**Human Capital Survey**

**December 2005**

**Question 19**

Question: What was the primary reason you chose NRCS as an employer?

Response: open ended

1.  I liked the people and the vision

2.  satisifaction of job,

3.  Job opportunity in my discipline

4.  I believe in promoting ag. I like to help the ag producers. The
    stability of NRCS is important to me.

5.  My goal once I got out of school was to find a job that allowed me
    to work outside and accomplish work I believed in.

6.  I wanted to work outdoors with farmers.

7.  Worked in NRCS office as a soil conservation district employee and
    wanted to be able to be more effective

8.  I believe in conservation principles and thought the NRCS would be
    the best place to help others apply those principles.

9.  The location of my duty station.

10. I saw how the people are and how good the people have in the NRCS.

11. At the time, it was the best opportunity for me in obtaining a full
    time job with benefits. I also have always had a scientific, want to
    help people do better attitude.

12. Ability to be more involved with my family due to work location and
    work schedule.

13. its mission fits in with my belifs, and values. It helps people like
    my dad.

14. Back in 1979 when I became an employee of then SCS, I thought the
    agency was helping private landowners apply conservation to the land
    they worked and was helping improve the health of the environment.

15. I was in a small town, working for private business and needed to
    stay in that town. I had two friends who were recently hired at NRCS
    and seemed to like it. I had to take a substantial pay cut to accept
    the job but it met my need to remain in the town and NRCS seemed to
    have better benefits than I had in previous private sector
    employment. Also, I had grown up on a farm and thought it might be
    interesting for a while. As it turns out, it was the best move I
    ever made because they were willing to promote.

16. A interest in application of conservation practices.

17. love of agriculture

18. Because of the support I recieved during my time in school

19. Satisfaction of doing conservation work

20. Six years ago the agency was recognized by USDA as one of the best
    agencies to work with.

21. So that I could work to improve the condition of all natural
    resources.

22. I was a student coop for NRCS my last year of college. I was then
    offered a full time position with good benefits and some degree of
    job security. I was also able to go back to school as an NRCS
    employee and get my Master\'s degree. Support of obtaining an
    advanced degree was very important to me.

23. The NRCS gives me the ability to work in natural resource
    conservation and management which is very worthwhile and important
    for our future.

24. Once upon a time we were a TECHNICAL agency

25. pay

26. I love the outdoors

27. Student Intern - career opportunity. Pay was better then private
    sector.

28. I was excited about making a difference at the grass roots to
    improve our nation\'s natural resources.

29. Reputation a custodian of the Public\'s trust for natural resource
    conservation

30. The agency showed interest in my skills and abilities.

31. Wanted to work in this geographical location

32. More career opportunities.

33. Philosophical compatibility

34. I like the idea of voluntary conservation programs and encouraging
    rather than forcing landowners to

35. I had worked with SCS through farm assistance and started as a WAE.I
    enjoyed working with the land and this agency at the time met my
    desires.

36. I wanted to become involved with helping people regognize and solve
    evironmental problems

37. Career opportunities

38. I was recruited\... otherwise I wouldn\'t of known about SCS.

39. enjoy working with people. In addition I enjoy the outdoors.

40. Needed a job.

41. get to work with farmers and ranchers

42. I believed and supported the mission.

43. Retired from military service and wanted to get back into the
    Federal government

44. My Farm Background

45. Very good match between current interests and skills and what the
    job involved, plus competitive pay

46. Promotional Potential

47. Upward mobility.

48. WORK FIT MY DEGREE MAJOR.

49. Work on specific project

50. The mission of the agency.

51. Was taken off the register and stayed with the Agency.

52. A secure job that pays a decent wage and has good benefits.

53. Needed a job.

54. I thought there were going to be opportunities to make a difference.

55. Natural resource work, outdoor work, \'private\' sector work,
    location options, able to make and see a difference while developing
    natural resource expertise.

56. water and soil conservation

57. Natural resource management opportunities.

58. To work for the public good.

59. Job offer

60. Had worked as a student trainee for the SCS.

61. Only job I could get in my commuting area.

62. challenge, technically oriented

63. Co-Op program in college

64. Type of job and location

65. Wanted to work with databases and NRCS had a related opening.

66. I wanted a change in my geographic location.

67. I was offered a promotion and I thought I would able to continue my
    career progression with a challenging job with an opportunity to
    make a difference.

68. federal register selection shortly after college graduation in
    agricultural curriculum

69. I applied and the agency was interested.

70. They offered me a job.

71. I believe in the good that can be done by this agency when they
    remember that the actual work is being done in the field and all
    other positions are here to support that work.

72. Admiration for the values of NRCS employees.

73. Availability.

74. At the time I was hired, it was a full time position with relatively
    good pay and benifits and it generally fit what I went to college
    for (natrual resources major).

75. The pay and benefits first, the type of work second.

76. position with another agency relocated.

77. Was a Boy Scout, and felt that I wanted to have a career that helped
    protect out natural resources.

78. The conservation of natural resources as the agency mission.

79. Benefits,Job security

80. I enjoyed working with people who manage natural resources

81. I liked the kind and variety of work that the soil conservationist
    do.

82. Location. Close to home.

83. opportunity in home area

84. Wanted to be an employee of the Federal Government - job security.

85. Student trainee program gave me, the kid from the suburbs, an
    opportunity to learn about SCS & how it fit my personal career
    interests

86. Offered the position

87. It was better than where I left

88. good job

89. It is a reputable federal agency

90. Relocation by spouse. Applied with several federal agencies. NRCS
    was one of two who offered employment. NRCS offered first.

91. I believe in the conservation of the land

92. It was a nice job.

93. I was looking for a parttime position and it was available. It was
    only temporary due to budget. However, I knew about SCS and was
    happy to be hired by an agency that had conservation in its name. I
    wanted the type of work that was offered, which was mapping work.

94. Job was what I wanted to do - worked a summer

95. It gave me a job when and were I was looking right after graduating
    collge

96. Job stability.

97. Conservation focused.

98. I like agriculture.

99. I wanted to work in with Natural Resources and wanted to make a
    difference.

100. The jobs described to me sounded like what I would enjoy and keep
     at for a long time.

101. good salary and benefits

102. Mission compatible with career goals and benefits

103. Desire to do conservation work.

104. I wanted to work in the field, to do

105. To work in coservation

106. Liked the work ethic and the ability to perform my job out in the
     field working with clients directly on their farm with their
     resource concerns

107. Because it\'s a conservation organization!

108. Location of current position

109. Type of work that I always was interested in.

110. I love the environment and am a firm believer in conservation,
     recycling, the land and all it encompasses. I believe in the agency
     and what it does and what we stand for.

111. Wanted a career in an outdoor occupation that was involved with
     agriculture or the natural resources and job security with a
     federal agency.

112. Available position in the location I wanted

113. I am a support person; the NRCS agency has extremely gifted and
     talented folks on the ground floor

114. Being able to accomplish conservation on the land that makes a
     positive difference to our environment.

115. Had knowledge of agency through my father who was a farmer. Intern
     positions were available at the time I was leaving graduate school

116. only job offered

117. It was a non-military agency

118. I chose SCS as an employer due to their reputation at that time and
     the opportunity to provide a valuable service product to the
     public.

119. Conservation ethic

120. Good position to enter Federal Civilian Employment after working
     for Department of Defense.

121. experience

122. Location opportunity

123. Opportunity

124. I needed a job. I was an Earth Team Volunteer, and the Area
     Conservationist saw qualities in me that would benefit the agency.

125. Needed to get out the employment situation I was in. It was the
     first opportunity to make a change.

126. Because of their conservation objectives

127. I was interested in the work the combination of natural resources
     and agriculture. Ability to work outside. Ability to9 continue to
     learn.

128. I worked as an intern and liked the mission of the agency

129. I was already a conservation district employee for many years

130. I was attracted to the type of work the agency does

131. Ability to work outdoors much of the year doing something that is
     positive for society and the environment.

132. Average to good pay for administrative work in my area & good
     benefits.

133. applied for vacancy

134. I simply needed a job and it was offered to me, yet at a grade
     scale less than I possessed

135. I was looking for an environmental position and SCS was the only
     one who offered me a position (temporary full time)

136. Convenient location and I was a former federal employee that moved
     into the area where employed.

137. The mission and the importance of the agency.

138. no reason

139. I need A job

140. The type of work

141. Because the agency have a good beneficits an the work is very
     interesting.

142. Working with enviromentaly consious individuals.

143. It is an EEO employer and I enjoy doing GIS maps for them.

144. Better pay and closer to home.

145. A college proffesor asked me to take a look at the agency.

146. at the time I really liked working outdoors and working with
     agricultural producers. 90% field 10% office then, 10% field 90%
     office now. I\'m a conservationist at heart and action.

147. I had a contact at the college I attended, and when I interviewed I
     was excited by what I heard about the agency.

148. Availability and mobility

149. Opportunity to enter the federal sector and excel in my discipline.

150. A healthy environment is important to me. I feel like my job is
     worth while because I can see the changes that are brought about by
     our programs.

151. Better money than the soil & water conservation districts offer and
     more opportunity to move up.

152. I was looking forward to advancing in my career. I worked for a
     district prior. There was no where to advance. I thought NRCS would
     give me better oppurtunities. However, I am now caught in the same
     situation\....the 457 series.

153. federal position

154. Dedicated to Conservation and generally I love my Job, although it
     becomes very streesful at times without enough help-STAFF at the
     Field Office Level\.....

155. Conservation! I wanted to make a difference.

156. Type of work

157. When I took this job I was excited about an interesting, rewarding
     opportunity. I knew I was starting at the bottom but that was fine
     due to the information I was given regarding promotions. It sounded
     really good at the time. If I had been told about the changes
     coming regarding mobility agreements and the change in the 457, I
     may have still taken this job, but at least I would have known the
     way things were going to unfold and I could have prepared
     differently and made different decisions in my personal life, but
     that does not seem to matter with NRCS.

158. I enjoy the type of work that was offered.

159. To work out of doors and provide valuable information to landowners
     and to have financial security.

160. Work accomplishment gratifacation

161. I like working for the farm community and like the employment
     security.

162. I liked the work and the pay scale was decent for my area.

163. Job security

164. Interesting Work

165. It offered me a position that fulfilled my requirements.

166. Job Satisfaction

167. The goals of the agency and the hands on involement with landowners

168. Benefits

169. NRCS provided me to apply my educational training to my choosen
     field of employment.

170. At first it was protection of the environment and helping the
     farmer. Now I would not consider taking the job.

171. The work and people. however that has changed drastically in the
     past 5 years, now I spend 90 percent of my time in front of a
     computer justifying my job and managing contracts. I am not sure I
     would have stayed so long if my job started out that way. I have
     been employed by NRCS for 30 years.

172. I thought that my work would be valued by farmers, landowners and
     the agency

173. Availabe employment at the time for my education.Pay,benefits,job
     satisfaction,advancement oppurtunities.

174. Technical aspect, training, outside work (which I am doing MUCH
     LESS of these days)

175. belief in its mission

176. just worked out that way

177. I actually had to relocate in this area due to my mother being ill,
     I never knew that there was government offices in this area.

178. After I finally heard of them (I had been working with a Soil and
     Water Conservation District) I switched to NRCS because the money
     was better than a district could pay. Don\'t take this as too much
     of a positive though. At my GS-9 salary I still can\'t meet my
     bills, am going into debt more every month, and will need to get a
     second job. But I don\'t really have time for a second job since I
     am putting myself through college, trying to get a second degree,
     so I can move forward in this agency.

179. I liked the idea of making a real difference on the environment by
     working to install conservation practices on the land. Plus, I
     respect farmers and enjoy working with them.

180. I actually chose SCS due to its commitment to the land and people.

181. Stability

182. wishing to work in an environmental field

183. I enjoyed the type of work. (working outdoors and on farms)

184. I wanted to work for them\...I had people around me in college who
     were working for them.

185. It was local and directly related to the field I was currently
     studying.

186. I enjoy working with maps.

187. Job description/type of work.

188. benefits

189. Attractive career and opportunities

190. It was a career oportunity & I wanted to work at something I would
     be proud of. Over the last 5 years or so, I lost that pride!

191. interested in doing outdoor conservation work

192. good benefits, believe in the mission of the agency

193. The job matched my abilities and interests, and the location was
     ideal.

194. I enjoy working with farmers and the public resloving environmental
     problems.

195. Was conservation district staff job opening became available.

196. It looked like the type of work that is suited to me.

197. I like the variety of conservation work they did.

198. Job opening in my hometown.

199. Carreer advancement opportunities

200. Looking for a job in the field of Agriculture and the Environment,
     and NRCS fit the bill.

201. It provided an oppurtunity to work with the best government agency
     in agriculture in my mind.

202. I needed a change from the other agency I was working for.

203. believe in conserving our natural resources while at the save time
     assisting agriculture to meet a stricter environmental ethic. I
     wanted to be able to provide both financial and technical assist to
     farmers that will help the industry become more sustainable.

204. I like to work closer with land users as soil scientist.

205. I felt the SCS made a positive difference in the stewardship of our
     soil and water resources.

206. Benefits, steady employment and opportunity to work in agriculture
     (relates to my upbringing)

207. I needed the job and wanted to get my foot in the door of a
     government position

208. I enjoyed working outdoors and developing conservation plans to
     address natural resource concerns and improve the natural
     environment.

209. I interned with the agency when in college and liked the security
     NRCS offers.

210. stability

211. Technical type of work when I was hired on 18 years ago.

212. Job description, potential job security, hours and benefits

213. To work in the natural resoure field.

214. I love working outdoors, I grew up on a farm and enjoy working with
     farmers, and I want to help the environment.

215. Mission of the agency

216. They were SCS not NRCS when I chose them. SCS talked about
     empowering employees to make decesions and stream-line workloads.
     SCS also talked about conservation on the ground. Through the years
     the opposite has happened and now NRCS supervisors check all 5
     different ways that is required to document that you completed a
     practice. You must have the documentation correct all 5 ways,
     whether the practice is on the ground or not, doesn\'t seem to
     matter as long as it is in the computer, documented corrected, and
     reported correctly. Almost no one seems to care that the practice
     is installed and functing.

217. work with individuals on natrual resource related matters such as
     nut mgt, soil erosion control and surf water mgt

218. I thought I\'d be helping the environment.

219. working with farmers and agriculture

220. The potential to serve an entire career with one employer.

221. I work a summer under the student intern program allowing me a
     chance to evealuate the agency befoer being hired full time.

222. I like this type of work.

223. A job in the environmental field.

224. interesting job

225. I worked in the conservation district setting and aspired to work
     with NRCS because of the interesting worked performed by the
     agency.

226. I loved the job and the benefits were good and pay was adequate to
     begin with.

227. They fulfilled my personal goal of wanting to help the environment,
     but not being stuck in an office everyday.

228. This is the kind of work that I wanted to do. My life goal is to
     protect natural resources for future generations and I love the
     people that I work with (both customers and co-workers).

229. It gave me the opportunity to provide hands-on assistance
     inenvironmental protection without any political connotations to
     the assitance provided.

230. Enjoy working outdoors and with farmers, SCS had a good reputation
     with the farm community and the public in general

231. enjoy the work they do

232. Father worked for NRCS (SCS).

233. Position I was interested in was open.

234. To work in the field of agriculture.

235. Like working with the Ag community and other environmental
     improvement type projects.

236. soil and water conservation

237. Association through a conservation district

238. I believe that government plays a vital role in partnership with
     producers for cheap food production as well as resource
     sustainability and improvement.

239. job knowledge, benefits, work load, retirement

240. Enjoyed working outdoors and making a difference getting
     conservation on the land.

241. opportunity to do real( on the ground ) conservation that was
     meaningful and lasting

242. The ability to expand my work environment to several Counties, and
     the job allows me to work on many different projects and programs.
     This creates a variety of work arenas and my work never gets stale
     or monotonous.

243. Because it gave the most interesting asingnments and career
     flexibility of any soil science field available.

244. Conservation

245. I anticipated a mix of technology and conservation with work both
     outdoors and inside.

246. Agriculture

247. WAE\'s flexible work schedule. I started as a WAE and the flexible
     schedule was benefical to my young family.

248. WAE flexible work schedule. The flexible work schedule was
     beneficial to my young family.

249. Good employees willing to train and mentor. Enjoy technical work
     and improving the environment. Good mix of outdoor and indoor work.
     Adequate pay and good benifits for this area.

250. The job one I knew I would do well with and offered a variety of
     different project areas to work in.

251. Close to Home and was in my field if study

252. I liked the work SCS at the time was doing. It was helping farmers
     and other land owners deal with real problems with erosion,
     flooding and water quality. They were well respected by the
     production ag community. I wanted meaningful work in the
     agriculture field.

253. The agency provided an opportunity to work in the environmental
     resource field.

254. The agency offered a way to work with great customers in an
     endeavor that made a positive and lasting impact.

255. It chose me\...

256. liked the work and misssion when hired

257. I met with a current NRCS Employee and found out there were some
     job openings when around the time I finished school and I applied
     and got hired.

258. Looking for a career in a technical environmental field

259. I liked what the agency stood for in protecting our natural
     resources and how they went about accomplishing that goal.

260. opportunity to improve environment

261. I have my masters degree in Environmental Science. My goal as an
     envronmental science student was to get a job where I could work in
     the field a lot. I enjoy working in the field and helping to
     promote conservation and NRCS provides that opportunity much more
     than privage consulting firms/planning agencies.

262. I want to improve the environment.

263. I wanted an outside job.

264. conservation of wildlife

265. Soil Conservation Service - needed college degree, farm background,
     and some outside work.

266. knew someone who worked for agency

267. local good government job. couldn\'t find anything else in my
     field. environmental

268. Job was in the field of work I am interested in. Good benefits.

269. To blend my two biggest interests: agriculture and forestry.

270. My chance to have an impact on management and conservation of all
     natural resources on ag. land.

271. I like what I do, and the benefits.

272. Ability to use my skills as a photo interpreter.

273. I wanted to save soil, improve wildlife habitat and help preserve
     farmland. NRCS lets me do that while offering job stability.

274. working with farmers one-on-one in the field

275. Enjoyed the work at the time and security.

276. Started work with them out of college and wanted to eventually get
     on full time. Loved the job I did.

277. NRCS offered a good student trainee program that provided good in
     the field training and good starting pay.

278. as a farmer, i was greatly impresssed with the help that i received
     from my SCS technician.

279. I enjoy the most of the work that the agency does

280. Because I did volunteer work with the Conservation District and
     became familiar with NRCS and really liked what they did.

281. It is a Federal job and offers pay raises with increased
     proficiency and there is generally opportunity to advance upward if
     desired. Also Federal jobs are relatively stable compared to the
     private sector.

282. available position that matched my degree

283. I wanted to work with people and private landowners in particular
     to address conservation issues.

284. ?

285. opportunity

286. Helping people and the environment

287. The availability of a Biologist position

288. Wanted to be directly involved with producers

289. At the time, it was because of the opportunity to do resource
     conservation as a Primary job aspect.

290. Duties of chosen job classification (470 series)

291. By luck a DC told me about Student Trainee jobs with SCS and I got
     one in another State

292. I like working with the Ag community, and I like working in my
     professional dicipline.

293. Familiarity with the agency following a college internship with the
     local conservation district. Job offered immediately following
     graduation.

