

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

**Conservation Education Assistant**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Marilyn Gann, Missouri

USDA-NRCS, Parkade Center, Suite 250, 601 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia,
MO 65203

\(573\) 876-0908

marilyn.gann@mo.usda.gov

**Partnering Organization:** Green Thumb

The Eldon Field Service Center contacted the Green Thumb organization.
The two agencies then got together to match up a Green Thumb employee to
the NRCS \'s needs. The volunteer is [hosted]{.underline} by Green Thumb
and volunteers for NRCS.

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Merle Illian, Nebraska

Trailblazer RC&D Council, 437 N. Elm, Red Cloud, NE 68970

\(402\) 746-3560

**Partnering Organization:** Trailblazer RC&D, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lower Republican Natural
Resources District, Little Blue Natural Resources District, Harlan
County Tourism, Harlan County Yacht Club, Nebraska Department of
Economic Development, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Extension
Service, Pheasants Forever, Webster County Resources Foundation, Safari
Club International, and Cabela\'s

In an effort to attract women to an outdoor recreation and activity
area, the partners developed the Women\'s Wilderness Weekend Program - a
hands-on instruction to give women confidence and make them aware of the
fun and excitement outdoor recreation offers. The presenter position for
the program was filled with this partnership.

[]{#photographer .anchor}**Conservation Photographer**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Photograph examples of soil and water erosion.

-   Photograph examples of successful conservation practices.

-   Photograph conservation education activities.

Time Commitment: [negotiable; on call for seasonal storm
events]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Experience using 35mm single lens reflex camera and flash

-   Proper framing and picture composition, and familiarity with black
    and white and color film

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#etcoord .anchor}**Earth Team Coordinator**

**(Job Category: Program Management)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Work with district conservationists and district managers to
    determine projects that volunteers can assist with or carry out.

-   Develop a plan for recruiting volunteers and matching their skills
    with agency needs. Interview and place volunteers. Help with
    orientation.

Time Commitment: [two to three days per week; no project
length]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Should have a background in working with people

-   Must have the ability to interview and evaluate volunteers

-   Must have the ability to work independently with minimum supervision

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#soilpromotion .anchor}**Educational Information Assistant (Soil
Survey Promotion)**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Develop and implement a public information program promoting the
    uses of soil surveys and benefits of managing their natural
    resources.

-   Organize and manage county fair display.

-   Present conservation education materials to schools.

-   Make presentations to interested groups.

-   Contact county landowners, real estate agents, bankers, and other
    interested parties to explain soil surveys.

Time Commitment: [flexible]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Knowledge of and conservation district activities

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#intern .anchor}**Hugh Hammond Bennett Earth Team Intern**

Major Duties (example only; each office needs to determine their own
needs):

-   The intern will develop a marketing communications plan; assemble
    information packets for Ag Day; develop displays/exhibits; market
    the tree sale program; develop newspaper articles and radio public
    service announcements for the district\'s Gypsy Moth Program;
    develop and implement a marketing plan to attract and retain
    volunteers; assist with gathering data and application of best
    management practices; assist with computer data entry; and prepare
    newspaper articles and public service announcements to promote the
    application of best management practices for the prevention of
    surface and ground water.

-   This volunteer position is offered by the Natural Resources
    Conservation Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of
    Agriculture. The intern will also be working with the
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
    Conservation District, collocated with the NRCS. The office is
    located at: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. For additional
    information, contact:
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Ability to communicate orally and in writing

-   Knowledge of public affairs and marketing principles and concepts in
    order to develop/coordinate/implement a communications and marketing
    program

-   Ability to establish and maintain relationships

-   Ability to use analytical and evaluative methods to develop
    strategies for marketing communication programs and services
    designed to meet customer needs

-   Preference given to senior/graduate students with majors in
    marketing, journalism, or public relations

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#printern .anchor}Recruitment Flyer Example

**Public Relations Internship**

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service can provide on-the-job
training to a volunteer student through the Earth Team. The Earth Team
is a national network of volunteers interested in conserving our natural
resources.