294. Relocation \-- Only federal position available in the area.

295. To have opportunity for new challenges and career ladder within
     field of soil and water conservation

296. Type of work they do

297. I agree with our mission.

298. It had jobs available at the time

299. The best work environment, pay, benefits, schedule and percieved
     fulfillment in helping the environment that any job offered in the
     agricultural engineering field

300. Strongly believe in the mission of the agency. Interested in
     working in the public sector.

301. Started as part-time, took on more work and became full-time temp
     for 2 year term. Do same work as soil conservationist but still
     only have a 4 compared to their 9\'s. Helping to train a 9 just
     hired who still has not written one plan in the month and a half
     employed by NRCS. Do not have the soils background but do have the
     farming background come from a family who farms 900 acres. Real
     life experiences do not seem to help in getting paid fairly.

302. SCS was the place to be for a soils and agronomy major. It had THE
     reputation.

303. Work environment.

304. To work for a federal agency with goals to improve and enhance
     natural resources and the environment

305. I really enjoyed working with people and trying to help them
     resolve environmental issues on their farms.

306. Wanted to do hands-on work in the outdoors; help people to solve
     real environmental problems.

307. I previously had been employed by FSA in a temporary capacity, and
     the funding there was depleted. NRCS had an opening and I was the
     successful applicant.

308. Work location

309. the opportunity to work with and help people in the field. This
     happens VERY infrequently with the NEW NRCS. this

310. Job duties, federal employment. I ultimately want to be a biologist
     for the federal government. Technically I am now, with NRCS, but I
     am only temporary because of lack of funding for biologists. I love
     the agency and the work I do.

311. I came in under CSRS, which at the time was excellent benefits.
     This was the main reason I came to work for the Agency, but since
     working for NRCS I like the fact you get satisfaction in
     accomplishments of service we provide.

312. I worked for SCS before. I went to college with the intention of
     working in this field, because I like agriculture, conservation,
     and working with people, both inside and outside.

313. I liked the type of work and opportunities to explore the country.

314. I believed at the time I was hired that the mission was in line
     with my beliefs. I like helping people and love farming. I want to
     make a positive contribution to our natural resources.

315. o

316. NRCS hired me for my abilities and expertise. The ability to help
     people is very gratifying.

317. Work one on one with the farmers

318. Desire to work outdoors.

319. college internship \-- then was offered a position right out of
     college

320. Could not find job comparable to one I had in the private sector
     after being

321. The administrative support infastructure is in place.

322. Had interned with NRCS as a student; I liked the agency\'s
     voluntary, not regulatory, approach to helping farmers.

323. Working outside with landowners.

324. job duties

325. I worked for them as a WAE and enjoyed what I did.

326. The agency did what I wanted to do.

327. Mission statement

328. I selected NRCS because I love agriculture and helping (teaching)
     others learn and implement good sustainable agricultural practices.

329. Interested in agriculture and have farm background

330. I believe in conservation as a means of providing for our future.

331. interested in ag

332. I grew up on a dairy farm in the 1950\'s and 60\'s. I thought my
     father and grandfather were great stewards of the land and I
     realized that I wanted to do something to improve land conservation
     in farming.

333. I was a student trainee for 3 summers so I was familiar with the
     agency. Also they accomidated my duty station location reuqests.

334. 26 years ago, they were about the only one hiring someone with my
     qualifications.

335. I enjoyed outdoor work, wanted to help improve the environment.

336. Working outdoors and with ag producers

337. I was working with the district and competitive pay scale or not
     NRCS was capable of paying me more and had better job security

338. Job for income and kind of work the agency did. That has changed in
     last several years as for work demands and pressures to handle
     programs/ spend dollars.

339. Had a soils engineering and terrain analysis background in the
     military, wanted to stay with a soils related degree and career.
     Also had some ag background.

340. I worked for the agency as an intern and was offered a full-time
     position upon graduation.

341. It was work in a field that I care about very much: soil and water
     conservation.

342. They offered me a job. After becomming an employee I realized that
     I belived in the agency mission and that NRCS made a positive
     difference for the agricultural community and the enviorment.

343. No other job available.

344. Want to help conserve natural resources.

345. I wanted to work in an agriculture related field, but now it seems
     to be mostly a computer related field.

346. Opportunity to do conservation work and experience hands on
     involvement.

347. Offered a position. In the area I lived at that time not may
     federal agencies.

348. Type of work

349. First job offer out of college.

350. The oppertunity to work in the field of Soil Science in my state
     and many other regions of the country as well. The training offered
     through OJT, Mapping details and the National Soil Survey Center.

351. I believed in its mission and vision.

352. interest in conservation

353. I needed a job - took temporary work and was eventually (2+ years
     later) converted

354. balance of field work and office work and connection to landusers
     in the community.

355. There was a job announcement hanging in the science department at
     my college. There were not a lot of other conservation jobs
     available at the time. Before that I had never heard of NRCS.

356. Grew up a farmer, and knew first hand what services we provide.

357. I believed in the mission of NRCS. I wanted to make a career out of
     helping people address their natural resource concerns. The NRCS of
     today is a computer run technical machine. Our administrators need
     to listen to the concerns of the field, this is presently not the
     case.

358. It blends well my interests in environmental work and agriculture.

359. mobility, promotional ability, great field, love natural resources,
     ever changing job, loves outdoors.

360. needed a job

361. secure job with steady increase in pay.

362. good pay, opportunities to learn, desire to make a difference
     environmentally

363. working outside in agriculture

364. It was time for a new job.

365. I fell into it.

366. I thought it would be a good job, and it could be. Like I said
     before, we should be helping the customers more, and doing less
     bean counting and paperwork. We should also be doing more research
     for new ways to help customers, not choking them ever increasingly
     with regulations. For example, research on the implementation of
     no-till farming in our area could be a benefit to farmers, rather
     than another regulation or practice, and at the same time would
     save more soil than regulating the crop rotations in the first
     place.

367. The oppertunity came at a good time.

368. Interesting work

369. Benefits other than pay.

370. potential to work with farmers and assist them with practicle
     projects which they need to remain in business

371. better standard of living

372. Need job change because of disability (mobility)

373. good benefits and stability

374. great opportunity to change profession

375. I was attracted to the conservation work.

376. The agency offered me a chance to begin my federal campaign. But
     has not been willing to help me progress without moving out of
     state.

377. Because the agency helps producers/landowners to accomplish
     conservation management of their land on a voluntary basis by
     offering sound technical information and the opportunity for cost
     share and incentive payments to perform those management tactics.

378. Promotion potential beyond the scope of an individual conservation
     district.

379. job opening in the area I lived

380. Knew someone who worked for NRCS.

381. GS13 position in home state

382. Needed a job.

383. Fit my college education.

384. type of work

385. Location

386. Utilize my technical/managerial education to benefit ag and natural
     resources

387. Effective conservation depends on private lands being involved.

388. Career in Natural Resources available

389. Field work

390. When I graduated in 1982 I was very interested in USDA but was told
     the job is too physically straining for a woman. I choose NRCS
     because I had a strong interest in science, I worked in the
     university soil testing lab and I wanted to have ajob that involved
     some outdoor work.

391. I considered it steady employment that wouldn\'t be at the whim of
     the economy. I also liked being able to go out and meet with people
     that wanted my assistance, work out what was needed and wanted,
     survey, design and install in less than one year.

392. Wanted to work with farmers.

393. misinformation

394. Benefits as well as serving the public

395. good mission

396. I chose to work for the NRCS because I am passionate about water
     quality issues and I am committed to sharing with others a land
     ethic that inspires all citizens to work towards a future where
     America supports itself with healthy food grown on farms that do
     not pollute the environment. I also want to work in a career where
     I can help the public and provide them with a free service that
     helps them improve the quality of their lives and their
     environment. I also chose the NRCS with the hopes that the agency
     will serve as a robust clearinghouse of conservation information
     for all citizens. And that we include energy conservation issues in
     all things that we do, along with considering SWAPA+H

397. Interested in field of work.

398. I knew about it because my father worked for NRCS for many years.

399. Conservation of ag lands and natural resources

400. Desire to help local people

401. In college I learned a lot about the type of work the NRCS does and
     I was very interested.

402. field work as a soil scientist as soil trainee during college.

403. Ability to work with land users to help them protect natural
     resources.

404. Good job with good benefits.

405. To work in National Cooperative Soil Survey.

406. Believed in the mission

407. Opportunity to use my technical knowledge and skills to contribute
     to natural resource conservation, with interesting outdoor work,
     and regular physical exercise.

408. By default. I actually wanted a career with the USFS, but at the
     time (1982) they did not have many entry level positions. I did
     want to be a USDA employee the idea of being able to take pride in
     the fact that I would be in a public service sector, and to a
     lesser extent job security.

409. the job fit well with my field in school and it is difficult to
     find employment in the natural resource field elsewhere

410. It was the only reasonable job available in the state

411. Confidenec is what I had before I understood the situation. The
     situation changed. I thought I would be able to see a change in the
     way political appointments to USDA are made\...surrogates of
     industry running an unsustainable food system.

412. To make a difference in Conservation.

413. main

414. opportunity to serve, help people

415. I was with SCS and loved the work we used to do. I used to believe
     in what I was doing was good for the land, the landownes and the
     country.

416. SCS was the primary employer for soil scientists at the time

417. good career opportunity

418. Type of job

419. I was a student intern with NRCS and seen the good work the agency
     does putting conservation practices in areas where needed. Also,
     through this experience, I worked with alot of great people who
     made me feel comfortable and were willing to train me in various
     technical areas.

420. different career

421. When I started over 30 years ago, there were few other
     opportunities to do conservation work.

422. There are very few good jobs with decent pay, good benefits, and
     any sort of job security in the area I live.

423. LIKE AGRICULTURE, AND WORKING WITH FARMERS

424. Opportunity as a senior citizen.

425. Family oriented.

426. The interdisciplenary nature of the work. The relocation benefits
     are good and the desire to work as a biologist in the agency.

427. The ability to work outside, help others and earn a decent pay in a
     rural location.

428. NRCS does the type of work I was interested in doing. Wanted to
     help farmers protect environment and be more productive.

429. Took Civil Service Test and a position came open in my area.

430. Liked the idea of working with people to create a better
     environment while providing an assistance to the client as well.

431. I wanted to be an RC&D Coordinator after serving the program many
     years as a volunteer.

432. belief in its mission

433. Job security

434. salary/benefits - I previously worked for a conservation district

435. ag/natural resource interest

436. Field work that followed through with my education focus

437. I wanted to work in the outdoors with landowners on natural
     resource problems, good pay, good retirement

438. I like what the NRCS stands for, helping people who need help, I
     enjoy what I do.

439. The work is very satisfying. I love the outdoors and this job
     requires a lot of outside work.

440. Strong committment to resource conservation.

441. Interested in continuing with federal service after Peace Corps

442. Stated NRCS vision fit with my personal goals.

443. I was from a farm back ground and had worked with SCS and the local
     district in the past. By working for NRCS, I get a feeling of
     accomplishment that I have help protect the enviroment and helped
     the local farm community which I\'m a part of.

444. It was a job that matched my college degree. I enjoy helping folks
     protect and improve their natural resources. In my state, the pay
     is sufficient.

445. At the time SCS was a good job.

446. Even though the application process was tedious and complicated,
     there was no interviewing required. Not everyone does well
     interviewing but they can still be good employees.

447. The opportunity was presented to me at the NOPHNRCSE Conference
     right when I completed my gradute degree.

448. Position opened closer to home.

449. Potential for career advancement.

450. The reason was two fold; first I wanted to serve the country by
     working for it and second I wanted to help in the conservation of
     our natural resources.

451. They offered me a job.

452. I really wanted to work with the NRCS. I felt good about the
     agency. I felt good about working with Ginger Murphy. I felt like I
     could do her and the agency proud.

453. the type of work - environmental conservation, in the outdoors,
     physical and well as technically challenging; public work rather
     than private gain

454. Job security and career advancement

455. Was contacted and offered a position with SCS (NRCS).

456. Administrative field

457. Had been laid off from DOD and wanted to return to Government
     employment. The first few years I learned more and like the Agency;
     but feel HQ has few ideas of what we do out here.

458. SCS was the one federal agency that would let me use my educational
     background (agronomy) and apply it to conservation of the
     environment.

459. I\'m passionate about the mission.

460. It\'s a career - not just a job. Working with organizations/state
     agencies to help improve our natural resources. What could be
     better!

461. Liked the work

462. I am a farmer and belived in the mission of NRCS (SCS)

463. Interested in outdoors and wanter career as a conservationist

464. its a govt agency

465. In the past the Agency goals and my were the same.

466. Job Security

467. Close to my home and something I was interested in.

468. To help the environment by implementing resource management
     practices, and have job security and benefits.

469. I wanted try different areas of the government.

470. Opportunity to see immediate results (benefits) on the land.

471. Type of work\...environmental/service oriented

472. I needed a job and the benfits were good.

473. I came to NRCS after completing a Master\'s degree in wildlife
     ecology at a top program. I expected to move into a job in that
     field. Ten years later, I have not been selected for any wildlife
     position that I have applied for.

474. I had another position with USDA and the NRCS position was closer
     to my home when I had a young child.

475. i lake working with farmers

476. conservation is meaningful work health benefits for my family
     flexible work schedule technical expertise of the agency - I can be
     proud of our work.

477. Summer employment while in college.

478. I wanted to work out of doors and originally wanted to be a dairy
     farmer. NRCS offered a great opportunity to be outside using the
     math and science fields that I enjoyed.

479. So I could retire at age 55

480. I thought it would make a good career, but i got screwed because of
     the changes in qualifications. I,m 52 years old and need to years
     more of college. I was told that I would have to take leave of
     absense to go back to school. Also \$10000 with no guarintee of a
     promotion after

481. open position that I qualified for

482. Many moon ago \--I was interested in natural resources conservation
     jobs, and I had the state engineer as a mentor and friend.

483. To serve as civil servant, provide technical and effective service
     and teach conservation that would make a difference on
     environmental impacts.

484. When I was hired I felt I would be doing interesting work, I would
     not be required to work extra hours, and when I had children I may
     be allowed to work part time (this did come to pass).

485. My best friend in college had a Co-op with SCS

486. I wanted to be a soil scientist and had volunteered with NRCS while
     in college.

487. I liked the work

488. to get soil survey experience

489. oppotunity to to practical conservation work

490. 33 years with this agency

491. NRCS was looking for a person with a disability, and i happend to
     have one. I was verry lucky that NRCS (SCS) was looking for that
     type of person.

492. Good working culture and pay

493. Stewardship of the land.

494. public service, technical competency

495. In the 1970\'s NRCS had a well developed system of technically
     organized design guides, job sheets, simple user friendly field
     equipment, and well trained mentors that allowed a person to
     complete conservation projects they could be proud of in a
     realistic amount of time.

496. I am excited that I can help conserve the Natural Resources and it
     is a thread to my agricultural background that I have.

497. Reputation for professionalism and technical competence.

498. First, I was chosen by NRCS; if you mean why did I apply? -It was
     because of the recommendation of my father, conservation district
     offical and my interest in the agency\'s mission.

499. Good reputation among other agencies and the public

500. Job Benefits and stability

501. Out of work and there was a job opening.

502. At the time, I was unemployed and needed a job. In a very short
     time, I grew to love the work I do here. I didn\'t want to work for
     developers any longer.

503. They implemented conservation on the ground and actually made a
     difference (yeah\... I\'m one of those :)

504. NRCS was providing the actual career in which I was interested

505. The conservation ethic

506. I wanted to work in the agriculture field.

507. It was major related (plant and soil sciences) and I like working
     with people.

508. I needed a job and they were hiring.

509. Like the outdoors and concerns about our Natural Resources.

510. NRCS has a good reputation

511. Type of environmental work performed, Mobility, Hours, Flexibility,
     generally positive work environment

512. I believe in the mission of NRCS. I want to work with landowners,
     municipalities and non-profit groups to get conservation on the
     ground. We all have a responsibilty for resrouce conservation and
     working for NRCS is one way I can meet that responsibility.

513. I appreciate the work that the agency does.

514. Enjoy working with farmers, environment, technical problem-solving,
     & fieldwork.

515. I had the opportunity to be part of the Student Career Experience
     Program. I hadn\'t heard of NRCS before that opportunity arose, and
     wouldn\'t have applied for a job here without having the chance to

516. I was involved in natural resource protection at my past employer
     and relocated

517. environemntal mission, job stability,

518. Educational experience and career desires

519. enjoy working for a non-regulatory agency, enjoy combining
     technical aspects and field work, enjoy working with agriculture,
     job security

520. The opportunity to work with natural resources on a continuous
     basis, not just when it\'s a fad and dollars are available. Salary
     was not the reason, and it would be the main reason I would leave,
     since I live in a very expensive part of the country.

521. Greater career development opportunities than my last employer
     offered.

522. believed in the mission, provided opportunities in soils, planning
     and career options

523. Belief in the mission of the agency and desire to help agricultural
     operations conserve natural resources.

524. I had worked with districts previous to NRCS and developed many of
     the skills I needed for my current position through them.

525. For the work, I really enjoy working to deliver the agency mission.

526. NRCS is the leader in soil survey and their soil scientists are the
     most knowledgeable about that particular natural resource.

527. Maintain Federal (Civil) Service Career, Transfer Mobility from
     another Federal Agency.

528. pay and location

529. Liked the work and the people.

530. They would pay for a relatively specialized field of work:
     cartography.

531. My degrees were in natural resources, forestry and related fields.
     Summer work with with forest service was an excellent example which
     led to NRCS

532. challenging and quite diversified work load.

533. the nature of the job.

534. Environmental issues

535. To do meaningful and satisfying work.

536. career change with benefits

537. Quality of life. Prior to NRCS I was in the consulting engineering
     field which required too much time a way from family.

538. Accessing a broad based of knowledge and doing relevant work at a
     scale appropriate for my background.

539. As a soil scientist SCS was the best place to work.

540. compatibility with mission

541. Interesting work

542. I have always been conservation-minded and found that general
     agency values were very similar to my own.

543. public service

544. NRCS provided me with opportunities for learning new skills and for
     advancing within the agency.

545. I started as a wae, right out of college. I just like the
     atmosphere. Everyone is friendly, down to earth, always willing to
     help each other out.

546. I enjoy conservation work.

547. location to where I am living, having been a former federal
     employee.

548. Conservation work, great benefits, great people to work with.

549. I was work with the SWCD as a temp. Otherwise I would not have know
     about NRCS.

550. I wanted to find real solutions for both farmers and the
     environment. The NRCS actually tries to fix farmer\'s problems,
     instead of pointing fingers like other environmental agencies at
     the state and federal level.

551. Stability of job and the type of work that I do.

552. It provided an opportunity to utilize my training and offered job
     security.

553. type of work, conservation vs. development, service to people,
     locations of offices

554. The ability to interact one-on-one with producers to get
     Conservation on the Land. The present process is confusing,
     offensive, and top-down driven.

555. It offered a career in my area of study, it had good job security
     and an opportunity to advance.

556. I wanted to make soil maps.

557. Opportunity for advancement in a nontraditional field.

558. I was hired as a student trainee with incentive to be hired full
     time upon graduation and I was lucky to have great supervisors who
     provided me with vital on the job training that has allowed me to
     progress as an independent planner and contribute to accomplishing
     our mission goals. Also I have been fortunate to be working in the
     same office as when I started, which has enabled me to develop
     relationships with farmers, gain their trust in my alternative
     managment options and in turn work toward acheiving long term
     conservation goals.

559. With a background in agriculture and a degree in Environmental
     science, NRCS fit my background and my interests.

560. Job discription was a good fit.

561. Hired as a SC within SCS, had a great ranking. Wanted to work
     outside and not in a office job

562. My desire to do the job I saw as that of NRCS

563. type of work the agency does

564. There are few engineering opportunities in my area that do not
     require a long commute. I also enjoy the ag contact.