We can reinforce academic instruction with training in the following
areas:

-   news writing, editing, and news dissemination

-   radio news writing

-   writing of public service announcements

-   graphic design as it relates to publications and exhibits

-   opportunities to work with PC computer systems, including graphics
    design, desktop publishing and word processing software

-   development of slide and videotape presentations

-   development of presentation delivery styles and techniques,
    including the use of video projector, overhead projector, slide and
    videotape programs, flip charts, room arrangements, etc.

The public affairs specialist will provide a performance evaluation and
exit conference if requested. The student will be expected to:

-   demonstrate an understanding of basic journalistic writing skills

-   demonstrate basic computer skills

-   cooperate and reflect a positive attitude and professional
    appearance

-   follow an established work schedule as agreed to by the agency,
    student, and university

The university will:

-   pre-screen applicants for minimum qualifications

-   provide selected student(s) an opportunity to earn academic credit
    through this internship

For more information contact:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits
discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and marital or
familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for
communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape,
etc.) should contact the USDA Office of Communications at (202) 720-5881
(voice) or (202) 720-7808 (TDD).

To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., 20250, or call (202) 720-7327 (voice)
or (202) 720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity
employer.

[]{#infoaide .anchor}**Information Aid**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Assist with locating, stocking, and organizing timely materials for
    bulletin board and brochure rack.

Time Commitment: [flexible]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Likes to read and research materials

-   Has an interest in issues concerning agriculture, the environment,
    and quality of life

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#liaison .anchor}**Information and Education Liaison**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Coordinate district awards and educational activities with schools,
    existing state programs and existing County Extension educational
    activities. Evaluate current situation for improvements.

-   Become familiar with Ag-Stravaganza, state environmental education
    requirements, FFA, 4H, current district awards and cultivate
    relations with schools and Extension volunteers.

-   Assemble awards and educational programs targeted at students in
    grades 7-12.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Ability to make 15-20 classroom/FFA/4H appearances

-   Ability to develop three slide sets on three soil and water district
    topics

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#mediacoord .anchor}**Media Coordinator**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Develop locally collected data into news articles for publication by
    local newspapers, radio stations, and television stations to keep
    the public informed about conservation and resource programs in the
    county. Accomplish this by:

-   Meeting with or phoning the district conservationist once a week to
    check on current conservation activities and needs.

-   Writing and publishing feature news articles for local papers.

-   Developing and presenting 3-5 minute radio tape relative to current
    activities.

Time Commitment: [3 to 5 hours per week, ongoing in nature]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good oral and written communication skills

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#newsletter .anchor}**Newsletter Assistant**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Assist in developing main theme for conservation newsletter.

-   Assist with article assignments and collection of articles prior to
    newsletter assembly.

-   Plan newsletter layout and design with supervision.

-   Responsible for printing and mailing. Seeks out potential sponsors
    and updates mailing list.

Time Commitment: [negotiable to accomplish quarterly
newsletter]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Some newsletter or writing experience helpful

-   Valid drivers license

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#classroomcoord .anchor}**Outdoor Classroom Coordinator**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Coordinate establishment of an outdoor classroom at the local
    elementary school. Recruit, organize, and supervise volunteers to
    implement conservation plan. Work with volunteers to develop
    appropriate lesson plans and teachers\' guide for use of the outdoor
    classroom.

Time Commitment: [work hours can be flexible]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good organizational, supervisory, and communication skills

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#photocorrelator .anchor}**Photo Correlator**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Set up photo system from established guidelines. Develop filing
    system, correlate and organize photos and slides.

Time Commitment: [negotiable]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Initiative, imagination, knowledge of conservation practices,
    organizational abilities

-   Computer knowledge helpful

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#promotion .anchor}**Promotion Development Specialist**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Prepare and develop slide sets that increase public awareness of
    natural resource conservation benefits and issues.

-   Write a narrative and gather slides, taking necessary photos.

Time Commitment: [negotiable]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Ability to work with set-up and write a slide program

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#picoord .anchor}**Public Information Coordinator**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Develop and maintain a public information program for the field
    office, promoting conservation, including newspaper articles and/or
    a column, weekly radio talk show, or public service announcements.

-   Work with local media so that conservation activities are
    publicized.

-   Assemble a \"scrapbook\" of newspaper articles dealing with
    conservation activities.