565. I wanted a 40 hour per week job

566. jop security

567. Good reputation.

568. Positive experience during internship.

569. I was familiar with NRCS and believe in the Agency\'s mission.

570. Opportunity to work with soils/plants and a healthy combination of
     indoor/outdoor work

571. It is the kind of work I most enjoy.

572. Don\'t know.

573. I agree with NRCS\' mission.

574. The Agency\'s mission.

575. opportunity for diverse work and desire to help protect natural
     resources

576. I am Agronomist and envronmental Science and animal Sciece and I
     like to do my part to inprove the enviroment helath

577. I enjoy working with cooperators to enhance the environment on
     their farming operation.

578. I was given a scholarship through the USDA-1890 Scholars Program

579. Type of Work

580. It was the most accessible job utilizing the skills I came out of
     college with.

581. Good opportunity

582. A good mix between outside and inside work and as a close an
     ocupation to farming with benifits and pension.

583. I enjoyed the work/mission of the agency

584. The ability to work outdoors, provide a service to the public, and
     obtain visible results to my work in a short amount of time.

585. I like to work with resource conservation!!!

586. To work in agriculture

587. I needed a steady job after college. I enjoy agriculture. I heard
     about a WAE position at the local SCS office so I applied for it.

588. good reputation as an employer

589. r

590. I heard about them because the state office was on the land grant
     campus at the time, and I chose NRCS because I wanted to work
     protecting natural resources.

591. At the time, I was looking for a job that had a good blend of
     indoor and outdoor work. NRCS has a flexible daily working schedule
     that was a large consideration also.

592. I enjoy working with private landowners to solve their resource
     concerns.

593. I liked the work at the time

594. I liked the job and I liked the people.

595. Working in the agricultural sector to put conservation on the
     ground, not accounting and booking keeping.

596. hiring at the time I was looking

597. career in natural resource management

598. At the time I graduated college there was a need for soil
     scientists in the agency and I applied. I am still here because I
     have a good understanding of my job and I like my time off and pay.

599. Job security

600. I fell into this job. I knew nothing about NRCS prior to my
     employment.

601. Being able to plan and apply conservation practices to our nations
     agricultural lands WITH producers.

602. Was offered a job in my field of study

603. I would be putting conservation on the land, which i love.

604. I worked for a SWCD in Oregon and worked closely with the NRCS
     field staff. I became excited to learn that my Crop & Soil degree
     from OSU plus field experience made me an excellent candidate for
     the NRCS. I admired the goals and methods the service promoted and
     I\'m very very proud to be with the NRCS.

605. The mission,hands on work and flexible work schedule

606. Good benefits and I agree with the work we do here.

607. They called me 3 days before i graduated college and asked if i
     wanted a job. They mentioned there are many opportunities for
     higher education. In working as an intern in NYC (MOEC) i reviewed
     some NRCS publications and was impressed with the technical
     expertise of the agency. In some of my independent studies i was
     impressed that NRCS works with private landowners on the scale that
     it does.

608. Variety of position

609. The job I was hired for fit my skills at the time. I have since
     trained for other kinds of work and find field work very enjoyable

610. Was recommended by a friend who was an employee.

611. Interested in Plants and natural resources

612. I like the RC&D programs

613. Ability to specialize in area of expertise.

614. Opportunity to work in an environment with a variety of
     disciplines. And the job was offered right out of college after
     serving as a student trainee.

615. It was ajob out of college, if I had to do it again, I wouldn\'t!
     We have gone from field office people, who cared, to computer
     bureaucrats and paper pushers with everyroad block put in fron of
     us by the agency to keep us from doing our job.

616. I was a student looking to volunteer into my chosen career path and
     happened to luck out with an application for an intern position I
     applied and with the 10 Bonus points of being a disable vet I was
     hired and am still in the same office. I WAS LUCKY\....besides my
     dad was CCC.

617. Was already in the public sector environmental field, heard good
     things about NRCS

618. Fit in with my educational background. I thought it suited my
     interests in helping to improve the environment through
     conservation.

619. Good benefits, great environment, close to home.

620. I had enjoyed working with NRCS employees in other jobs; I was
     attracted to the job duties, geographic location, and compensation.

621. Health Benefits

622. To be able to transfer to another agency

623. I wanted to continue to work with the landowners and try to help
     the small farmer

624. stability

625. The mission of the agency

626. I enjoy and believe in conservation.

627. Allowed me to utilize my college major, work with people, and be
     outdoors solving environmental issues.

628. Job security. Being able to work in a positive way to help the
     farming community.

629. So that I could map soils which allowed me to make a living by
     being outdoors.

630. recommended by a friend while in college.

631. I have worked with NRCS as one of their partners for over 7 years.
     I have seen the NRCS employees to be happy, professional and very
     supportive of each other. I think that\'s a wonderful environment
     to work within. Also the

632. To be able to work with farmers/landowners.

633. the work

634. Provided the opportunity to help people help the land

635. Job satisfaction.

636. Came from an agricultural background and wanted to stay involved
     with the agricultural industy in some way.

637. Field of work

638. Opportunity to work in conservation and natural resource

639. Career Path

640. It leaves a legacy on the land and that is important to me.

641. Better pay then last job with a variety of job duties to perform
     that benefits the environment.

642. I found NRCS employment by accident. It was through a friend\'s
     mother. I chose to stay because of the flexibility and the focus of
     the Agency to conserve natural resources. Also that we get to work
     with a varity of different landowners

643. It was hard to find a job in the environmental field, but my farm
     upbringing made this postition a good fit.

644. Due to the nature of the type of work which is performed to assist
     landowners to implement conservation practices.

645. NRCS has given me the opportunity to be involved in projects that
     are in my primary area of interest and expertise.

646. To help people help the land

647. The history and longevity of the organization.

648. stability

649. Interest in envrionmental science and outdoor work.

650. already worked with District, nrcs provided more security

651. Working with landowners to solve their resource problems

652. Working with Agriculture

653. wages/benefits

654. Enjoy working with people and to improve the land that isn\'t being
     made anymore.

655. Job security, benefits, and the link it has to natural resources.

656. To work directly with landowners and on the land to actually
     implement conservation.

657. Federal agency

658. Provided opportunity to work in agriculture community and outside
     on the land.

659. The NRCS has job opportunities that are not offered anywhere else.

660. Seemed to fit my previous training and work experience.

661. I was able to work in an agricultural field, make a decent income,
     and have a flexible work schedule. I do not think I could work any
     where else and receive the above benefits. Over all NRCS is a good
     place to work.

662. Job Security, training, benefits

663. Involvement with Natural Rescources/Agriculture of the agency was
     primary reason. My educational background was the same.

664. I like working with differant clients.

665. Type of work, and training.

666. At that time it was the number one agency offering training and the
     opportunity to gain valuble field experience mapping soils.

667. To help agricultural community/environment

668. fit my desire and college degree

669. I love to be outdoors working everyday.

670. Conservation ethic - feel good about my contributions to society &
     to live rurally.

671. NRCS is the major employer for the type of work I am trained to do.

672. Working with landowner.

673. The mission of NRCS matches my personal goals of my life and I am
     paid for doing what I would want to accomplish in my life.

674. I was raised on a farm and wanted to work with farmers.

675. As an agency, it provided an means to work in agriculture and
     assist landusers with resource related problems.

676. Engineering type work.

677. My interest in NRCS was as a well-paying career.

678. interest in the mission

679. The field was in my interest and the pay/benefits met my goals.

680. My interest and knowledge in farming

681. Assisting rural people to make a better living and protect our
     environment

682. I wanted to work with pepole and liked the concept of working with
     farmers, and part field work and part office. I wanted to work
     outside not confined to an office full time.

683. Benefits and comfortable work environment

684. Opportunity to work in the technical aspect of agriculture.

685. agr. conservation

686. flexibility of hours, pay scale, benefits

687. The basic knowledge I would gain through NRCS that you could get no
     where else.

688. I enjoyed the aspect of outdoor activities involving earth science.

689. I wanted to learn how to map soils.

690. I wanted a career improving the environment while helping farmers.

691. Want to help farmers and keep farm families going.

692. Wanted to continue my career with another agency

693. I have a genuine love for agriculture and this agency gives me an
     opportunity to help farmers and land owners.

694. Job satisfaction.

695. work outdoors

696. To try to help farmers protect our resources while making money.

697. To help farmers stay on the farm by helping them to solve resource
     related problems that can improve their operation and their bottom
     line!!! I love to help people solve problems!!!

698. Excellent working environment. Transfered from Farm Service Agency
     after 18 yrs. Much less stress!!

699. I had an ag background and wanted to stay in something related to
     agriculture.

700. location

701. It was an important agency that had a clear mission to do good work
     and its benefits were better than other options at the time.

702. NRCS offered the opportunity to use my skills to have a positive
     impact on agriculture and the environment!

703. To make a difference

704. It is my goal to help farmers

705. The importance of stewardship of our natural resources.

706. Good benefits and retirement and enjoyable occupation

707. At the time it was more stable to work for the Goverment than for
     the provate sector. and it had a better retirement system.

708. UMD has a cooperative agreement with NRCS-Soil Survey. Family
     friendly policy.

709. I needed a job and I heard about this job.

710. I liked the type work SCS was involved in at the time. I had worked
     for several months as a WAE.

711. Long term job expectancy with chance for advancement and an
     opportunity to work in a field of science I enjoy.

712. Intrested in agriculture

713. Presumed opportunity to development skills and career advancement

714. what is done on the land to help farmers make better decisions

715. Family Friendly Environment

716. interest in ag and construction

717. Family committment to on farm conservation. Farm Owner. And the
     committment that to impact natural resources on a national scale
     one must work with private landowners and that was my goal coming
     out of college.

718. I liked working outside with farmers and the pay I received for my
     work was good.

719. the opportunity to work in remote agricultural areas on interesting
     projects with interesting people

720. Great pay and leave availability. The health coverage is what is
     poor.

721. I have always felt that agriculture and conservation are very
     important and I wanted to a part of that.

722. Because of the type of job I perform and the education I have
     received to support it.

723. The SCS mission.

724. I like the kind of work I can do here.

725. Job satisfaction

726. I wanted to be able to used my degree to serve the public.

727. It is an excellent working environment with knowledgeable
     coworkers.

728. I wanted to build a constructive career that included environmental
     protection and a connection with forestry and agriculture.

729. As a soil scientist, NRCS offered me a unique opportunity to work
     with various people and organizations, and to spend time working on
     many different projects on a long-term basis (not necessarily
     varying each day at work). Primarily, I enjoy working on projects
     that are advancing the science of studying soils and their
     relationships to other sciences (particularly forestry).

730. Pay

731. Benefits and pay

732. When I graduated high school in 1992 the agency was a major player
     in project work to clean up abandoned mines, control flooding, and
     improve water quality. It was well staffed with world class
     engineers, and some of the engineering technical products developed
     by NRCS was being used world wide. It provided me with an avenue to
     make a decent living helping my environment while becoming a
     respectable engineer.

733. I was told that it was a good agency to work for when I was hired
     but like most things a good thing does not always last.

734. I worked one summer for NRCS and knew that is where I wanted to
     work. I went to college and got an Agriculture degree. I grew up on
     a farm and knew how valuable NRCS could be to the local farmer. The
     knowledge that is gained by the local farmer from NRCS and
     vice-versa is very valuable. I feel that NRCS needs more people
     with farm background. I feel I can understand where the farmer is
     coming from, yet I have the knowledge to help the local farmer to
     become more Conservation Conscience and Environmentally friendly
     when it comes to soil erosion and water quality, as well as
     understanding what will work on the farm and not just on paper.

735. Working in the natural resource field. Enjoy being in the field and
     office mixture.

736. Benefits (retirement, health insurance, etc)

737. I was introduced to the SCS as a work-study college student in the
     early 1970\'s and later as a student trainee. Through these
     appointments, I was fortunate to be trained and directed by some
     very professional and dedicated individuals. As a young agronomy
     student, the mission of SCS as I saw it, meshed very well with my
     personal goals and ambitions of providing assistance to private
     landowners in this country.

738. I was interested in assisting private landowners improve their
     resources. I wanted to work out of doors. I appreciated the
     security of federal employment.

739. To help others in learning about Conservation and completing
     conservation to better the land.

740. For better job, benefits and location.

741. Secure job.

742. I needed a job and thought I would like this one. The pay isn\'t
     bad, but now I know it comes with a lot more b.s. than I originally
     thought. Sad.

743. Agricultural background growing up and the interest in conservation
     of natural resources.

744. I had an agricultural background so I enjoy the vision/mission of
     the agency.

745. My background in forestry, fisheries & wildlife

746. I am a soil scientist and it is the best place to use and develope
     your skills and see different types of soils and be in the field.

747. Enjoy the type of work.

748. I was hired by SCS which at the time had an outstanding reputation
     for competence and taking care of their employees.

749. Job Opportunity in the right geographical area

750. Wanted to do something that actually helped people.

751. Federal pay

752. I wanted a part-time secretarial job and the pay was good for that
     time.

753. Permanent full time job

754. Outside work that really helps people, decent pay, good benefits,
     and job security.

755. Agriculture field, working with farmers, conservation work

756. Diversity

757. Good future career path, worked as a SCEP and loved every minute of
     it, had a good supervisor while a SCEP, mobility.

758. I wanted to teach others about conservation

759. environmental preservation

760. I trained specifically for the 0457 series, but family
     responsibilites prevent my relocation. I accepted NRCS\'s 5th job
     offer because it did not require a physical move. NRCS\'s first 4
     offers required a move.

761. PAY

762. A career with NRCS was the best fit for my educational exprience.

763. To gain experience in another area of my field.

764. NRCS work requires my professional skills and the types of work are
     aligned with my personal values.

765. Type of work / Subject of work

766. Fair pay & benefits

767. I wanted to do my part in my own capacity to help our country to
     conserve our natural resources (i.e. soil, agricultural lands,
     forests, wildlife, water, etc.) for the generations to follow. To
     my way of thinking, this is a noble cause. To be able to assist
     this with my working career gives me great satisfaction.

768. A chance to work in my field of interest

769. It was the job offered me at the time I graduated from college.

770. To be able to put conservation on the land

771. To work out-of-doors in a soil science-related discipline.

772. Recommended by career employee that I knew.

773. They made me an offer. Parent\'s recommendation.

774. I believed in the mission and work of the Soil Conservation
     Service.

775. I found the type of work interesting

776. Improved salary available near residence, respectable mission

777. internship

778. location

779. I needed a job and they offered one to me.

780. The benefits, the pay, and the expereince

781. variety of job duties

782. I felt that I could make a meaningful contribution towards
     assisting the public.

783. I have always wanted to work for NRCS, it is like a family as well
     as very structured. The things we do to assist the farmers and
     communities is just wonderful.

784. The agency offered employment in my field of interest and provided
     opportunities to provide assistance to clients.

785. Love the outdoors and a chance to protect the resources and
     environment, ability to work with the farming community,

786. The work is what I want to do; working with natural resources, and
     helping people solve problems.

787. In a previous employment as a state employee I have visited a
     number of sites designed and constructed under NRCS (SCS)
     supervision and was impressed with the agency\'s work. I thought
     coming to work for this agency would improve me both technically
     and financially.

788. I had a vision to do this type of work since I was young. And when
     the job came open in my county I jumped on the opportunity. A good
     Agriculture job, which is what I wanted.

789. I wanted to try to help conserve (wise use) the resources of my
     county, state, country and planet.

790. Salary/Benefit package

791. The ability to work one on one with landowners and help them make
     needed improvements in their operation

792. It is a federal job with benefits

793. I was selected as a student trainee during college.

794. Working with the public.

795. I had a agriculture economics/business management degree and felt
     that I could provide beneficial guidance to farmers and other
     landusers.

796. I liked to work with people in the agriculture industry. I felt I
     could make a difference.

797. Interest in agriculture and helping farmers

798. Dependable employment

799. I had a full career as a dairy farmer and reached a point in my
     life where I could no longer make a living in farming and my body
     was taking a beating from the hard physical demands so I wanted a
     new career doing something that I thought had meaning to it and
     would make a difference in the world we live in, so I chose this
     career rather late in my life at age 58 and I love what I am doing.

800. I could use my education and life experiances to serve the agency.

801. Better pay than the state.

802. Unique job, good benefits.

803. I was recruited by a soil scientist and it was stable work.

804. Fair pay and location of the work unit.

805. It was the best offer received at the time.

806. Type of work performed

807. Only agency hiring agriculture majors in the area.

808. Benefits, I wanted to work n my home state, overall mission.

809. job location

810. love of conservation

811. Fun job, benifits

812. Mission and pay. 25 years ago the mission was more clear, we worked
     directly with landowners far more and the pay was competitive.

813. Security of a federal job at the time. I also likes the technical
     assistance aspect of the job.

814. It deals with agriculture.

815. I liked the job.

816. working with people

817. To work in the field, and support the conservation movement.

818. To work with private land owners

819. love working with farmers in conservation and NRCS pays better than
     the state or district staff

820. Benefits..ie pay, retirement, leave flexibility

821. job securtiy and benifits, though benefits have declined

822. Type of work offered and the local.

823. the agricultural nature of the agency meet my intrests and past
     professional history

824. benefits, enjoyment of agriculture and engineering

825. I chose the SCS-NRCS because it offered a career in outdoor
     activities and agriculture.

826. The type of work done at that time appealed to me greatly.

827. Opportunity to work on conserving our natural resources.

828. In the end I wanted to leave this world feeling like the work I did
     benefitted the natural world for future generations. Conserving and
     inhanceing our natural resources is of great concern to me & I
     believed it was important to this agency. In recent years I\'ve
     began to wonder if the agency is truely concerned with on the
     ground conservation or just playing a numbers game!

829. Inspired by the mission of the agency.

830. grew up on a farm and heard their was a job offer in my area.

831. government employment

832. My husabnd worked for the Agency and we both had similar
     backgrounds.

833. Ability to do different natural resource conservation work and
     increase my overall pay and benefits.

834. To broaden experience and attain a higher level of pay.

835. I like the work.

836. Liked the type of work

837. I have a farming background, did not have the capital to start
     farming, and wanted to stay in agriculture.

838. Proximity to my residence.

839. Well paid job assisting the taxpaying public.

840. The Soil Conservation Service was a great agency to work for. NRCS
     has gotten too caught up in diversification. Sometimes people are
     hired for the wrong reasons and this hinders agency efficiency and
     effectiveness. Too much emphasis on trying to address everyone\'s
     \'issues\' and not enough time spent on conservation and what it
     takes to get the job done.

841. NRCS is the only agency that consults with farmers to better
     enhance their land with conservation practices.

842. Interesting work

843. I belive in conservation.

844. Chance for advancement

845. Benefits and job security. Interesting and challenging work.

846. I have a bachelor\'s degree in agriculture.

847. It\'s mission

848. Needed a new environment.

849. I was in NYS Conservation Department & there was a RIF in 1968, so
     I was looking for work and applied at SCS office in Syracuse and
     was hired immediately due to high college grades. At the time,
     thought I would work for SCS for a year or so and then get back
     into Forestry. I found the job so enjoyable and satisfying that I
     was doing something to make the world a little better place, that I
     have stayed for 36 years and don\'t have immediate plans for
     retirement. I still enjoy my work very much and still feel that
     working for NRCS is important and does have a positive impact -
     however small on the world. I do not feel I could have devoted my
     life to any better cause than the career I chose.

850. Started as a temporary employee and I liked the work of the agency
     and I pursued the necessary college courses to qualify for a
     position.

851. It was the only agency to work for if you wanted to do the National
     Cooperative Soil Survey.

852. I liked the type of work that the position offered.

853. Desire to preserve our natural resources while working with
     agriculture

854. A job.

855. I strongly support the mission of NRCS.

856. I was an active dairy farmer in the county where I was hired. We
     had a long term relationship with the field office and when my
     husband was injured, I had to get a job. There was an opening at
     the time in our field office. I didn\'t even look anywhere else.