-   Take photographs of erosion, conservation, wildlife, water quality
    and assemble a slide presentation to show conservation efforts in
    county.

-   Work with other conservation and sportsmen groups to coordinate
    mutual conservation efforts.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good communication skills

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#tradeshow .anchor}**Public Information Technician (Trade Shows)**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Design and construct a booth to meet district annual plan goals and
    objectives.

-   Staff booth at fairs, shopping malls, schools, and miscellaneous
    community activities.

-   Set up and maintain booth, information and displays in a neat and
    orderly condition.

-   Help disassemble booth at termination of display.

-   Provide evaluation and feedback to the supervisor regarding
    information requested and concerns expressed by the public and other
    pertinent observations made by volunteer.

-   Serve as an incidental motor vehicle operator. This may require the
    operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during
    the daylight hours and occasionally after dark. A valid government
    drivers license form SF-46 or equivalent is required.

Time Commitment: [several hours per week in the month of
July]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Must have a sincere desire to meet and talk to people about soil and
    water conservation

-   Volunteer must have some artistic and drawing ability, with minimal
    carpentry skills

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#prliaison .anchor}**Public Relations Liaison**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Represents the NRCS and conservation district in making contacts
    with public agencies, news media, and other groups.

-   Develop a public relations plan jointly with local agency and
    district personnel.

-   Periodically call on county board members, township officials, key
    city and county department heads to establish and maintain a liaison
    with them.

-   Periodically contact newspapers, TV and radio news directors and
    public service directors and provide them stories and/or leads.

-   Periodically contact selected school officials and teachers,
    ministerial associations to share conservation education materials.

Time Commitment: [one day per week]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good oral and written communication skills

-   Knowledge of conservation issues beneficial

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#psa .anchor}**Radio Public Service Announcer**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Record radio public service announcements on conservation topics.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Professional voice and access to recording studio

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#specialcoord .anchor}**Special Activity Coordinator**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Coordinates event, enlisting support and assistance as needed to
    carry out functions.

-   Directs function.

Time Commitment: [flexible as scheduled]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good communications skills

-   Organizational skills, public relations experience

-   Valid drivers license

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#vis .anchor}**Visual Information Specialist**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Take pictures of specific projects on conservation subjects.

-   Become acquainted with local newspaper editors and TV station
    personnel, and present photos and information for release.

-   Develop news releases, visual aids and TV information.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Knowledge in photography and writing skills

-   Good public relations skills

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#calligrapher .anchor}**Visual Information Assistant (Calligrapher)**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Make posters for speech and poster contest, tree program, and soil
    stewardship program.

-   Do lettering for the fair and Environmental Days display,
    certificates, and other publicity as needed.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Calligraphy training, imagination, and initiative

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#slides .anchor}**Visual Information Assistant (Slides)**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Review slide programs, movies and records information about each
    usable program onto a simple form.

-   Prepare a simple label describing slide programs and place on slide
    program box.

-   Help the NRCS public affairs specialist design and prepare an audio
    visual catalog of available NRCS audio visual materials\--primarily
    slide programs.

-   The volunteer will work in an audiovisual room and use a slide
    projector and a recorder. The supervisor will provide training on
    the use of such equipment.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Familiarity with conservation programs and practices

-   Ability to summarize messages

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#techaide .anchor}**Conservation Aide, Technical**

**(Job Category: Application Assistant)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Assist the field office staff with applying ecological conservation
    planning and application in the field and office.

-   Transferring soil map units from soil survey mapping sheets to land
    use aerial photos.

-   Gather crop data for Swampbuster and Sodbuster determination.

Time Commitment: [part-time with potential for full time
needed]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Valid drivers license

-   Ability to walk under difficult conditions

-   Neat handwriting

-   Ability to communicate with farmers

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

**Conservation Aide, Technical**

**(Job Category: Application Assistant)**

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Ed Templeton, Missouri

USDA-NRCS, 812 Progress Drive, Farmington, MO 63640

\(573\) 756-6488

ed.templeton@mo.usda.gov

**Partnering Organization:** Upward Bound Program and Mineral Area
College

The Upward Bound Program is funded through the college. They find
students who are eligible for the program. The college contacted NRCS
for a position for their student.