857. I wished to work to improve the environment through conservation.

858. I was using trying to use them as a stepping stone to get into the
     Forest Service.

859. I wanted to work outdoors in nature.

860. Major interest is conservation and sustainablity of ag.

861. To work outside.

862. Offered a job off the Civil Service register from SCS back in the
     late 70s.

863. Position was available with my job qualifications through USAJobs

864. location reasons

865. interesting job

866. Student trainee opportunity in my field.

867. Location and mission.

868. I chose to satudy a specific discipline with the hope of a carreer
     in an outdoor-related, hands-on position, that would result in a
     contribution to increasing the quality of our environment. Also, at
     the time, there was a recession and unemployment was high. I was
     happy to be offered a job!

869. Shorter commute.

870. Farm background and conservation minded dad. Salary was competive

871. transfer to area from another agency

872. Location

873. Working outside, getting something done and working from planning
     through design and implementation. also having easy access to
     trained knowledgeable specialists to answer questions and provide
     support and guidance.

874. I was looking for a position as a writer-editor; NRCS had an
     opening for an editor. The work was daunting at first, but I
     received not only training and support, but also incentives for
     self-study.

875. Close to home, short commute

876. Didn\'t really choose. Stumbled upon it. I stayed because of the
     kind of work we do and the opportunity for advancement.

877. like learning new things, courses to get ahead in my life.

878. Location

879. Ag related

880. they hired me

881. NRCS is a very good agency to work with.

882. I kind of fell into the job. Found the work interesting. Was given
     opportunities to do different things, like webmaster.

883. I was working for AID. NRCS was closer to my home.

884. Working with natural resources and land users.

885. Location to home

886. Wanted to work outside as a professional soil scientist

887. open job in a city I wanted to live in

888. to become eligible for job growth within the federal system

889. Public mission to serve our citizens.

890. My grandfather was a farmer that worked with SCS years before I was
     born and my family had trust in a agency that stood to help farm
     the land. I also was proud to work for a federal agency.

891. It was a foot in the door with the federal gov\'t.

892. The Mission of the agency and the stand on conservation.

893. field work

894. retirement

895. I previously worked with SCS employees while I was a Wyoming State
     employee; also had friends employed with the agency.

896. Federal benefits.

897. Comparable to previous agency I worked for

898. The position description of my job seemed like a challenge that I
     wanted to take.

899. Want to remain involved with conservation of our ag lands

900. Family tradition of conservation ethic.

901. I would never have guessed I\'d be working here. I relocated and
     wanted to return to Civil Service. This job opened up.

902. Agency mission and opportunity

903. A Soil Con Tech that attended my church helped to recruit me, my
     fellow college classmates were in the student trainee program and
     my college advisor helped recruit for SCS

904. I had served as a student trainee in college and had a job offer
     when I graduated.

905. It matches my personal background\--I grew up on a small family
     farm and I identify with the mission of the agency.

906. The Work! Working one-on-oen with landowners.

907. I am already a ferderal employee and saw the opportunity for
     advancment, leaving DoD for USDA.

908. Knew the people - thought I could stay with the federal gov\'t.

909. the field work

910. strongly believe in public service

911. job availability

912. An opportunit to work for the federal government.

913. Promotion

914. Conservation mission

915. I enjoyed the type of work offered and that has remained true for
     me.

916. Found employment through DRS

917. The environmental impact potential of bringing conservation
     practices to the privately held landscape and the hope that
     geographic information personnel would play a critical role.

918. Wanted to waork with farmers/landowners to put conservation on the
     ground and benefits.

919. I could still be involved with the farming world and not be
     actively farming.

920. NRCS is well known for its technical competence and is non-
     regulatory.

921. Wanted to get back into the Federal Workforce

922. My primary reason for NRCS as an employer is because I like working
     with Farmers and ranchers,and I like what they do.

923. Hopefully, job security is my primary reason. Salary & Benefits are
     a close second!

924. Reasonable compensation package and mobility.

925. Desire to work with the conservation effort on America\'s farms. A
     belief in conservation as opposed to preservation and/or
     desecration.

926. Wanted to work in agriculture

927. To work with agriculture

928. Benefits

929. benefits

930. Benefits, part-time, flexible work schedule, training

931. The type of work involved by my position

932. In my area of study and interest.

933. Good job at the time.

934. I was introduced to the Agency through a USDA liasion.

935. Flexibality: ie work outside and inside

936. Parent was an employee

937. Career interest

938. Ag / outdoor / conservation related and close to home.

939. Type of work

940. I get to work to further understanding of soils rather than working
     in the development industry converting agricultural land to
     developed land.

941. To work in the area of expertise I most enjoy.

942. Love of Agriculture

943. office location and pay scale

944. agriculture

945. To be involved with agriculture,live in rural communities, mobile
     and have a good salary with upward career mobility

946. Conservation

947. I liked the mission statement.

948. to try to do something for our natural resources and agriculture

949. Government benefits, American pride, stability.

950. I really wanted to map soils.

951. To conserve resources on private agricultural land.

952. Started as a student worker and discovered that I really liked the
     work

953. I like doing something differant each day.

954. NRCS was an agency that shared my respect and concern for the
     conservation of our valuable natural resources.

955. I like natural resources & have the backgroung to perform the job.

956. Proximity to my home and the hours.

957. To work with farmers and natural resources

958. Career in natural resources and work outdoors

959. Because it fits my knowledge criteria of soils\.....

960. Practice conservation

961. Lots of outside work and getting to do some real good in
     conservation. Unfortunatly, this has been greatly reduced since I
     began in 1983.

962. To work with farmers and the position was local

963. advacment potential, technical leadership

964. Was (is) what I enjoy to do. But now all we do is contract work and
     push papers no real plainning.

965. I like working with farmers and with the land. It provide me with
     more opportunities with advancement and with opportunities to move
     to other areas to do the same job.

966. A carrer vs a job. Better salary and benefits as compared to my
     former job.

967. First job out of college.

968. Wanting to conserve our land.

969. Pay was higher than state agency.

970. Training opportunities

971. Love of agriculture.

972. At the time I began my career, SCS/NRCS used a voluntary approach
     and worked with farmers.

973. former employee\'s influence

974. Knew the people in the agency and wanted a federal job

975. I liked the benefits and the type of work.

976. Followed my schooling and agriculture background.

977. A chance to work outdoors, make a difference and an interrest in
     soils

978. Pay and type of work

979. The positive impact of the work.

980. Good job, good pay, great benifits, get to work in the agricultural
     field

981. The benefits for myself and all the benefits that I can help
     landowners achieve on their land.

982. Security;

983. Security and Job satisfaction

984. I worked for an SWCD which made me aware of the very effective
     partnership between NRCS and SWCDs. Although I loved my work for
     the SWCD, the SWCD came on hard times such that I had to go from
     full-time to part-time. NRCS was able to provide a part-time
     position. I believe in the NRCS mission even though I don\'t think
     it\'s living up to it.

985. I wanted to work in the agricultural industry and thought the
     activities of NRCS were important and enjoyable.

986. Good pay, benefits and schedule. I also enjoy working with people
     who are concerned for our environment.

987. Benefits

988. Being able to work landowners and farmers with resource concerns
     and being outside.

989. I was recruited in college and I wanted to work with agricultural
     producers.

990. It was a job in the area I needed to live in at the time and it
     related to farming

991. I felt likemit was a fantastic job and the freedom to work at your
     pace to get the job done.

992. The type of work and clientel.

993. I like being outside and also like to eat.

994. I chose NRCS because of my interest in people, protecting our
     natural resources, and NRCS\' career retirement benefits.

995. benifts

996. I loved the people with whom I would be working.

997. 30 years ago I wanted a career in an agriculture.

998. pay

999. opportunity to work with agricultural people

1000. Rural locations

1001. One thing I liked is that the agency does work that has a positive
      effect on people and the environment.

1002. I enjoy working with farmers and landowners.

1003. I like to work outside with natural resource issues.

1004. Actually I didn\'t choose NRCS, NRCS chose me and I\'m glad they
      did - best place to work as far as I\'m concerned

1005. Future oportunities and ability to re-locate to desirable
      locations.

1006. The work mission and working environment. I like working with
      individuals to solve problems.

1007. NRCS chose me.

1008. nrcs needed a field tech. I had 20 yrs. farming experance.

1009. Farm background, an interest in agriculture

1010. My love of working with others to care for the land and make it a
      better place for future generations.

1011. Student Trainee Program

1012. 1890 USDA Scholarship

1013. Decent pay, benefits, and outside work

1014. public service, natural resource agency, field oriented job
      description

1015. I loved the type of one on one work we did 25 years ago.

1016. I graduated from Clemson University in May 1982 with a B.S. Degree
      in Agronomy(Study of Crops and Soils).My heart was in the land
      that I had worked for so many years. I was so excited when I
      learned that I was going to work with the Soil Conservation
      Service, America\'s #1 technical assistance provider to
      agriculture.My roots in agriculture go back in this country prior
      to the revolution. It\'s a heritage in which I am very proud. My
      thoughts were that I would be working hands on with farmers for
      the duration. This is why I came to work with the Soil
      Conservation Service. Then came the computer and true and I mean
      true technical assistance within our agency disappeared. If I had
      desired a career as a computer specialist, then I would have
      pursued that particular field. My suggestion is for the agency to
      hire new employees in the future only if they have a computer
      background. You don\'t need an agricultural background to do what
      we do now.

1017. to work in an agriculture related area

1018. Resource Conservation.

1019. Conservation

1020. I liked the nature of the work.

1021. Able to work with farmers in the field.

1022. Love for agriculture. Farming could not pay the bills.

1023. I believe in the cause, or the mission, of natural resource
      management.

1024. After doing a intern I enjoyed the work we do as an agency

1025. I love working to improve our Natural Resources. I like the hands
      on approach of going out to a tract of land and helping the
      landowner solve the resource problems they encounter. It seems
      over the last year or two that our agency has become more focused
      on achieving numbers than acutally solving problems for the
      landowners. I understand that we have to be accountable to
      Congress and to do this we must quantify everything, but if we are
      not careful we can lose our focus on the primary mission.

1026. I liked agriculture

1027. My conservation ethic and desire to work in a career that enhances
      our natural resources - also a parent worked for SCS and I was
      aware of the great things that NRCS accomplishes.

1028. The opportunity to work outside.

1029. When I graduated from college the extension service was not hiring
      due to budget problems. I applied with NRCS.

1030. I like soils.

1031. Working outdoors, conservation of our resources, less stressful
      than most occupations.

1032. I wanted to work in an agricultural based job.

1033. Ability to move

1034. To get back to my grass roots and help solve some of the existing
      and rising problems in the ag community.

1035. The pay, the location and the nature of the job in 1974 which is
      totally different from today. We have become an administrative
      assistant instead of a field technical planner.

1036. The type of work done in 1974.

1037. It allows me to work both indoors and outdoors, and offers lots of
      day to day variation

1038. I have a farming background and was interested in helping farmers
      and conserving our natural resourcses.

1039. Type of work we USED to do - mix of field work and office work and
      the open, supportive attitude of the agency toward the public and
      landusers. I feel I\'m saving the world, one farm at a time.

1040. Working with individuals to improve the work environment on their
      farm while restoring and improving the natural resources on the
      farm.

1041. application of education and job environment suited my needs and
      interest

1042. It is what I like to do and what I went to college to do

1043. I enjoyed studying agronomy and ag engineering and wanted to put
      my knowledege to work.

1044. I graduated from High School in 1974 and began vegetable farming.
      I was not making a lot of money. My neighbor was a Conservation
      Technician and asked if I wanted to work as a WAE. I never went
      back to farming and have enjoyed my career, but it seems that
      since the 1985 Farm Bill things have been spiraling down hill. I
      don\'t mind change if it improves things, but change just for the
      sake of change or at the whim of someone that has never been in
      the field is not good. I might add if we stay on the same course
      question 20 will be as follows.

1045. I love conservation and I love to work. I know that I people
      depend on me to do a good job.

1046. benefits and job security

1047. to be able to work with community to preserve our land

1048. Next best to farming in giving self satisfaction.

1049. benefits

1050. To serve the agricultural community and the environment, and get
      good benefits.

1051. I earned an ag. degree and had 10 years of full-time farming
      experience before coming on with the agency. It seemed like a good
      fit for the agency and me.

1052. Originally wanted to work with USFS but since they weren\'t hiring
      at the time, I applied with SCS.

1053. Inability to make a good living in production agriculture

1054. benefits and I was a farmer.

1055. Years ago I chose SCS because of the strong reputation, and fact,
      that we then worked with landowners in the field assisting them to
      install erosion control practices and farm ponds. Drainage
      activities was also high on the list.

1056. Security in a conservation field, which is hard to come by.

1057. location and federal benefits

1058. good pay

1059. Job was available when I needed one.

1060. I liked the type of work performed. WAnted something where I would
      not be stuck behind a desk all day.

1061. The type of work. I thought I would be outside more.

1062. Job

1063. money

1064. The day to day activities and the reward of conserving resources.

1065. Because of my back ground and college education in Agriculture.

1066. I wanted to make a difference assisting landowners conserve our
      natural resources

1067. I could not afford to farm but working with NRCS allows me to be
      out and work with landowners.

1068. The type of work did.

1069. It was always a DREAM i had to work under the USDA system and
      support USA agriculture!!

1070. It reflected my farm experience and seemed a desirable career path
      to follow in order to have a satisfying and fulfilling carreer and
      life.

1071. career ladder

1072. I enjoy the agriculture industry and I like helping people.

1073. NRCS works directly with the farmers and landowners in the county.

1074. To work for the health of the land.

1075. I love the type of work we do however we are not allowed to do a
      good job. Case in point I am working a national program where the
      the Technical Assistance funds for that program were used else
      where now the management could care less how we get the job done.
      We used to have pride in our products. Now as long as we lie (as
      we have been instructed to) on the direct charges and all the
      numbers balance no one cares what our clients get as far as
      product. Computer plans also don\'t put conservation on the
      ground, people do.

1076. I grew up in an agricultural background and I was looking for a
      position in natural resources that had long term stability and
      good benefits.

1077. I was able to help landowners improve the use of their natural
      resources.

1078. Job variety makes the work interesting and enjoyable. Get to work
      with many people to plan and construct projects that make a
      difference.

1079. To work with landowners and landusers to promote conservation.

1080. Through my student trainee position I liked the work that was
      done.

1081. Enjoy the challange when people will get out of my way!

1082. Rewarding, improving the world in which we live. Freedom to do the
      job.

1083. Love field work and working with landowners

1084. I liked what the agency was doing at the time. I chose SCS at a
      career day at my local college. If it were not for that career
      day, I probably would not be working for NRCS.

1085. I had a high degree of respect for the SCS personnel in my home
      town and I either wanted to be a farmer or work with Ag clientele
      growing up.

1086. Opportunity to help treat and/or solve environmental resource
      concerns while working for an agency that provides its employees
      good benfits including salary, retirement and working conditions.

1087. Wanted the freedom to work outside.

1088. It was in my major.

1089. My interest in Agriculture.

1090. The field work

1091. Good people, good work, good pay.

1092. To be able to assist landowners, in the wise use of the soil,
      water, air and plants. With my farming background I felt that this
      was a way to continue my love for the land with other individuals.
      I feel that you have to understand how farmers think and feel
      before you can effectively communicate with them. I love helping
      people and this is a way to be with famers and help the
      environment.

1093. Have a love of conservation and helping make a difference

1094. I was desperate

1095. The promise or concept of promotion potential based on
      accomplishments, plus the satisfaction of helping others to
      protect our countries natural resources and agri-businesses.

1096. Like working with landowners, enjoy problem solving conservation
      issues

1097. Like the type of work as well as the diversity of work we do.

1098. to help the enviornment

1099. I liked the prospect of working in agriculture.

1100. The job fit my personal skills and interests.

1101. Working outside with farmers

1102. job sounded interesting

1103. I LOVE WORKING WITH FARMERS

1104. Work outside with the public to help solve resource concerns of
      landusers.

1105. Security and benefits

1106. The Goverment closed my gas tanks down and I had to take the first
      job available.

1107. I think the agency is taking care of the most important things to
      our nation, the natural resources.

1108. Natural Resources are the most important

1109. Allows me the opportunity to help producers and improve natural
      resources

1110. First fed. agency to call

1111. Looked like an agency that would provide a good career with good
      benefits.

1112. Being outside woeking with farmers and landowners

1113. Stability in desired area of work.

1114. I liked working with soils and agriculture people.

1115. Got to work outdoors, helping the environment with a good, secure
      job.

1116. I LIKE WHAT WE DO

1117. I believe in the agency mission

1118. Salary

1119. SUMMER TRAINEE POSITION, RECOMMENDED BY A FRIEND

1120. Excellent recruiting, the student trainee program and excellent
      training I received as a resul ot the student trainee program.

1121. I grew up on a farm, enjoy farm people, wanted to help farmers
      improve their standard of living, and enjoyed working in the field
      with people that are honest and trust worthy.

1122. My Mom was District employee.

1123. The variety of conservation issues that this agency addresses and
      how effective it is at getting work put on the ground. The job can
      be very rewarding.

1124. High School and College courses

1125. long term career in conservation

1126. The pay/benefits are good and I was interested in the diversity of
      the job activities. I ultimately wanted to be involved in a
      service oriented job.

1127. good benefits

1128. My background is in agriculture and I thought that I could make a
      difference in agrieconomics but I need the training in
      agrieconomics.

1129. Having been grown on a working farm, I grew to love the land and
      how to preserve it for my children.

1130. good benefits and work environment

1131. A job out of college.

1132. My interest in agriculture.

1133. An opportunity to use my abilities for the advancement of soil
      science with the agricultural and public sectors

1134. Government job security Meaningful work as a good steward of the
      earth in protecting our land, water, air, and natural resources

1135. I liked the diversity and the challenge of the job. Being a field
      office employee being able to see some of the impact that the
      planning and implementation of practices and projects have on the
      landscape and environment.

1136. Historically has assisted U S in conservation efforts.

1137. To work outdoors. To do natural resource conservation work, work
      that I feel is constructive and badly needed in this country where
      private property rights allow people to do just about anything
      with the land with total disregard for what is being left to
      future generations.

1138. job security

1139. Initally this job provided an excellent opprotunity to use
      technical skills to work with people and apply conservation
      practices. Now, no technical skills are required. New employees
      should not have technical skills. They should be contract
      specialist and enjoy working on computers wading through the
      buraucracy

1140. Type of work we do.

1141. Raised on a farm and like working and communicating with farmers.

1142. To pursue a career in an agricultural related field and have a
      potential for promotion.

1143. My rural background and the influence of other employees.

1144. I love working with farmer and wanted to protect the environment
      and natural resources. I was raised on a farm and it was a perfect
      fit. I love being outside and with farmers.

1145. To work in an earth science field for the betterment of people and
      the environment. Job security. To work outdoors.

1146. To work with farm and land owners.

1147. I liked the original mission of NRCS and conservation still makes
      me feel glad to work here, it just is becoming less of the total
      overall job

1148. like conservation work and outdoors

1149. Opportunity

1150. Security and felt it was the best level in which to make a
      difference.

1151. Professional satisfaction

1152. Work in my field of study

1153. The pride of what I saw in a DC in Deland ,Florida

1154. I wanted to help farmers.

1155. I have a farm background and I found the work very interesting
      after working as a student trainee my first summer out of high
      school.