[]{#engineeringassist .anchor}**Conservation Engineering Assistant**

**(Job Category: Planning Assistance or Practice/System Management)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Assist the field office in survey, design and drafting of
    engineering practices for cooperators.

-   Make field survey, reference and plot field notes.

-   Help design Ag waste system.

Time Commitment: [Seasonal, 3 days per week]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Must have a BS in Civil or Agricultural Engineering, or work
    experience in the field

-   Valid drivers license

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#fieldassist .anchor}**Conservation Field Assistant**

**(Job Category: Planning Assistance or Practice/System Management)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Help the NRCS staff with the construction of conservation practices
    in the field as a rodman.

Time Commitment: [20 hours a week]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Must be physically able to do conservation field work

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#planwriter .anchor}**Conservation Plan Writer**

**(Job Category: Planning Assistance)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Assist NRCS and SWCD planners with documentation of conservation
    plans and contracts.

-   Take planning notes prepared by district conservationist and develop
    them into farm plans.

-   Assemble in plan folder soils maps, aerial photos, biology
    information sheets, soils data, seeding plans, job sheets and
    narrative record of cooperators decisions.

-   Prepare additional copies of farm plans for CFSA and landowner files
    as needed.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Writing skills

-   Neat handwriting for map labeling

-   Typing helpful but not necessary

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#surveyor .anchor}**Conservation Surveyor**

**(Job Category: Resource Survey and Analysis)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Field survey for cost-share program and soil survey concerns.

-   Meet with landowners to learn of their concerns.

-   List pros and cons of cost-share programs and soil survey.

-   Find the types of programs needed in the area.

-   Distribute information on soil surveys.

Time Commitment: [2 to 3 months per year]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Personable

-   Writing skills

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#techassist .anchor}**Conservation Technical Assistant**

**(Job Category: Planning Assistance)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Decipher notes from field survey.

-   Draw up notes to x section and profile paper.

-   Figure Yardage form x-section.

-   Make simple cost estimates from charts.

Time Commitment: [4 hours per day during the summer]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good handwriting

-   Knowledge of simple math and how to use a calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#tillagecoord .anchor}**Conservation Tillage Coordinator**

**(Job Category: Practice/System Management)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Disseminating and promoting the most recent research information
    showing benefits of conservation tillage.

-   Organizing a tour of conservation tillage farms in county.

-   Making signs and placing them next to fields where conservation
    tillage system is used.

-   Promoting use of no-till drill, maintenance work on drill, and
    scheduling rental of drill.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good communication skills

-   Valid drivers license

-   Farm background helpful

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#tillagetech .anchor}**Conservation Tillage Technician**

**(Job Category: Practice/System Management)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Record plot results as assigned by NRCS personnel.

-   Record and research tillage equipment. Assist with plot setup,
    maintenance, and harvest.

-   Harvest and planting assistance.

-   Weekly reports to supervisor (may be done by phone).

-   Assists in summarizing individual case studies.

Time Commitment: [spring and fall, for planting and harvesting, with
weekly observations during growing season. Yearly commitment over 3-5
years]{.underline}

Location is at one to three sites centrally located within the county.

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Ability to write clearly

-   Ability to follow math equations and formulas

-   Knowledge of weeds, fertility, and agronomy

-   Physical ability to work within small plots

-   Valid drivers license

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#cropyieldspec .anchor}**Crop Yield Specialist**

**(Job Category: Planning Assistance)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Contact landowners willing to cooperate in a crop yield study
    program.

-   Collect crop yield data on various erosion phases of soils.

-   Collect and weigh samples, and obtain crop moisture content from
    fields.

Time Commitment: [2 weeks during harvest]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Physically able to walk across rough terrain and lift weights up to
    50 pounds

-   Good communication skills

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#engineeringdesign .anchor}**Engineering Design Assistant**

**(Job Category: Planning Assistance)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Assist agency personnel in investigation surveys, preliminary
    drafting of engineering plans, design survey, drafting of final
    engineering plan, making simple volume computations and making
    construction layout.

-   The survey consists of setting survey stakes on line, taking
    horizontal measurements by chaining and pacing, and making vertical
    measurement (rodman).

-   Drafting consists of plotting profiles, cross sections and drafting
    location plan and watershed map.

Time Commitment: [seasonal - approximately two days per
week]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Must be able to make simple arithmetic computations

-   High school drafting required; must be able to draft orderly, neat,
    and clear drawings

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#fieldengineering .anchor}**Field Engineering Assistant**

**(Job Category: Planning Assistance)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Provide assistance in simple surveying, layout and engineering
    design work for approved conservation practices as outlined in the
    NRCS Technical Guides.

Time Commitment: [15 to 20 hours per week during the heavy construction
months of April through June and September through November]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Ability to do simple design work and drawings for engineering
    practices

-   Ability to walk to the sites in the field and carry equipment

-   Valid drivers license

-   Ability to keep and record field notes accurately and neatly

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#fieldinspector .anchor}**Field Inspector I**

**(Job Category: Quality and Evaluation)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Inspect fields going into certain program (CRP & RIM) or needing
    specific assistance.

-   Identify problem areas, wetlands, weed problems, erosion problems.

-   Report to supervisor, giving input and problem solving.

-   Report back to landowner - giving him different ideas or solutions
    to solve his particular problem.

-   Follow-up.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good communications

-   Ag understanding

-   Knowledge of conservation practices

-   Valid drivers license

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#followup .anchor}**Follow-Up Planning Assistant**

**(Job Category: Quality and Evaluation)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Review farm plans and notes for completeness.

-   Review planning map and enter practice installed on map, if
    necessary.

-   Call, write or visit the cooperator to verify the practice location
    and maintenance needed.

-   Schedule an NRCS or SWCD employee to visit if maintenance is needed.

Time Commitment: [12 hours per week. Times in the field should be over 6
to 8 hours for best travel arrangements]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Valid drivers license and good driving skills

-   Able to follow road maps and locate conservation practices on aerial
    photographs

-   Good handwriting

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#forestry .anchor}**Marketing Research - Forestry**

**(Job Category: Communications and Relations)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Develop and conduct inventories and polls to locate markets for wood
    products and vegetables.

-   Inventory wood industries in cabinet shops, furniture manufacturing,
    etc.

-   Poll food industry such as restaurants, grocery stores, etc.

-   Summarize results in clear and concise manner.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good communication skills

-   Valid drivers license

-   Computer skills helpful

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#notill .anchor}**No-Till Drill Coordinator**

**(Job Category: Practice/System Management)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Scheduling - Set up time for planting, deliver drill to farmer, keep
    office informed of schedule.

-   Maintenance - Set seeding and fertilizer rates on drill, repair
    drill as needed, perform daily maintenance, report to office any
    major problems.

-   Reporting - Report farmer\'s name, crop, acres planted, and
    locations.

Time Commitment: [Spring and fall; any hours and days, weather
permitting. Location is countywide, with scheduling done at
home]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Valid drivers license

-   Farm background

-   Mechanically inclined

-   Able to read county road maps

-   Good communication skills

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#researchfarm .anchor}**Research Farm Assistant**

**(Job Category: Technology Development/Transfer/Maintenance)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Maintain grounds, provide maintenance and weed control to windbreak
    plots, and provide assistance to researchers as requested.

-   Provide chemical and mechanical weed control in windbreak plots.

-   Assist in planting new shrubs and removing old shrubs.

-   Assist in evaluating annual growth of shrub.

-   Assist water quality researchers with data gathering.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Valid drivers license

-   Interest in ecological science helpful

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#datacollection .anchor}**Resource Data Collection Specialist**

**(Job Category: Technology Development/Transfer/Maintenance)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Assist in data collection including erosion inventories, field
    evaluations, water quality samples, and well monitoring water table
    levels for pre-selected sites at set intervals.

-   Drive from site to site at designated intervals to record
    information. Records will be kept and recorded. Information may be
    entered into a computer database.

Time Commitment: [30 hours per month]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Valid drivers license

-   Ability to perform physical task of walking

-   Record keeping and numerical skills are required

-   Some knowledge of computers

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#soilsurvey .anchor}**Soil Survey Assistant**

**(Job Category: Resource Survey and Analysis)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Assist with information activities including: displays,
    presentations, tours, news articles, photography (aerial
    photography-pilot aircraft/take aerial photos for manuscript).