1156. Enjoyed the type of work involved. Loved the flexibility of our
      schedules.

1157. was Earth Team volunteer

1158. I like working outdoors and helping people. I was also raised on a
      farm.

1159. Job opening in area I wanted to work.

1160. thought I was going to work in my field of expertise

1161. Fit my goals for working in natural resource mngt.

1162. I enjoy this kind of work and work environment.

1163. I grew up on farm and I have been around agriculture all my life
      and I wanted to go back and make a difference in my community.

1164. I always have enjoyed engineering work, and was hired as a WAE on
      watershed construction contracts which allowed me to get some go
      background training for my job. This would be an excellent way for
      the agency to add some good employees.

1165. Benefits and Pay

1166. I enjoyed field work very much. I now spend much of my time on
      computer work, especially GIS. I am a very competent computer
      user, and was able to essentially train myself. Agency training
      and preparation for my present duties would have been inadequate.

1167. First full time job offer I received while I was in college.

1168. I enjoy this type of work .

1169. Area of interest

1170. interest in working in that field

1171. I like the things that the agency does to help landowners

1172. Introduced to it in college and began as student trainee

1173. Job was available at the time and I felt it was potentially
      rewarding. PS - What happened to question 17 in this survey?

1174. Partly tradition and part availability.

1175. They offered a job when I needed one.

1176. I liked the idea of conserving our natural resources

1177. Had farm backgroung and experience working with agency on
      farmland.

1178. Enjoyed being outside. Does not happen much now. All my time is
      spent on program adminstration.

1179. Liked the mission and had agricultural background and degree.

1180. working outside with landowners

1181. I had a farm back ground and I have always liked nature and
      conservation.

1182. My interest in farming and protection of our natural resources.

1183. The chance to make a difference

1184. My father was an SCS employee for 40 years.

1185. Believed in the initial mission of the agency.

1186. Personal benefits, a secure retirement plan, & work ethics.

1187. Job stability, time off from work, retirement plan

1188. I enjoyed the field work and helping the clients.

1189. Worked as a trainee while attending college and found work very
      satisfying and significantly tied to the agricultural area where I
      grew up. Biggest thing was job appealed to me as very rewarding
      and provided support to the farm community.

1190. To perform

1191. Apply engineering to agriculture with time spent in field

1192. I had worked as a district secretary before becoming a federal
      employee. I liked the mission of NRCS (SCS) and the benefits were
      appealing.

1193. Work with landowners to conserve their farms for water quality and
      sustainable agriculture.

1194. worked as district secretary and enjoyed working with NRCS

1195. The kind of work the agency does.

1196. Admired agency and the type of work we did.

1197. Somethng I wanted to do, and pay scale

1198. Initially I liked the strong emphasis for one on one working with
      landowners. There is not enough time to adequately work on these
      relationships

1199. I had worked with SCS during summer as engineering aid. Liked the
      work and the folks and came back after graduating college to
      pursue a career.

1200. Type of work and a job was available when other jobs were limited.

1201. Strong environmental ethic.

1202. Job close to home

1203. Steady income

1204. advancing public knowledge of soil use and management

1205. Type of work.

1206. I am a Registered Forester and found that the opportunities with
      NRCS, though different, closely parallel my education and work
      background.

1207. Opportunity to help agriculture\--interest in
      conservation\...federal pay and benefits

1208. Diverse Opportunity to acquire knowledge to make a difference in
      our environment

1209. I majored in Agronomy and Forestry.

1210. Knowledge of the agency

1211. The pride of providing assistance to American Farmers

1212. The mission of the agency is what made me choose NRCS. Working
      with landowners who voluntarily ask for assistance conserving
      there natural resources is exciting and rewarding.

1213. I enjoy the type of work, possible salary, benefits

1214. More career opportunity than other conservation agencies

1215. I am a contract employee. I applied for the position because of
      job advancement and the challenge that it offers.

1216. Job Security

1217. I am a younger NRCS employee but have tried to get within the
      agency since graduating college in 1999 (six years ago). I chose
      NRCS because of the stability and the freedom my position allows
      to be working out in the field as well as adiminstratively to
      conserve natural resources. Conservation is my passion and I
      wanted to work with an organization that allows me to directly
      make impacts on the ground while working closely with landowners.

1218. It was a field I was interested in and I had a college adviser who
      told me what the agency did.

1219. location of job

1220. I wanted to switch from my state position to a federal position
      because the health benefits are better.

1221. Conservation of natural resources and the chance to make a
      difference on the landscape

1222. I wanted the field training and the field experience field that
      SCS at the time provided.

1223. I was a District Employee and I enjoyed the added responsibility
      that becoming a District Conservationist offered. Also, I enjoy
      the work schedule.

1224. Federal benefits

1225. work location and desire to work with farmers and landowners

1226. got to work inside and outside with landowners in agriculture to
      help them solve resource problems

1227. I loved the work and the accomplishment

1228. I was raised on a Farm and I wanted to help Farmers and other
      landowners conserve our natural resources. Somewhere along the
      line, the agency has changed. We spend too much time being
      politically correct and putting our employees into different
      groups such as Hispanic, black, Indian, women, etc. We need to
      train employees and treat them all as one big family instead of
      dividing us into so many different groups. This does not encourage
      cooperation.

1229. working with private landowners to perform practices to protect
      natural resources.

1230. Got to work in the field with Natural Resources and public.

1231. benefits

1232. Job security.

1233. The love of agriculture and grass roots.

1234. Recruitment as Freshman in College and the summer student trainee
      program.

1235. When gratuating from College, my perception was that my skills
      were aimed for an NRCS job so I went that way.

1236. like the outdoors

1237. I worked as a student trainee and I enjoyed the job. I gain a
      better understanding about NRCS.

1238. To work with Agriculural landowners on a personal level to help
      them remain economically viable while protecting the environment.

1239. To work with farmers.

1240. Relationship to agriculture.

1241. I like doing conservation work.

1242. The opportunity to work with people in the field (planning) on
      nattural resource solutions.

1243. Nature of the job. Outside activites dealing w/ the environment.

1244. It was directly related to my major!

1245. I value our resoures and would like to enhance our conservation
      efforts in promoting good water quality practices. I enjoy working
      with producers and farmers. In todays world it appears that
      agriculture is not important to the new generations. I also was
      told from the beginning I would be working on the lands providing
      guidance on saving our resources and as of today the majority of
      time is spent on computers and unrealiatic deadlines

1246. Love the people that work here, love working with the farmers,
      great benefits, I believe in what I do!

1247. The interesting programs and helping farmers.

1248. Belief in a Conservation ethic. Put conservation on the land

1249. blind luck

1250. thought that it would be a challenging job

1251. Relocation

1252. I thought the agency had a mission to serve the rural public in
      conserving our soil and water resources

1253. Close ties with agriculutre community

1254. Enjoy working with the Agriculture sector

1255. To helpfarmers, landowners and my fellow man.

1256. Competetive benefits (in 1977, that was true).

1257. Love what our mision is\...

1258. Recommendation from a SCS employee

1259. Worked for a SWCD, pay and benefits were better.

1260. To work with natural resource problems, not to sit behind a
      computer and make numbers match.

1261. At first it appeared to be a great opportunity for my future. It
      would support me through school and provide me with an income
      later in life.

1262. I have a B.S. in Natural Resources Management. Job Stability.

1263. My education and it was afield I felt like I could help people in.

1264. Wanted outdoor job working closely with land, farmers, wildlife
      etc.

1265. I thought it was the best place to work in conservation, so much
      good information and resources were available both to an employee
      and to the customer.

1266. i went on as a student trainee and wanted a job where I could work
      outside and help improve my enviroment.

1267. Combination of inside/outside work. There are some amounts of
      freedom how I accomplish my work.

1268. It was a technical agency with a mission of protecting our God
      given resources and working closely with individuals to be good
      stewards of the land.

1269. I thought I could use my knowledge of soils to help people
      conserve soil.

1270. Retirement

1271. College professor recommended NRCS

1272. To assist Landowners to perseve and protect their land through
      conservation.

1273. It was an agency I thought I would enjoy working for, it was an
      employer associated with agriculture which was a field I wanted to
      work in, variation in everyday job duties, and health/retirement
      benefits.

1274. Health Benefits

1275. Location and outdoor working with farmers.

1276. stablity

1277. Farming background

1278. NRCS allowed me to take advantage of my college education and
      ability to live where I wanted to.

1279. worked as a county employee and liked the work I was doing-got the
      opportunity to be hired as full time fed. employee

1280. Wanted to work in outdoors with Natural Resources.

1281. Ag background.

1282. i hoped to help all landowners

1283. Ability the work close with people to solve problems

1284. Because you can do so many different thing with the landowner on
      their farm to protect their land.

1285. I grew up on a family operated farm dedicated to cooperating with
      SCS and conservation districts. Conservation work was of great
      interest to me.

1286. I was recruited while in college.

1287. The position allowed me to work in the county where I grew up.

1288. I started as an county employee and was able to go over WORK for
      NRCS.

1289. good job in the field I know, benifits,and time off

1290. Job security.

1291. I could contribute to the needs farmers in this county. The
      outside work. If I had known that this agency had such crapp for
      supervisors and support of employees that try to carry out
      conservation, I would have been just as well off to have stayed
      with FSA.

1292. Enjoy putting conservation on the ground with clients

1293. When I came on with (SCS)NRCS they had a clear vision of what our
      goals were and where we were going now it is total difference.

1294. Nature of work.

1295. The opportunity to work with farmers and make a real difference in
      the world.

1296. So that I could help farmers put conservation on the land.

1297. I have always enjoyed the farming community and the people NRCS
      has the opportunity to work with. Benefits and pay were also a
      plus.

1298. The love of our natural resources and to work with
      farmers/landusers to help protect our natural resources.

1299. They were hiring at the time I was graduating from college. The
      position was in my field of study and I was grateful for the
      opportunity to implement what I had learned.

1300. Outdoor related/Agriculture job that helped people

1301. I grew up on farm, and I love to work outside with the land. We
      had fields that would wash away from erosion and I like to assist
      local landowners stop the same problem with their fields. It makes
      them feel good and you feel proud when they tell you good job.

1302. Because of the clients we service.

1303. A federal position, close to home with good benefits.

1304. SOLID CAREER, GOOD BENEFITS, RETIREMENT,ENJOYABLE WORK

1305. Cooped in college.

1306. I have a biology degree with a general botany background and I was
      focused on wildlife and natural resources as a lifetime career
      choice.

1307. I enjoy the type of work

1308. It was the only job available

1309. Enjoyment with outside employment, meeting and working with
      landowners, agency reputation (1971)

1310. The reason I chose NRCS as an employer was because I like what I
      do and I feel good about going to work everyday.

1311. For the Conservation work I hoped to do especially related to
      wildlife

1312. Working with people

1313. I liked the work.

1314. Helping individuals with resource concerns and the flexibility of
      solving problems at the local level. (No longer valid today with
      top-down directed activities now.)

1315. Type of work performed.

1316. I was young and needed a job

1317. As a farmer myself Conservation has always been a number 1
      priority. Reason for choosing NRCS as employer was that I could
      help put Conservation practices on the ground in my county.

1318. First offer

1319. Needed a job.

1320. I am a 3rd generation NRCS employee and have had contact with the
      agency through out my life

1321. I am a third generation NRCS employee and have seen how the agency
      has worked and works with the land

1322. believe in conservation

1323. I love the outside and the diversity workload.

1324. I wanted to get involved with an agency that had opportunity for
      upward mobility.

1325. Security, training potential, career path.

1326. As a intern the agency presented a great job me.

1327. Because I like agriculture and working in the farm sector.

1328. i enjoy the type of work the agency is involved in

1329. good work ethic

1330. enjoyed working outside

1331. they were hiring soil scientists

1332. Someone knew me at a previous job.

1333. Benefits

1334. Good benefits, pay, flexible schedule

1335. Knew about NRCS when gowing up.

1336. Job satisfaction is why I stayed with agency.

1337. Having the opportunity to recieve a descent paying job just
      graduating from college. It also gave me an opportunity to
      experince the workforce head on. Most importantly job security.

1338. Pay and benefits at that time

1339. I needed a job

1340. I like the environmental concept of the Agency

1341. Born and raise up on the farm (Agriculture background).

1342. Great opertunity to work for the Federal Gov. and in your field of
      study.

1343. I\'ve always had interest in Agriculture and NRCS is the only
      employer I wanted to work for.

1344. Belief in the work that SCS did at the time.

1345. It was the only job available at the time.

1346. recommended by classmate

1347. outdoor work in agricultural field.

1348. My father is a District Supervisor (40+ years) and has always
      admired and defended the SCS/NRCS Agency and its mission. I have a
      love for this agency and always will - it is an honor to be a part
      of it.

1349. The job objectives and type of work in my original FO was very
      appealing.

1350. co-op position to evaluate the work. good first impression because
      of dedication of the employees I was exposed to.

1351. I was hired as a parttime Soil Conservation Aide and was impressed
      by the personnel.

1352. I have my own farm, I\'ve worked with the public all my working
      career in other places and this is where I feel comfortable. I
      enjoy beening outdoors and each and every day I learn more.

1353. Recruited through co-op program

1354. technical capabilities in the agricultural conservation field

1355. I am very interested in agriculture.

1356. I came from a farming background and liked the prospect of a
      variety of opportunity that I thought NRCS presented.

1357. Career with NRCS addressed educational background

1358. Opportunity to utilize college education on a variety of landuses
      and with a variety of customers. No two days are the same!

1359. Good Benefits.

1360. Benefits and security.

1361. I wanted to make a difference on the land.

1362. To help landowners

1363. Benefits and enjoy working with nature and protecting the
      environment.

1364. I enjoy the job.

1365. I love the work and an excelent local leadership

1366. So that I could grow into becoming a full time Govnment employee.

1367. To be able to rank higher

1368. To help landowners control erosion on cropland

1369. The primary reason why I chose NRCS as an employer because I like
      conserving and protecting our environment.

1370. Type of work

1371. my personal belief in agriculture

1372. working with local people to achieve environmental benefits

1373. The location from my residence and it was another federal agency.

1374. Secure employment in a field I enjoyed.

1375. I work as a student trainee and had the opportunity to work with
      some great NRCS employees.

1376. Needed good benefits and average salary.

1377. I didn\'t. I chose the SCS which is an entirly different animal.

1378. Introduced to the agency by a friend that was working for the Soil
      Conservation Service at the time.

1379. Benefits.

1380. outside type of work, also monday through friday hours

1381. I needed a job fast and a vacancy was available

1382. Potential for job satisfaction.

1383. Helping the farmers

1384. Seeking transfer with day time tour of duty

1385. Local, federal and promotion opportunity

1386. Because,their is opportunities not only to improve self worth but
      also, to improve our natural resources.

1387. Because I love working with natural resources and being outside
      making something happen.

1388. I am conservation minded and working for this agency makes me feel
      like I am making a positive impact in conservation of natural
      resources.

1389. Long term job stability in my chosen profession was my reason
      initially. When competitive sourcing came along this reason
      vanished. How can I truly be dedicated to this agency\'s vision if
      I think they might outsource me out someday to

1390. NRCS was the primary agency working with conservation on private
      lands.

1391. The ability to work in the environment for the public\'s concerns.

1392. Wanted to work in Agriculture and Natural Resources

1393. My interest, experience, like to work with landowners.Want to
      assist to improve this country.

1394. Knew the local employees and like working with agriculture.

1395. At the time it was serving people one on one, but now everything
      seems to be running with the computer of which not all clients
      have one!

1396. It was in my field of interest

1397. It fit my academic and interest areas.

1398. The type of position I wanted was available within the dept of
      agriculture as I was already an employee with USDA. Moved from
      APHIS to NRCS. I believe in what NRCS does and stands for.

1399. Type of work and the pay.

1400. It looked like an interesting opportunity to learn more
      engineering skills. Although in many areas this would have been
      true in this particular area it is not.

1401. I like it!

1402. only offer

1403. It gave me opportunity for advancement in my chosen field

1404. soils degree

1405. At the time, benefits (not any longer) and being able to help
      people on a one to one basis in primarily an outdoors setting.

1406. I was a high school co-op prgram participant. I feel into
      position.

1407. Previously worked for the District and did extensive work with
      NRCS. I wanted to work for an agency where there were promotion
      potentials available and opportunities for additional training.
      NRCS was a perfect fit for me.

1408. ITS a good job in Agriculture

1409. Pay and promotion potential was better than with the state natural
      resource agency I was employeed with.

1410. It was SCS when I was hired. You could get things done. Now red
      tape is all that is important.

1411. Enjoy working with the land and the people who are involved with
      the land. Love the outside.

1412. My degree is in Soils.

1413. I thought this agency had a great mission, and had a clear vision
      on how to maintain its effort.

1414. I work as student intern during the summer of my freshman year.

1415. federal benefits, civil service retirement

1416. I was looking for a government service job that utilized my
      training and education and was in my area of interest.

1417. State Conservationist talked me into joining the agency

1418. I started with the conservation district and I liked what SCS did.

1419. I knew the right people

1420. To leave a job that I disliked for a job I knew that I would like.

1421. stability

1422. I needed a job at the time

1423. Providing technical assistance to private landowners.

1424. help get conservation applied on the ground

1425. Work in the Natural Resources field was my life goal and SCS
      provided that opportunity.

1426. Interesting career with good benefits aong with the opportunity to
      obtain decent pay over time.

1427. Benefits

1428. To be able to put conservation on the ground

1429. Familar with the agency.

1430. Having the ability to work with professional people within
      disciplines that I value.

1431. It was in my primary field of study.

1432. Employee benifits.

1433. I have a passion to help people and those who care for our
      land,water, air plants and animals.

1434. They offered me a job in my field of interest and study.

1435. Great benefits,good people to work with and the opportunity to do
      work that benefits the public and the environment.

1436. began as part time temporary in special project - developed into
      full time

1437. Work in the field

1438. I like the work.

1439. What I wanted to do at the time

1440. NRCS was hiring\....

1441. Needed a job did not know who NRCS was

1442. Type of work.

1443. Fereraal job and good benefits

1444. first job to come up on the federal register

1445. I liked the agency mission and wanted to work in agriculture.

1446. Thought that there was great benfits with a great job

1447. Career opportunity.

1448. During the time I was hired, I could not find Foresty employment.
      NRCS needed a person with my college training and similar skills
      in the rural community where I live. I did not chose NRCS, they
      chose me, and I\'m glad they did.

1449. Agricultural and conservation connection.

1450. My college Soils Professor recommended that I take a look at the
      SCS. I completed college and signed up as an Earth Team Volunteer
      with SCS in order to get work experience with the hope of gaining
      employment. I had a great experience as a volunteer, and
      eventually got hired as a WAE. I really liked what SCS did and the
      idea of getting to work with individuals to conserve and protect
      our natural resources. I found the job personally satisfying and
      was proud to be working for the now NRCS.

1451. It enabled me to apply my knowledge of math, science and
      agriculture and witness the real benefits of that knowledge in the
      conservation of soil and water.

1452. OUTSIDE WORK IN NATURAL RESOURCES

1453. I was looking for an adventure and to learn more about our natural
      resources.

1454. the job was offered to me when I was 16

1455. I needed a job but now that I am here I like the work and the
      knowledge of the Programs.

1456. I enjoy working in the field of agriculture and dealing with ways
      to protect the environment.

1457. I enjoy working outdoors and want to preserve our natural
      resources.

1458. .