-   Map compilation, including color checking soils maps, counting
    acres, and checking line/symbol accuracy.

-   Assist with manuscript development, including typing/word-processing
    assistance for current descriptions/legends.

Time Commitment: [season for outdoor work; 1/2 days, 2-4 days per week
for indoor work]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good communication skills

-   Valid drivers license

-   Agricultural knowledge helpful

-   Ability to read maps

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

**Soil Survey Assistant**

**(Job Category: Resource Survey and Analysis)**

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Maquoketa, Iowa

USDA-NRCS, 603 1/2 E. Platt St., Maquoketa, IA 52060

\(563\) 652-2337 x 3

jane.butt@ia.usda.gov

**Partnering Organization:** Iowa Workforce Development

Initially, the Job Training Partnership Act approached the (then) SCS
office to place a summer youth. Since then, this NRCS office has had
numerous volunteers through JTPA Summer Youth Workers, Promise Jobs, and
Welfare to Work programs. In addition, through the new Workforce
Investment Act we have placed people in both the adult and youth
programs.

[]{#soilsurveyfield .anchor}**Soil Survey Field Assistant**

**(Job Category: Resource Survey and Analysis)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Assist soil mappers in collecting soil data, crop yield, woodland
    site index, permeability studies, etc.

-   Contact landowners/operators to promote soil survey process and/or
    gain permission/access to land.

-   Responsible for assisting and/or gathering soil data in field -
    assist in excavation of soil pits, field examination of soil
    profiles, and collection of soil samples. Record soils information
    on forms.

-   Assist in tabulation and compilation of field data - Record acreage
    of mapping units, map compilation (color check), field note
    compilation, farm plan mapping transfer and update, prepare field
    sheets for mapping (section tics, outline and name lakes, etc.).

-   Assist and/or gather crop yield and woodland data - measure and
    record information, make preparations for field work (gather
    necessary equipment, maps, tools, field sheets).

-   Maintain field equipment.

Time Commitment:

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good communication skills

-   Valid drivers license

-   Agricultural knowledge helpful

-   Ability to read maps

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#soisdataanalyst .anchor}**Soils Data Analyst**

**(Job Category: Resource Survey and Analysis)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Assist in collecting, organizing, and culling duplicate soil data
    collected in progressive soil surveys.

-   Collect soil data files for completed soil surveys. Organize soil
    data according to filing system in General Manual. Remove duplicate
    and/or irrelevant soil data from the files.

Time Commitment: [negotiable; would expect up to 8 hours a week for 8
weeks]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

1.  Understanding of filing principles

2.  Some knowledge of earth sciences is beneficial

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#treeplanter .anchor}**Tree Planter**

**(Job Category: Practice/System Management)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Meet with landowners.

-   Plant trees.

-   Maintain equipment.

-   Care for tree/shrub stock including watering.

Time Commitment: [Spring and fall; any hours and days, weather
permitting. Location is countywide, with scheduling done at
home]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Good communications skills

-   Valid drivers license

-   Responsible and dependable

-   Knowledge of trees, plants, soils, weed control, and mechanics
    helpful

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#treeprogramassist .anchor}**Tree Program Assistant**

**(Job Category: Program Management)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Assist with all aspects of the local tree program for conservation
    practice establishment.

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-   To assist the Tree Program Coordinator with implementation of the
    tree program.

-   Assist with tree program including writing news articles, making
    bulletins and completing individual order forms.

-   Assist clients with planting information, species selection,
    windbreak planning and wildlife enhancement of planting trees.

-   Help contact landowners interested in trees. Help in measurement and
    planning of farmstead groves, field windbreaks, and wildlife tree
    planting.

-   Help with administrative duties associated with tree program.

-   Help in the distribution and planting of trees.

-   Assist with follow-up contact of landowners on care of trees.

Time Commitment: [Spring and fall; any hours and days, weather
permitting. Location is countywide, with scheduling done at
home]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Reliable

-   Valid drivers license

-   Good communications skills

-   Knowledge of trees, plants, soils, and/or weed control helpful

-   Mechanically inclined helpful

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

**Tree Program Assistant**

**(Job Category: Program Management)**

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Priscilla Johnston, New Hampshire

USDA-NRCS, Fed. Bldg., 2 Madbury Rd., Durham, NH 03824

\(603\) 868-9931 x 102

pjohnston@nh.nrcs.usda.gov

**Partnering Organization:** University of New Hampshire Cooperative
Extension Service, U.S. Forest Service, New Hampshire Division of
Forests and Lands, and Hillsborough, Rockingham and Strafford counties
conservation districts

NRCS partners with these organizations to recruit Earth Team and
Community Tree Steward volunteers and provide them with comprehensive
training in tree identification, biology, and maintenance; wildlife;
watersheds and water quality; sustainable landscaping; urban soils; map
interpretation; erosion control; and climate change. The 10-day training
is free and participants are asked to give back a minimum of 40 hours of
volunteer time using the skills they\'ve learned.

[]{#waterquality .anchor}**Water Quality Assistant**

**(Job Category: Program Management)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Identify all lakes within county by fish population and recreational
    activity.

-   Take appropriate number of water samples from each lake.

-   Test water clarity by secchidisk.

-   Test for nitrates and phosphorous by chemical analysis.

-   Compile inventory of results.

Time Commitment: [summer, 2 to 4 hours per day until all lakes are
sampled]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Operate outboard motor and watercraft

-   High school chemistry

-   Record keeping and numerical skills

-   Valid drivers license

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#watershed .anchor}**Watershed Land Treatment Coordinator**

**(Job Category: Program Management)**

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

-   Collect and assemble information from landowners in watershed that
    identified need for and interest in conservation practices.

-   Explain present practices and programs available to landowners to
    correct resource problems.

-   Assemble information identifying landowner interest and status of
    land treatment.

Time Commitment: [5 to 10 hours per week but negotiable. It is expected
that the assignment could be completed in three to six
months]{.underline}

Knowledge and Skills Required (choose as appropriate):

-   Familiar with soil and water conservation practices and able to
    explain them to land operators/owners

-   Willing to contact and visit farmers and other land users

-   Valid drivers license

-   Good communication skills

Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

-   Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a
    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#blank .anchor}

Major Duties (select appropriate duties for Earth Team member and agency
needs):

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Equal Employment Opportunity Responsibilities:

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    manner consistent with, the agency\'s Equal Employment Opportunity
    and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written
    communications. Respects the values and differences of other
    employees and clients.

Supervision:

[]{#other .anchor}**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Cheryl Johnson, Pennsylvania

\(717\) 237-2237

**Partnering Organization:** Shippensburg University, Department of
Geography/Earth Sciences

In 1989, contact was made with the university\'s GIS staff and we
demonstrated our GIS program to them and discussed the need for
inters/volunteers and their need to provide intern placement for their
undergraduate and graduate students. We continue to use this position
with the university with the students working as interns/volunteers,
with some actually being hired by NRCS. The students have greatly
appreciated the GIS experience they obtain and most go on to obtain GIS
positions.

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Rod Goode, Alabama

\(205\) 823-6400

rodney.goode@al.usda.gov

**Positions:** Various Group Volunteers

**Partnering Organization:** Hands on Birmingham

Hands on Birmingham is a volunteer referral service. When they have a
group that wants to volunteer the director contacts NRCS to see if a
project is available. Hands on Birmingham is part of a nationwide group
([www.citycares.org)]().

**Partnering Organization:** UAB Student Volunteers Services

UAB has two student volunteer outreach days each year called \"Into the
Streets.\" Their director calls NRCS to organize the projects at least
twice a year.

**Partnering Organization:** The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints

NRCS partners with the young adult group.

**Creative Recruiting Idea**

**Submitted by:** Jan Pertruzzi, Delaware

\(302\) 697-2600 x 109

jan.pertruzzi@dedover.fsc.usda.gov

**Positions:** Various On Request

**Partnering Organization:** Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

NRCS contacted the organization and explained the Earth Team and some of
the needs and learned that RSVP places volunteers aged 55+ into agencies
that request assistance with various tasks.