1459. The capacity to help other people accomplish their conservation
      objectives.

1460. Location, Benifits, Pay, get to work with landowners and see
      benefits to environment, Farmers and public

1461. There was a job offer in the soil science field located in the
      area of my state where I wanted to live.

1462. I enjoyed working outside and the employees were very friendly and
      helpful.

1463. To assist landowners in conserving OUR resources.

1464. I began as a county employee and made the transition to NRCS for
      benefits and salary increase.

1465. County position open/ took it.

1466. intrest in conservation

1467. My aunt had worked for the federal government, and I thought it
      would be a safe and secure work environment.

1468. I enjoy working with our natural resources.

1469. The reputation of SCS as a conservation agency and the service it
      provided to agriculture.

1470. an opportunity to learn a new job

1471. Interest in agriculuture and good federal employee benefits

1472. Good opportunity

1473. Started as a student worker (WAE) and had the opportunity to stay
      on after graduation. I appreciate the flexibility on my job when
      it comes to caring for my family.

1474. I was interested in an outdoor career in conservation.

1475. I always wish to work as a public servant.

1476. Matched my personal goal of helping with soil conservation.

1477. job satisfaction

1478. Being from an agricultural background the agency attracted my
      interest.

1479. Had work experience while in college and enjoyed the type of work
      we did back then

1480. Type of work and benefits

1481. Interesting work opportunities

1482. Benefits.

1483. Job security

1484. I wanted to work in the field with natural resources. I was also
      interested in working for the government for the security that
      type of position provided.

1485. Working with landowners/farmers/rural populations.

1486. Enjoy working with Natural Resources

1487. NRCS chose me through one of the special employment programs.

1488. Location.

1489. Knowledge of agency and support for its mission.

1490. na

1491. Agriculture

1492. I believe in the mission.

1493. After spending 20 years in the Department of Defense, I wanted to
      dedicated the rest of my years on less destructive work. I am
      excited about the programs we have that support conservation of
      our natural resources.

1494. Being able to provide services that I am proud to be apart of.

1495. Working with conservation and the land; good reputation as an
      agency.

1496. I was pick for employment thru Handicapped office.

1497. the job was available in my general commuting area

1498. Type of work involved.

1499. Benefits

1500. The primary reason I chose NRCS as an employer, because I had the
      background they were looking for.

1501. Agricultural interests, job security, promotion potential,
      mobility

1502. I wanted to take an active part in the protection and conservation
      of the natural resources in the state in which I live. I care
      about the mission of the NRCS as a whole.

1503. job sercurity and advancment

1504. At the time job was very interesting not to much red tape in
      helping landusers, it WAS fun .

1505. Work with natural resources.

1506. Job in my field of study.

1507. Job security.

1508. I have always been interested in Agriculture and the environment.
      I also enjoy working with agricultural producers. I want to be
      able to help the public with valuable knowledge and skills!!

1509. I grew up on a farm and enjoy helping farmers and communities

1510. Interested in the type of work the agency does.

1511. I needed a job.

1512. better pay than the university that I worked for

1513. Stability of the work place. Clients wanted our input and
      assistance. Enjoyable to come to work for exiciting and new
      challenges.

1514. I believe in the mission statement and enjoy my job.

1515. I like the work that I do. I like most federal benefits. I just
      think that if we agree to take on more responsibility that we
      should consider hiring the employees it takes to provide a good
      product and service.

1516. I unlike alot of others look at NRCS as a place I can make a
      career. Not just a paycheck.

1517. My Agricultural background and the type of services we provide.

1518. I didn\'t really choose. My dad found out from an old friend in
      SCS in 1980 that they were hiring, I just lucked out to be
      inbetween jobs w/ a degree in Ag.

1519. enjoy the work

1520. I had a goal to work for this agency since college

1521. The agency provided opportunity to work in the natural resources
      area.

1522. Satisfaction in helping private landusers.

1523. Benefits

1524. I loved working in agriculture and farmers are the best people
      around. I feel that I am accomplishing something significant when
      conservation is

1525. Job location

1526. I co-op with the agency and enjoyed the work.

1527. It was best for me in 1973 when I started working.

1528. I liked the job I would be doing. (Soil Scientist)

1529. long term job security,and i like the work i do.

1530. I enjoy agriculture.

1531. wanted to work in natural resource conservation

1532. career

1533. My interest is soils and soil conservation

1534. To help less educated landowners solve environmental and
      conservation problems on their land.

1535. \...good reputation of agency, esp. in natural res./environmental
      matters.

1536. Able to work outdoors with landowners.

1537. Started as a WAE while working another job.

1538. Working with farmers,ranchers and forest landowners. Working in
      the field to conservation our natural resources and seeing
      progress as it was applied to the ground and assisting our
      clients.

1539. My Father was a DC and I love to work outdoors with our Natural
      Resources.

1540. The work that NRCS does for farmers and landowners.

1541. I have the opportunity to work in the office and also outdoors.

1542. I have a agriculture back ground and love the outdoors and help
      people take care of and protect our natural resources.

1543. Benefits

1544. The NRCS has always had a reputation for being a very strong
      technical agency. An agency that was formed to help protect and
      conserve natural resources.

1545. I grew up on a farm and a career with NRCS was as close to farming
      as I could get without actually farming.

1546. felt it was a good responsibility

1547. I enjoy working in the field of Agriculture

1548. I enjoy helping farmers and landowners

1549. I like being out in the field. Have always had an interest in
      Agriculture.

1550. I thought it was a great opportunity to educational and career
      growth and diversity.

1551. I had a good opportunity to work for NRCS and felt I could be
      useful.

1552. Looked like a good agency (job).

1553. I love conservation!!!

1554. It was my career choice with potiential for advancing up in the
      agency

1555. Benefits

1556. Student-trainee program

1557. N/A

1558. to use my knowledge and ability to help landowners accomplish
      their goals.

1559. A government job with good benefits and retirement. Keep is mind
      that this was 34 Years age.

1560. Former employee convinced me that I should work for SCS.

1561. Love of helping people accomplish conservation outdoor needs. Love
      making a difference in improving our natural resources.

1562. Job security, a chance to excel in a career, and the chance to
      apply my education and experiences with people who are striving to
      be better stewards of the land.

1563. enjoy the work

1564. I believe in the agency\'s mission. Good benefits, USDA employee,
      and agricultural interest.

1565. I grew up on a farm and received a BS Degree in the Agricultural
      Field. NRCS allowed me to do what I had a passion for and I
      didn\'t have to settle for a non agricultural related job to earn
      a living.

1566. The NRCS offers good promotion potintial. The NRCS also pays as
      good or better than any other state or federal agency.

1567. I have always been interested in helping people. NRCS is all about
      helping people make good decisions about their land and I enjoy
      helping people. I gain a sense of pride in my job when I know that
      at the end of the day I have done all I can to help my fellow man.

1568. I like to help people and I enjoy being outside. I have friends
      the have been employeed with NRCS for several years and they got
      me interested in NRCS.

1569. Enjoy working with contractors and farmers, health insurance

1570. Wanted to live in the state I grew up in.

1571. I like the work.

1572. Because I was reared on the farm and came to appreciate the rural
      life, nature and the environment and wanted to see improvements
      made for the backbone of this country, Rural America.

1573. enjoy the field, long term benefits

1574. A love for agriculture and helping conserve our natural resources.

1575. Agency personnel, agency mission

1576. benefits, students work exp.

1577. mONEY

1578. It gave me a chance to be outdoors one-on-one with the farmers.
      This has changed in the last 19yrs.

1579. I wanted to be a natural resources manager for a branch of the
      government with decision-making responsibilities so that I could
      have a positive impact on our natural resources.

1580. Because I believe in SOil Conservation

1581. To stay in Ag. and be agood stuart of the land.

1582. Type of work and the civil service benefits.

1583. I enjoy the diversity of people I meet on the job. I\'m not stuck
      in a office all the time, it\'s nice to go out to the field. The
      pay is good and the benefits are graet..

1584. I grew up on my family farm and i enjoy being able to help other
      farmers succeed in agriculture.

1585. Enjoyment of working with farmers, benefits and retirement plan.

1586. I enjoy working with people and leading them in the importance of
      conservation efforts.

1587. I thought it was a good agency.

1588. Like to work with farmers and ranchers.

1589. Supplement my farming operation.

1590. I like the customers we deal with. I wanted to farm when I left
      school. This is the closest job to farming.

1591. farm related.

1592. Had developed skills needed through contact with agency through
      district and was able when the opportunity presented itself.

1593. Working in the agriculture community, and outdoors.

1594. I was able to work close to home.

1595. Agricultural related.

1596. Love this type of work.

1597. Interested in conserving natural resources.

1598. interest in conserving our Natural Resources

1599. NRCS allows me to put to use my natural skills. I really like what
      I do. I do believe it was Gods plan that I would work for this
      agency. I strongly believe we are to be good stewards of this
      land. NRCS is the agency to continue with God\'s first demand,

1600. I have a farm back ground and a Agricultural Education degree. It
      puts me close to what I love doing.

1601. I liked the type of work that NRCS is involved in: the
      agricultural field dealing with local farmers and their problems.

1602. Type of work. Metting people with ag interest. Doing diffrent
      things.

1603. long term benefits

1604. Outside work and on the job training

1605. I was a student trainee and I enjoyed the work.

1606. I started work with SCS mission was providing Tech.service to
      landerowners,now we sit behind a computer.

1607. I love farming

1608. Job satisfation.

1609. It involves the type of work that I wish to do.

1610. I like to work with landowners.

1611. Job security.

1612. Mission

1613. Work schedule

1614. AT the time, it was the benefit package and the promise of
      opportunity of advancement.

1615. Pay

1616. Job security.

1617. I were looking gov\'t work in Agi- related field.

1618. Because my position is located in an area where I really wanted to
      reside.

1619. Retirement and Health benefits

1620. I liked the job I was offered

1621. USDA offered me a job. I did not request the job.

1622. Opportunity to practice Agronomy and not travel extensively as I
      did in the commercial Agriculture sector

1623. The agency would allow me to work in my field of study.

1624. 33 years ago it was a good technical agency in a good field to be
      in.

1625. Stability and opportunities for advancement.

1626. Outstanding opportunities for putting conservation on the ground

1627. retirement

1628. Provided job security combined with a safe,clear retirement plan
      that allowed me to work in agriculture with the landowners

1629. Availability of employment

1630. at the time NRCS pay was higher than State governmental agencies,
      now that is not the case

1631. For the Benefits of being a federal employee

1632. Ag related job involving engineering.

1633. It offered the type of work I am interested in.

1634. As an agronomist, I could use my training and skills. I am a
      people person and I like working with people.

1635. I was misled during interview process.

1636. Grew up on small farm. Timing and availibility of job. Enjoy
      outdoor setting.

1637. For the benefits the Federal Gov\'t has to offer.

1638. recommendation

1639. Job satisfaction for pay.

1640. To work in the field (something we do very little of now)

1641. get a chance to work with landowners

1642. I\'m interested in this type work and education is in this area

1643. My job at the Plant Materials Center allows me to do what I feel
      comfortable doing, growing plants.

1644. Tradition of excellence and ability to work outdoors

1645. pay and convenience

1646. I needed a job.

1647. location

1648. i needed a job!

1649. GOOD AGENCY TO WORK FOR.

1650. I like outside work and I think conserving our natural resources
      is one of the most important things a person can do

1651. Farm back ground. Working with SCS as a contractor installing
      conservation practices for private landowners.

1652. I was interested in working with the RC&D program \-- one of the
      best programs NRCS has going for it.

1653. To work as closely to agriculture as possible, without actually
      working in production agriculture (farming)

1654. I started out needing a job and was proud that SCS offered me one.
      I have enjoyed my 22 years with the agency but the added
      administrative duties of the District Conservationist take
      valuable time away from working with landowners in the field.

1655. Related to degree and livehood

1656. what we do was of interest to me

1657. Meaningful work

1658. Helping to conserve the environment

1659. it was a job transfer that I needed at the time from moving from
      one state to another in order to maintain federal employment.
      prior to that, i had no knowledge of the agency

1660. I wanted to be able to work with the public and be able to work
      outside.

1661. Career/Federal Benefits

1662. New area of interest with potential to learn new things in life

1663. The job was local and in my line of work, engineering.

1664. Love for the Land.

1665. Love of the land and a cometment to help protect it.

1666. Type work, clients, and general objectives of the Agency.

1667. I enjoy working outside.

1668. I enjoy working with the public to stress the importance of
      conserving our natural resources.

1669. I wanted to work in a field that afforded me opportunities to be
      envolved with agricultural lands and producers. There are not a
      lot of career opportunities available in this field. Since 72%
      (Doyle, Heizmannand Stubbs - Environmental Careers in the 21st
      Century, 1999) of the career opportunities are with

1670. job security

1671. Because I love working with people and protecting our natural
      resources. Painting a picture on the landscape that future
      generations can see.

1672. I could relate to the type of work coming off a farm.

1673. Enjoyed summer job as student trainee.

1674. I was working part time and a position came open. I applied and
      was hired. I love what I do.

1675. Family Values

1676. OPPORTUNITIES ARE UNLIMITED

1677. job security

1678. To get my foot in the door with the agency.

1679. Wanted to work in a job which I felt would help the environment.

1680. Agricultural

1681. Didnot like other employment

1682. I like type of work

1683. work history

1684. Best offer at the time

1685. When I came on board, it was good pay for a clerical position.
      Since that time, I completed my degree and qualified for a
      professional position. I have thoroughly

1686. Excellent job opportunity

1687. i came aboard with physical disability

1688. Chance for permanant employment (was in a temp/NTE position)

1689. I was looking for a job and they was looking for a mail Clerk at
      the time.

1690. job security

1691. It was a good summer job for a college student.

1692. To have the opportunity to help promote conservation and resource
      management to all communityes.

1693. The opportunity to work with landowners and to work in an outdoor
      environment

1694. Only job opportunity at the time.

1695. BECAUSE IT WAS A GOV\'T JOB WITH BETTER BENEFITS THAN THE PRIVATE
      SECTOR

1696. As a farm raised person I liked the idea of working with the rural
      community to promote conservation.

1697. Interest in the career discipline and the employee benefits

1698. The best agency for a Soil Scientist to work for (25 years ago
      anyway).

1699. I enjoy the profession as a soil scientist

1700. It provided the opportunity to work in several different resorce
      areas and had resonable travel opportunities. When I started the
      salaries/benefits were as good or better than many industries.

1701. Salary

1702. Lo0ng term security

1703. Enjoy working with people who primary focus is preserving our
      naturtal resources for future generations.

1704. Was hired off the old PACE exam. SCS chose me, not vice versa.

1705. Convenience in location.

1706. Former employee recommended the job.

1707. The opportunity to pursue a career in soil science.

1708. NRCS has been extremly helpful in helping my family put
      conservation on our farm.

1709. Iwas a fish farmer for fifteen years and enjoy being able to help
      our local farmers preserving their enterprises for generations
      that may follow.

1710. I worked as a Conservation District employee and felt as though i
      would serve better as a Federal Employee. I like the thought of
      helping people become more sound stewards of the land.

1711. At the time it fit my intrest and course of study

1712. Existing knowledge of agriculture and the promise of a good income
      and benefits.

1713. I grew up on a farm and it was the closest job i could get to the
      farming community since i wasn\'t able to farm

1714. Agency Mission and Financial

1715. I enjoy helping people and I like the environment

1716. Because of my Agricultural background and experience, I felt that
      I would enjoy this type of work.

1717. DON\'T REMEMBER

1718. I learned of NRCS from the National FFA Association and it allowed
      me to continue with the care of our resources.

1719. I was a temporary worker for USDA APHIS during college. When my
      temporary work ran out for the year, the local conservation
      district hired me. I learned about the NRCS while working for the
      conservation district for 5 years. I than applied for a job with
      NRCS as a technician. I am lacking about 2 classes of college to
      qualify for a professional job and about 2 years of college for my
      undergraduate degree.

1720. I chose NRCS as an employer because I love the type of work we do
      as a team and I enjoy working outside in the field.

1721. It was one occupation that I thought would allow me to remain in
      production agriculture and get paid to help farmers.

1722. Pay, benifits and flexible work schedule.

1723. Stability

1724. I wanted to work in a agriculture related field.

1725. I have an agricultural background along with a college degree in
      the agricultural field and the required courses in soils and plant
      science

1726. Most of the work involved working with landusers out of the
      office.

1727. benefits and working outdoors

1728. I wanted to be a soil scientist and NRCS hires them

1729. I was under the assumption that the agency operated as one agency.
      But as time progressed, I realized that the section of the agency
      I work in is kinda left out.

1730. Service

1731. Back When I went to work I liked the Kind of work that SCS was
      doing.

1732. Location

1733. It got me as close to farmers and ranchers as I could without
      actually owning the land so that I could help them with their
      land.

1734. I love conservation work.

1735. To

1736. I was well prepared in my field of study while being in college
      and prepared to enter the workforce at my present position.

1737. Working with landowners to help them, the work environment, and
      working to help people not to make a profit.

1738. JOB

1739. Improve natural resources

1740. conserve natural resources

1741. 25+ years ago I needed a job.

1742. My college major was agronomy and I wanted to be a soil
      conservationist.

1743. An opportunity to give something back to my community and to put
      conservation on the groung.

1744. It was one of the better benefits and better paying jobs in the
      economic area for a older person with experience in the job skill
      that was advertised

1745. The work!!!!!!!!!!!

1746. I wanted to do the job for which I was hired.

1747. Opportunity to work agriculturval conservation.

1748. Chance to support natural resource conservation in a responsible
      position with national importance.

1749. Federal benefits, no political hassle, same mission for farmers.

1750. good benifits;retirement when I began.

1751. I believe in what NRCS stands for: providing leadership in a
      partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve
      our natural resources and environment.

1752. Fit my likes and personality the best with being raised on a farm.
      Also liked the CSRS system and eligible age to retire.

1753. Ag related

1754. Coming from a professional ag back ground I saw the need for good
      sound conservation.

1755. I enjoy working in the agriculture field and like working with the
      farmers/livestock producers.

1756. Reputation

1757. NRCS gives me the opportunity to work with in the farming and
      ranching community; which enables me to help these individuals
      improve and sustain our resouces.

1758. working with

1759. I started working for the Soil and Water Conservation District and
      enjoyed the work we where doing.

1760. I wanted to help people improve their own land.

1761. Benefits

1762. Knowledge of construction and enjoy construction inspection

1763. One of very few places to utilize my college degrees.

1764. Limited opportunities in the private sector for conservation
      related employment. Something akin to community service.

1765. Job needed after layoff.

1766. the job position was perfect for me.

1767. life goals, community service, pay and benefits, mobility
      potential

1768. I liked the things that the old SCS did and worked with the local
      SCS office on our family farm.

1769. The NRCS mission fits my training and beliefs on conservation.

1770. Enjoy working in the field of agriculture

1771. Opportunity to make a difference and help farmers and ranchers to
      do a better job of natural resource stewardship! I enjoy being
      able to look into the eyes of our ranchers and provide meaningful
      and helpful information to them. I thought and still feel that
      NRCS is the best part of the Federal Government!

1772. Stability with career.

1773. Working with individuals to help them reach their production
      goals, while maintaining or enhancing our natural resources.

1774. The benefits and retirement.

1775. oportunity to work with the public

1776. As a student, best possible part time pay. However the pay is
      sub-par once graduated.

1777. Benefits

1778. Experience in other federal workforce converts to retirement time.

1779. Better pay than previous job.

1780. I was a coop student and enjoyed the work during summer beraks for
      school, as well the employees.

1781. To use college degrees; to work in my field.

1782. To have the opportunity to work with farmers and accomplish
      conservation to help make my world a better place.

1783. I enjoyed the fact that the agency did alot of practices that help
      with wildlife.

1784. It is the premier agency for Soil Science

1785. Benefits at the time I was hired.

1786. It had a job that related to my major

1787. Great Agency with a great purpose. A true need of this country.

1788. to work with farmers

1789. People

1790. Stewardship of the Natural Resources

1791. Benefits, and thought it would be more field related work.

1792. I liked applying conservation work.

1793. Part time employment

1794. There is no other place that I could work that offers pay and
      benifits of NRCS and I get really enjoy being able to help
      farmers.

1795. The agency mission is close to mine to take care of the land and
      water and to help farmers and all people.

1796. I did not choose NRCS/SCS, they chose me.

1797. To persue a challenging career in an ag related field

1798. Interest in environmental science.

1799. opportunity as a new graduate - pay & benefits

1800. Best job a woman could get in the field of agriculture at the time
      I graduated college.

1801. Work with and learned about SCS and like the work.

1802. I like the working environment.

1803. I like the type of work

1804. I enjoyed the work

1805. stability

1806. Interested in conservation work.

1807. NRCS was and is a stable organization with an expert field of
      learning and I wanted to be a part of that.

1808. Good indvidual public service that was real that gave tangible
      results.

1809. Mission

1810. I needed a job

1811. Liked the kind of work they did.

1812. Needed the cash and NRCS was hiring at the time

1813. This is exactly what I have always wanted to do.

1814. A friend recommended the job to me.

1815. work in a good enviorment

1816. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES.

1817. full time job working with the county farmers and also a chance
      working for the fed. gov!

1818. Farm Background worked w/SCS on farm

1819. Job satisfaction and security.

1820. My passion for agriculture. My belief that there is room in the
      agricultural industry to improve natural resources.

1821. Diversity of conservation work involving both indoor and outdoor
      activities.

1822. I wanted to work in natural resource management

1823. I enjoyed my internship during college, chose to volunteer, and
      was eventually offered a position.

1824. Overall variety in job resposibilities

1825. I was from a farm and liked to work with farmers and work outside.

1826. outdoor work

1827. Being able to work with landowners to see their farms change in a
      positive way.

1828. Working on the land with farmers.

1829. I like working with conservation and hope to work in my home
      County while

1830. Long term Career

1831. field oriented work

1832. Activities involving Conservation of our Natural Resources

1833. Pay, benefits

1834. Good benefits and I enjoy agriculture

1835. I really love the field of Agriculture, and I like being able to
      help farmers acheive the goals of what they want their farms to
      become. Also there is a good chance of advancement, great pay and
      benefits.

1836. Needed a job and the position was open. Plus .. the pay wasn\'t
      bad.

1837. I worked 11 year+ for SWCDs and was tired of the hard work, low
      pay and lack of job security. I worked with several DCs in
      different counties and decided that NRCS deserved better than what
      it was getting out of them and that I could offer more. I was
      looking for a secure, better paying job than SWCDs but along the
      same line of work.

1838. I wanted to work outside with farmers and producers to promote
      good conservation work.

1839. It was the firs and only USDA agency I\'d ever worked for

1840. No one else in the environmental sector was offering a job at the
      time of my graduation.

1841. looking for a job outside

1842. Benefits/pay compared to other entities I knew about at the time

1843. Like the work.

1844. I believed in the work I was hired to do.

1845. good work enviroment, to Make a diffrence

1846. I like the work and wanted a chance to move up and move around the
      country to work on different types a farm operations.

1847. Location of available position.

1848. I love agriculture and natural resources. I also like science and
      being outdoors. I like a variety of tasks.

1849. I didn\'t. I chose SCS becasue it was a conservation organizaton
      and worked with all the landowners to get conservation on the
      ground.

1850. It allowed me the opportunity to assist landowners in implementing
      good conservation practices that I believe are important.

1851. Soils judging in High School,talked to local D.C. about
      technicians work.I came from a farm and this seemed like a
      position that would work to help others and myself.

1852. Benefits and job.

1853. They gave me the opportunnity to prove myself as an employee and
      as a individual.

1854. job stability

1855. I what to be forest soil scientist and the forest service told me
      that NRCS did there soil mapping.

1856. Benefits

1857. I like conservation work

1858. type of work I wanted to do

1859. i wanted to work in the agricultural field and started as a WAE
      after volunteering for an SWCD

1860. I was offered a job.

1861. Good summer trainee experience. Liked working in the field with
      farmers on conservation engineering projects.

1862. This was a good job that I thought I would really enjoy.

1863. great people to work with. comrodory

1864. NRCS allows me to use my education and skills in the application
      of conservation with landowners/landusers.

1865. It was the lead agency for conservation of soil and water.

1866. Mobility and advancement opportunity

1867. I had previously worked in construction and agriculture for many
      years.

1868. Money.

1869. advancement

1870. I knew what type of work it involved and it appealed to me.

1871. Working outside with landowners and helping them improve the
      environment

1872. I could be out in the field working with people and the natural
      resources on their farms, homes, and woods. I didn\'t want to be a
      bureaucrat sitting behind a desk.

1873. I wanted be more involved in accomplishing positive work in a more
      rural setting.

1874. They offered me a job in my field of expertise, I\'ve stayed
      because of the pay and the flexibility of my schedule

1875. The great importance of the Soil Survey

1876. at the time i was able to work outside and in the office had the
      best of both worlds. not anymore

1877. At the time I was hired, NRCS operated as one big family where you
      could almost always find someone who cared enough to help you and
      listen to the problems of the field\...The current climate in this
      Agency from the top down is no one wants to hear that anything is
      wrong and everyone is afraid to be the messinger of bad news to
      the managers above\...

1878. diversity of work

1879. the mission

1880. i wanted to have an active role in the application of conservation
      practices.

1881. Interest in Agriculture/job was available.

1882. I liked the work and Benefits not pay. Pay still falls short

1883. Wanted to work W/ Farmers

1884. Best offer at the time as far as salary and use of skills.

1885. Getting out in the field and helping landowners achieve some of
      their goals.

1886. Working in the field and helping improve the enviroment. When I
      started 50% of my time was spent in the field working with
      farmers. Last year I got out to the field 12 times to deal with
      big problems that I could have resolved if I was not straped to my
      computer.

1887. I was raised on a family farm, and I wanted to assist farmers with
      the knowledge that I gained in college.

1888. I was looking for a job in conservation and NRCS was the first to
      offer me one.

1889. I believe conservation is a very worthwhile cause. Helping people
      complete conservation activities is rewarding.

1890. The agency had a good reputation and the work was in a field which
      I had a real interest and was something where I could use my
      education and I could provide some benefit to society.

1891. rewarding work

1892. Well organized, dependable, DC and staff knew what they were doing
      in the field, good implemtation strategy, good working
      relationships with other government agencies, specialized training
      and good employee benifits.

1893. It was the highest paying, best retirement system 40 years ago for
      soil scientists.

1894. I enjoy protecting our natural resources and serving the general
      public

1895. I was a student trainee and had a job with the agency before I
      graduated college.

1896. Interest in environmental protection

1897. Actual work history in NRCS field offices

1898. I was involed in farming prior to getting hired at NRCS.Have
      always lived on a farm and have loved the farming life.

1899. You provided services that helped people to protect and improve
      their land

1900. good place to work in the field of agr.

1901. The flexibility that it provided and the type of work they do with
      Agriculture community.

1902. Career advancement

1903. I enjoy the kind of work the agency requires

1904. Enjoyed the field work.

1905. The job security and benefits of a government position.

1906. I wanted to work with farmers and had a great interest in
      conservation.

1907. Wanted to do government service in environmental field. Student
      trainee position available.

1908. Location and type of work.

1909. Desire to work in the field of providing technical soil services
      to at the

1910. To obtain a Federal position. I enjoy the working environment, the
      people, and mostly its Mission and Results.

1911. Worked for SCS as a Student Trainee. Received permanent
      appointment, then entered US Army after graduation. I decided to
      come back to SCS until I could find what I really wanted to do
      with my life. Eventually, I realized that I enjoyed

1912. stable job conditions

1913. Freedom

1914. Liked that fact that a lot of my work hours are spent out of the
      office.

1915. Ability to work outside.

1916. Flexibility of work. (Inside and outside work.)

1917. flexibility

1918. To be a soil scientist.

1919. I have personal convictions about conservation

1920. The felaxability in working with farmers to help improve their
      operations utilizing sound conservation practices.

1921. job availability at the time

1922. The desire to be in a technical job using my skills to eduacte and
      help farm community and improve natural resources.

1923. reputation that SCS had. Used to be working for USDA-SCS, made you
      feel proud and people looked up to you. Not so anymore.

1924. passion for outdoors, conservation ethic

1925. Outdoor-everchanging work. Reliable management.

1926. I liked the idea of continuing to work with Conservation after I
      graduated college. My favorite courses were Conservation, Soils,
      and Agronomy

1927. Natural Resource field & working outdoors

1928. love the work

1929. type of work

1930. Interesting and challenging work that would allow me to be in the
      field at least 30 - 50% of the time. (Along with job stability and
      the benefits)

1931. To be able to assist people in production agriculture achieve
      conservation goals.

1932. Benenfits and satisfaction with job requirements (these have since
      changed dramatically!)

1933. Conservation-minded field of work.

1934. Was really just looking for employment. Happy that I was chosen to
      be an NRCS employee.

1935. INTERESTING WORK

1936. I liked the type of work. I have a family member who is also an
      agency employee so I was very familiar with the work. They seemed
      to really enjoy the work, but I would say that that is not the
      case now.

1937. Benefits associated with the variety of work

1938. work type

1939. Desire to work in an agricultural field with the conservation of
      natural resources.

1940. Work closly with Ag sector.

1941. opportunity afforded aligned with several of my primary career
      interests

1942. They hired me first.

1943. I had 4 years of military and i enjoyed the nature of the work
      (outdoors, small towns, variety.)

1944. sense of

1945. To be able to work in the field and help landowners.

1946. mission, career goals.

1947. Stability

1948. I needed a job

1949. I was provided with an opportunity to work as a student intern.

1950. Diverse work, implementing conservation, education for landowners
      seeing that we leave something better that it was

1951. I like the outside work with producers.

1952. Interest in the natural resources

1953. Working with production agriculture and soil and water
      conservation.

1954. They promised me a biologist job. Then once I hired on they said
      their priorities changed. I feel lied to.

1955. Enjoy helping people and the environment.

1956. Family operated a farm and grew up on a farm,thus was close to the
      soil/water/animal regime. Masters in Soil Classification and Land
      Use seemed pertinent to employment in that area.

1957. Job security

1958. primary employer of soil scientists at time I came on

1959. Good agency to work for

1960. wanted to work for federal government

1961. conservation stewardship

1962. I like the kind of work I was going to be doing.

1963. Enjoyed working with farmers and landonwers (notice past tense) I
      now sit at a computer all day

1964. Retirement benefits

1965. Liked the type work being done.

1966. Insurance and hours

1967. Needed the money and it was available

1968. Available job that meet my college degree in a good location.

1969. I have a aptitude for working with people and I have a very high
      interest in conserving natural resources.

1970. Pay scale

1971. I needed to transfer to the area because of my husband\'s job.
      NRCS had a position available and I was able to transfer from
      Department of Army to NRCS. I had no idea what NRCS did.

1972. I like the work NRCS does with farmers and landowners.

1973. I did not choose NRCS. I chose SCS. I chose SCS because I wanted
      to take government programs and make them work to the farmer\'s
      advantage, which seems to be in complete opposition to program
      policy and guidelines. SCS/NRCS is supposed to provide technical
      assistance to the nation\'s landowners producers/farmers, it seems
      that policy and bureaucratic male bovine fecal excrement
      continually get in the way of getting the job done.

1974. Professional training and passion for natural resource
      conservation

1975. It gave me an opportunity to pursue a professional engineering
      career outside of a major metropolitan area

1976. Strong Conservation ethic that I wanted to be a part of.

1977. The job fell into my lap.

1978. Security.

1979. Involvement with water resources issues.

1980. provided a well-paying local job

1981. The type of mission it performed by working with farm producers.

1982. I was a federal employee between federal jobs, on LWOP looking for
      a federal job in the state to which I had moved. NRCS offered me a
      job first, so I accepted.

1983. Money.

1984. I loved to work out doors and this agency matched my needs.

1985. I wanted to work in the Agriculture field!

1986. I was already a federal employee and joining NRCS (SCS) was a
      promotion

1987. The agency did the type of work I wanted to do.

1988. Liked the type of work

1989. Was steered to it by a friend, because it might have an opening in
      my field.

1990. Agency mission

1991. Graduate professor at U of MD had told us of the conservation work
      being done, and I had taken conservation history. Then it was a
      matter of being in the right place at the right time (1980).

1992. I perceived it as an agency with a sound conservation ethic. I
      wanted to help heal the land.

1993. I needed a job.

1994. Security of federal employment

1995. My interest in agriculture and conserving natural resources

1996. I like working as a public servant and also fully endorse the
      agency\'s goals.

1997. It was putting on conservation on the land that was visible and
      useful in restoring our Nation\'s farmland. I was happy to be a
      part of the worthy cause.

1998. Better pay than the District

1999. Thought I could bring stability to a position that had been a
      revolving door as far as people being in that role.

2000. benefits and opportunity to advance

2001. The opportunity to broaden horizions on professional positions.

2002. Flexible working appointments, WAE, Part Time, which led to full
      time as family aged.

2003. Job available suited to my skills with adequate monetary
      compensation.

2004. Benefits and pay

2005. retirement system and career

2006. Strong personal interest in soil science and geology, mission of
      agency.

2007. Location of offices where I wanted to live

2008. I wanted a job in Agriculture. It was timing in my case. A
      relative worked for NRCS and told me about the agency.

2009. grade advancement

2010. To earn income.

2011. type of work, opportunity for advancement

2012. Availability

2013. I believe in the agency\'s mission!

2014. The opportunity to work outdoors and with people and to help our
      enviornment.

2015. Great place to work and benefits.

2016. Brought needed skills to agency as temp employee

2017. Back then, the SCS had a clear VISION / MISSION / GOALS, to
      achieve; control erosion, flood prevention, watershed protection,
      water conservation, and production agriculture. Working to help
      private citizens improve in these areas was very rewarding.

2018. Benefits

2019. Technical Opportunities, and an opportunity to develop software

2020. Never heard of agency. Was looking for job and met the HRO through
      mutual friend.

2021. Offered promotion potential.

2022. Federal Benefits.

2023. Job security

2024. Flexible working schedules that allow for family priorities

2025. Hired as a student trainee for a summer job that turned into a
      career.

2026. I grew up on a farm and knew that I wanted to help farmers since I
      was not currently in a position to be able to farm. NRCS helped me
      achieve that with a chance to work near where I was already
      located, as well as eventually have the potential to move to
      another part of the state.

2027. I wanted to work outdoors and with people, and the Federal pay
      scale and benefits were appealing

2028. My interest in agriculture and natural resources

2029. Excellent job career and benefits.

2030. It fit my degree and was what I wanted to do.

2031. The agency\'s reputation

2032. Thirty-five years ago it was a great agency to work for with
      competent, dedicated employees.

2033. It was the only government agencies that actually helped farmers,
      technical support.

2034. BECAUSE I NEEDED A JOB AT THE TIME AND I HEARD THEY WERE A GOOD
      COMPANY TO WORK FOR.

2035. the job was available so I applied

2036. Availability of a job in a time of job recessions in my field and
      location of the job.

2037. enjoyed the agriculture industries

2038. Great job opportunity with great benefits, and good atmosphere.

2039. Good work ethics

2040. job availability and grade

2041. 30+ years ago it was the pay and coincided with my education

2042. My husband worked for and recommended NRCS.

2043. Major college soils professor was an NRCS (SCS) cooperative soil
      survey liaison who introduced me to the NRCS. I had the
      opportunity to work as a student trainee.

2044. I was reared in an agricultural community and have an applied
      science degree. I believe in the work that NRCS is trying to
      accomplish.

2045. The agency was involved in work in my principle area of interest
      and it was close to my home.

2046. Wanted to work in Louisiana

2047. Conservation

2048. student trainee, benefits, job security

2049. Because of Coastal Restoration and Engineering projects

2050. The technical college training I received, allowed me to apply
      it(the training) directly to the job offer from NRCS.

2051. Opportunity to help land users to protect their natural resources.

2052. I needed a job,and I wanted one in agriculture.

2053. Student trainee program.

2054. conservation ethic, benefits (at the time), working with land
      managers

2055. It was a technical agency at the time I was hired.

2056. They offerred me a better opportunity than Rural Development

2057. At the time I was hired, I was a single mom with a bachelor\'s
      degree and having a hard time finding work because I was
      \'overqualified\' even with 15 years experience in the private
      sector. NRCS has the best and most flexible work schedule for me
      to spend time with my family, and also great benefits - even
      though I make less than half of what I did in the private sector -
      I feel NRCS and the federal government by far have better benefits
      than the private coporations can offer.

2058. job security

2059. an opportunity to work for the USDA NRCS in my home town

2060. Opening in my speciality

2061. I grew up with the agency and it was family.

2062. Initially chose the agency by fate but stayed because I enjoyed
      the work.

2063. I didn\'t choose NRCS. I chose the Soil Conservation Service 28
      years ago.

2064. always heared good feed back from family and friends

2065. Opportunity to use skills to work directly with stakeholders.

2066. Technical Agency

2067. I like the kind of work and service we provide.

2068. The Coastal Wetlands Planning Protection and Restoration Act

2069. The federal benefits.

2070. Field of Interest (i.e. agriculture)

2071. I believe in the mission of NRCS. However, when I started with
      NRCS, we were in the field giving technical assistance instead or
      being regulatory. Our scope is rapidly changing and requiring more
      work with less people.

2072. Benefits and security

2073. Advance my technical capabilities.

2074. Great work, great people.

2075. convience

2076. It was an opportunity to establish a career in the Agriculture
      field.

2077. The mission.

2078. the position and pay

2079. I am prior military and wanted back in government.

2080. To leave another federal agency.

2081. It is a federal natural resources agency involved with soil and
      water conservation. Additionally, I always wanted to work for the
      federal govt. to work outdoors as a professional res. manager.

2082. Intereseted in agriculture and conservation.

2083. GS rating and my wife wanted to come back to Arizona.

2084. Stability

2085. The agency seems to be very organized and I love the working
      environment.

2086. Positive image as an agency with private sector and good sense of
      reward for improving natural resources

2087. switch from state job to fed job \-- retirement

2088. First job available upon husband\'s retirement from military. I
      liked the atmosphere, so I stayed (currently at 13+ years for
      NRCS).

2089. NRCS was a perfect fit for my professional interests and long term
      goals.

2090. Was offered a job when unemployed

2091. I wanted to get back to working with Grants and Agreements and
      Contracting. My husband moved to Arizona and this job was open at
      the time. I like the challenge of working with multiple agencies
      and multiple programs.

2092. Positive student trainee experience. Exposure to other agencies
      and ag industries lacked mobility, training and career
      opportunities.

2093. Needed a job and sounded like it was a good organization

2094. Promotion potential. I had worked with some of the staff before.

2095. Downsizing of the Federal Agency I worked for and was fortunate to
      be selected for my current position.

2096. I choose Soil Conservation Service because I wanted to map soils
      and SCS was known for its engineering, conservation planning and
      soil survey programs.

2097. It was a promotion from my previous job.

2098. A job was available in the location where I wanted to live

2099. Working with producers.

2100. To provide assistance to landusers

2101. WORKING WITH FARMERS AND LANDOWNERS WITH THEIR PROBLEMS AND
      DESIRES

2102. Interest clients and customers

2103. Working with the agriculture industry.

2104. I was aware of the Agency due to my knowing individuals that were
      already employees of NRCS. One of my college professors (Dr. Brown
      at UF) also touted the NRCS as a good employer.

2105. Because I had worked with the conservation district for 17 years
      and I enjoyed the work.

2106. It was SCS, and it was because the people who visited with me to
      encourage me to be a conservationist. The agency was looking for
      good people not just because you were black, or female. You were
      encouraged because of your abilities and promoted accordingly.
      Today we have folks in top positions that do not have a cue to
      field office operations because is they even came through a FO it
      was so fast that they never had to deal with their mistakes. Also
      now that they are in top postions they do not have the respect
      from those in the trenches because they can not relate. But the
      reason that I became an employee was that I could stay in touch
      with the land and at the same time interact with people and do
      something the would make a difference for the better with our
      natural resources for future generations and the immediate
      conditions.

2107. Hopefully, a long term career (private sector jobs tend to be
      higher paying but more volatile

2108. They were hiring at the time I was looking for a job.

2109. variety of jobs and natural resource challenges

2110. job was available in small town in which I live

2111. job satisfaction

2112. Used to be a

2113. Love for the mision and Environmental issues

2114. Desire to be in the field conserving resources.

2115. Started working for Conservation District and was able to get
      hired with NRCS.

2116. NRCS was recomended by a former professor as a job he felt I would
      be qualified for and be happy with.

2117. Job security.

2118. work in field of agriculture

2119. Agricultural career with good job advancement possibilities.

2120. I started as WAE employee and I really enjoyed the technical field
      work & sense of accomplishment.

2121. Job stability

2122. Recommended by another employee of USDA-NRCS.

2123. I am a conservationist at heart. Also, Steady schedule. Work in
      ag.

2124. I was making \$2.00/hr. putting up hay in the hot summer sun and
      was offered \$2.65/hr. to color soil maps in a air conditioned
      office. I was a junior in high school.

2125. Disabling bone disease caused me not to be able to perform my job
      duties as a diesel mechanic.

2126. belief in conservationl

2127. Benefits associated with a job that I could find enjoyment in
      completing.

2128. Like WORKING LANDOWN ON FARM

2129. I love Conservation!!!

2130. security and benefits

2131. The flexibilty in using my leave for my children.

2132. to assist in preserving farmland

2133. Stability

2134. I enjoy the variety of working outdoors with individuals (that
      want our assistance) to solve natural resource problems on private
      lands, and provide for my families needs.

2135. It is related to what I enjoying doing, which is farming and also
      allows me to do work on the side. It has great benefits and good
      retirement.

2136. benifits

2137. job in my area

2138. I could work both outside the office and stay in touch with
      farming as well as work inside the office. I like the set schedule
      which allows a stronger family life. The health insurance is a big
      plus.

2139. Chance to work outside of the office.

2140. I like working with farmers.

2141. working outside and with people on conservation

2142. It was the only position available that I could use my Agriculture
      Degree.

2143. Job satisfaction and opportunity to advance

2144. I chose it for the opportunity of a career and the chance to work
      outdoors.

2145. Goodn secure, well compensated job.

2146. Interest in Agricultural production, and natural resource
      conservation.

2147. Ag.Background

2148. We help producers.

2149. I enjoy agriculture.

2150. in 1981 it had the pay to go with the job and now it does not. and
      it was what I wanted to do and still is if the pay was more like
      the today world.

2151. i liked the type of work they do. i could use the skills i already
      posessed.

2152. I DIDN\'T WANT TO TEACH.

2153. I belived in the mission

2154. I was interested in working with people on agriculture and natural
      resources concerns.

2155. Working closely with farners to install proven conservation
      practices on the land.

2156. Gary Janike, an Agricultural/Soils professor at Eastern Kentucky
      University had a lot of direct work experience with our agency.
      Mr. Janike taylored his classes to prepare students for a career
      in soil conservation and soil science.

2157. I needed a job.

2158. Stability

2159. It let me help the farming community that i was brought up in.

2160. I had a friend that worked for the agency.

2161. Job security and a fair chance to advance into a higher level of
      technical competence

2162. I have a strong conservation ethic.

2163. The time I was hired, SCS was an agency that farmers welcomed.
      Over the past fews years we have become a red tape monster.

2164. I believe in conservation.

2165. To help with enviromental problems.

2166. previous experience w/SCS on the farm interest in conservation
      good pay

2167. I previously worked in the Tech. Field

2168. Wanted to work with our Natural Resources, and help landowners do
      the best they can with their land.

2169. Benefits

2170. College career day.

2171. to work in ag field

2172. I was just out of college and wanted a job in agriculture.

2173. I wanted to stay with an ag based field and give something back to
      agriculture by helping landowners.

2174. Benefits, competitive pay, and nature of work.

2175. I felt that I could make a difference and personal satisfaction by
      helping people improve there resources and quality of life.

2176. The type of work: I feel that it is my job to make a farmers life
      a little bit easier and help them be more conservation friendly.
      Plus I LOVE to work outside!

2177. In the beginning, I wanted to work part time during my small
      child\'s school hours.

2178. Interest in Agriculture and working with farmers to improve their
      operations and management opportunities.

2179. The agency\'s mission fit my personality.

2180. I enjoyed farming and I wanted to work with farmers.

2181. To work with farmers and the environment.

2182. First and only application I submitted; I had no idea the
      organization existed as I attended college; a fellow graduate
      informed me of the agency\'s intent to hire several before the
      Reagan administration took office in Jan 1981. I was lucky enough
      to get selected.

2183. outdoors, agb related

2184. job satisfaction

2185. To participaate in conservation and have the opportunity to
      travel/live in other locations without changing employers.

2186. Job availability

2187. needed a job

2188. I was an agriculture major and NRCS was the only organization
      hiring in my area.

2189. Wanted a job in Agriculture and one that was mostly field work.

2190. Originally, the agency offered an opportunity to work outside
      putting conservation on the ground.

2191. I like to concept of what the agency is suppose to be doing, and I
      like the agency as a whole, we just need the personel to help get
      the job done and done right.

2192. Lifelong interest in Conservation and a sense of accomplishment.

2193. THE MISSION

2194. NRCS is involved with Agriculture and Farming

2195. Liked the work at that time, and location of work.

2196. Enjoyed work after 2 summers as trainee.

2197. To work on improving the enviroment and work in the field with
      agriculture and land conservation issues

2198. I did not have to travel as much as other field office jobs.

2199. I like working in agriculture.I have a family background in
      agriculture.

2200. Job security

2201. To work on real soil and water conservation projects.

2202. Technical natural resource work with benefits.

2203. to further conservation through working with the ag sector.

2204. I was not raised on a farm and did not know about NRCS until I was
      recruited to work for them, even though I did not have a farm
      background. I beleive our current emphasis on having a farm
      background is a hiring mistake. NRCS should be looking for
      talented young people with natural resource backgrounds who will
      become dedicated to carrying out the agencies mission.

2205. I liked the idea that we were helping the farmers and landowners,
      both technically and financially. Providing them with resources
      they needed.

2206. Great sustainable career

2207. Past experiences working with the agency as a Conservation
      District Employee.

2208. Good reputation and I love working with farmers.

2209. Because they offered me a job before anyone else. I was also
      familiar with the agency.

2210. sense of accomplishing something good

2211. NRCS employee suggested that I might be interested in applying for
      this position.

2212. I chose to work at NRCS prior to the 2002 Farmbill when my
      perception, obtained from states other than the one I now work in,
      was that NRCS employees were happy, proud of their work and
      believed in the Conservation misssion. The job that appealed to me
      was presented as amuch more creative opportunity then it has
      proved to be.

2213. Job listing on campus.

2214. Under the impression that agency employees would be out in the
      field implementing and educating landowners about conservation.

2215. The type of work available and what the agency stands for as far
      as resource protection is in-line with my beliefs.

2216. I wanted to work in earth sciences, and be able to work outdoors.

2217. Variation in daily activities and a combination of diciplins. In
      the beginning I was constantly learning new skills and abilities.

2218. I began 26 years ago when SCS had a good rapport with land owners
      and we were viewed as an agency who wanted to help with voluntary
      conservation on the land.

2219. loved the work and the mission. Great feeling of accomplishment

2220. My love for the work and the environment

2221. Friendly atmosphere. Challenging work.

2222. conservation of our lands

2223. 1\) Job description; the job itself 2) Flexible work schedule 3)
      Career opportunities and advancement 4) Decent pay

2224. Field work

2225. Liked the type of work that I would be doing.

2226. Needed a Job and liked agriculture having a farm backgroung

2227. to help farmers and improve the environment

2228. My position is at a duty location where I want to live.

2229. I had been working for the Conservation District and enjoyed the
      work, but I wanted a job with more stability than one based on
      grants.

2230. I saw a presentation at my college that made me apply

2231. I wanted a more challenging job.

2232. working with farmers and being outdoors

2233. Wanted to work in the agricultural field in a way that helped
      others, as well as my background having a big impact on going into
      the field

2234. NRCS funded my undergraduated education and provided me employment
      throughout my education and upon graduation

2235. Interesting

2236. Good benefits and career driven

2237. The variety of work experience involved in the various aspects of
      natural resource management.

2238. I had an internship and was familiar with the work I would be
      doing.

2239. Ability to help people and protect the environment

2240. Environmental concerns

2241. they hired me

2242. I wanted to get back to the college education of ecology.

2243. I wanted to work in the area of conservation of the land and feel
      a sense of accomplishment along with econmic factors.

2244. SCEP

2245. Good work environment.

2246. The local conservation district had a position for a district
      technician, which led to my hiring by this agency.

2247. There was an opening at the district level at the time and I lived
      on a farm.

2248. Purpose of the work.

2249. Environmental work, stability

2250. It was the only job offer I received in my chosen field.

2251. I strongly believe that it is every individuals responsibility to
      protect our natural environment. This applies to a highschool
      student living in the projects of a large city, or a rancher
      living on 5,000 acres. Promoting this was a goal for me from the
      time I was a child. This is what the agency was set up to do. We
      are the only government agency designed to protect private lands,
      and i am very proud of that.

2252. Because it provided a good mix of outdoor and indoor work,
      provided me with the opportunity to apply engineering skills in an
      environmentally positive way. Even though my mother worked as a
      secretary for the SCS when I was growing up, I never really knew
      what it was until I got into college, where I met an
      Ag-engineering student who landed a job with SCS.

2253. The type of work we do is enjoyable and varies. It is rewarding to
      work with landowners to get conservation on the land

2254. I am able to work in the Conservation field.

2255. Strong interest in conservation of natural resources.

2256. I started when the agency was the Soil Conservation Service and I
      wanted to work for an agency that was focused on conservation of
      natural resources. Outside work also appealed to me.

2257. Flexibility in working indoors and outdoors. Passion for
      conservation and working with landowners.

2258. fit in with my college degree, outside work, many different
      things, look back and see what was implemented

2259. I majored in Natural Resources and love putting conservation on
      the lands

2260. The diversity in the job performed.

2261. I am interested in protecting our natural resources

2262. I chose the Soil Conservation Service as an employer because it
      believed in the mission and because they invested in me when I was
      a student trainee.

2263. The opportunity to work with farmers to help the environment
      (agency mission)

2264. position responsibilities matched my expertise

2265. Offered a job that combined my career interest with my love of the
      out of doors.

2266. Recruited well. I stayed because of the many good people I worked
      with.

2267. It reflected my field of study and offered me the opertunity to
      work out in the field with individual private landowners.

2268. Liked the work

2269. A respected organization to work for.

2270. i

2271. work with land and environment

2272. I had been contract to NRCS for 5 years and was finally given the
      opportunity to become an employee.

2273. It happened to be the job I got as a student and I got stuck here.

2274. Desire to work in an agriculutral field

2275. job

2276. It work with the environment.

2277. I am a temp full-time employee. NRCS has a project (SSURGO) where
      I can make a contribution, and advertised it on USAJobs.

2278. First job offer in government service

2279. Did conservation work.

2280. Provided an opportunity to stay in touch with agriculture and
      assist in conservation efforts.

2281. I like the services that SCS/NRCS provide to farmers, ranchers and
      other decision makers.

2282. Conservation is a admirable, rewarding profession.

2283. Stability

2284. They were willing to hire a woman in a technical postion.

2285. NRCS is black and white, not gray, the other agency I worked for
      had a lot of gray area.

2286. Conservation of our natural resources and job location.

2287. The position I started in did not require years of job experience.
      I was hired right out of college.

2288. Bruce Wilson, now retired

2289. Looking for employment with good health benefits. Unfortunately, I
      found that the agency did not have that either.

2290. Godd reputation of the agency and work I enjoy

2291. Personal contact with an NRCS employee

2292. Job security.

2293. Enjoyed environmental ed and soils geology classes

2294. Being able to assist landowners in applying conservation projects.

2295. Love of agriculture.

2296. Convenience

2297. pay and benifits

2298. I felt that I would be doing fullfilling work for above average
      compensation and benefits.

2299. The technical work we do.

2300. The opportunity to assist landowners in managing and sustaining
      their natural resources to the best of their ability.

2301. Type of work & flexible schedule

2302. Fit my goals

2303. I LIKE WORKING WITH LANDOWNERS & BEING OUTSIDE!

2304. Continue my career in natural resource management

2305. Working with soil and water resources

2306. Wanted to be an ag industry

2307. I liked the work and thought it was a good opportunity for an
      enjoyable and steady career.

2308. A challenge. The county I was selected to manage was an
      administrative and public relations mess.

2309. to work with landowners on evaluating problems, developing
      solutions, implimenting alternatives, and knowing that my work had
      actual real world results that left the customer satisfied, while
      protecting and enhancing the environment.

2310. Quality of the employees at the time and the opportunity to help
      private landowners.

2311. I enjoy the people I work with, both employees and landowners. It
      is also rewarding being able to work outdoors and protect our
      natural resources.

2312. Working directly with the private sector on implementing
      conservation on the land. That opportunity is fast disappearing.

2313. I saw an agency with a strong conservation ethic and I could
      support the work they perform. There was career goals which I
      could meet and salary and benifits which I couls agree with.

2314. Conservation

2315. My grandfather worked for the agency when it was SCS, so I knew
      quite a bit about it. It sounded like a great career, so here I am
      with NRCS.

2316. Initially - was employment right out of college; now - lots of job
      opportunities and continual contact with people.

2317. It appeared to be a good paying job, and I wanted to work for the
      government.

2318. To provide technical assistance to farmers because farmers are the
      best clientale to work with.

2319. CLOSE TO HOME

2320. An opportunity to work within agriculture.

2321. Long Term, Stable employment

2322. I care about conservation and agriculture. Enjoy working with
      people.

2323. Environmental protection

2324. Job Satisfaction

2325. to practice conservation

2326. FLEXIBILITY & STABILITY

2327. I needed a job.

2328. 29 years ago, I thought it was an excellent way to have a positive
      change on the landscape. that\'s not the case anymore.

2329. secure job

2330. Needed a job and applied through Job Service

2331. just happened

2332. It was a chance to help the environment

2333. For the flexibility to owrk outdoor and indoors. The training
      opportunities is give me.

2334. an opening in the town I wanted to be in.

2335. The possible satisfaction of protecting our natural resources by
      putting conservation on the land.

2336. I chose NRCS because you could go to the field and work with
      farmers in their environment and put real conservation practices
      on the land. The name of the game now seems to be hiring TSP\'s or
      A&E contracts. We have had bad experiences with both because
      landowners are used to working with us after all of the years. We
      are still heavily involved because so many of the landowners are
      dissatisfied with the procedures. It surely doesn\'t save much of
      our time. From where I set in the field it seems to be more about
      politics and to look good in someone\'s eyes that we are involving
      the private sector.

2337. My ability to make a difference on the landscape.

2338. I fell into the job and it has worked well for me.

2339. I like the kind of work that we do.

2340. It provided me with the opportunity to infect others with my
      committment to conservation at the producer level.

2341. transfer - relocation - job availability

2342. Work outdoors and a secure job

2343. Stability

2344. It\'s mission

2345. It\'s mission reflected my goals for doing something worhwhile and
      necesary.

2346. I enjoy conservation work.

2347. Working in the Natural Resources line of work

2348. Pay, benefits, stability.

2349. The leader in conservation work on private lands.

2350. I believe in the mission of the NRCS.

2351. Flexible Work Schedule

2352. I joined SCS in 1966 for its excellent role in soil conservation,
      & working with farmers

2353. To work in a field that I could use to make a difference.

2354. They were looking to hire technicians at the time and I was
      looking for full time employement.

2355. I enjoyed what the were about and what they try to accomplish.

2356. JOB SATISFACTION, LEAVE POLICY

2357. I enjoyed the internship with the agency.

2358. I liked the goals of the agency.

2359. Working outside to help conserve our natural resources and
      landowners.

2360. I enjoy working in Agriculture and promoting conservation

2361. Working with and for land owners is a big plus, along with the
      variety of the work.

2362. That I could combine Agriculture with Conservation

2363. Started with SCS in the late 70\'s - advancement potential/job
      security.

2364. Having a job that solves natural resource problems and time spent
      in the field. Being able to change the landscape and educate
      landowners.

2365. I started because they were looking for students in my university.

2366. perminant position close to my home, what I went to college for

2367. The hope to work in a field to assist LO\'s to conserve our
      natural resources.

2368. Because I am mobile and by being mobile I have a good chance of
      moving up the ranks fairly rapid.

2369. was the job I wanted to do!

2370. I worked as a student trainee and enjoyed the work and decided
      that this was what I wanted to do.

2371. I wanted to be a soil scientist, and stability of employment.

2372. Believe in conservation mission

2373. they hired me.

2374. Loved the job of soil mapping, best job anyone can have and still
      is in my mind

2375. Suggested by a friend, liked working with computers.

2376. Originally, because I felt I could do a variety of things to
      conserve our resources.

2377. Focus on a career in natural resource management.

2378. work outdoors with farmers

2379. The Conservation Programs NRCS provided to the public

2380. They were the first to offer me employment in a field I was
      interested in.

2381. good pay scale;location of position; type of work agency does

2382. Like the work and putting conservation on the land.

2383. The type of work in agriculture

2384. Desire to influence land use and conserve resources, outdoor work.

2385. I wanted a rural job related to natural resources protection.

2386. Because it was agricultural related.

2387. Outdoor work to assist landowners conserve and improve soil.

2388. Enjoy the type of work and the interaction with the agricultural
      sector, and the ability to see results of your helping
      agricultural community.

2389. professional job in my field

2390. I liked the set schedule and the fact that I would only work 40
      hours per week. The amount of leave was also a big incentive.

2391. Back in the 80\'s it was a great place to work.

2392. Stability and wanting to do something for the future.

2393. private lands conservation

2394. Good retirement benefits

2395. At that time-good pay scales, benefits. Thought there would be
      opportunities for advancement.

2396. NRCS gave me the opportunity I was looking for. After I graduated
      from college with a BS in Natural Resources and \~8 years had
      past, I was looking for a rewarding career in the natural
      resources field. The benefits and salary were just an extra. I
      really loved the work I began doing in the field and even in the
      office when I started as an intermittent employee \~14 years ago.

2397. I really enjoy the work. NRCS is a better place to work than most
      state and local governments.

2398. At the time it seemed like a neat place to work. I like working
      outdoors and with nature. The job has changed however since I
      started.

2399. I liked the mission and the oppertunities involved

2400. Enjoy working outside and one-on-one with customers

2401. They offered me a job back in the late 70\'s when I was getting
      out of school, getting married and Carter had micromanaged the
      economy into the toilet and the environmentalists shut down the
      timber industry. I needed the job. Thank you..

2402. My primary reason for choosing NRCS employment was to work for an
      agency that had a positive impact on the environment.

2403. opportunity to accomplish worthwhile things; work with good people
      both internal and external to the agency

2404. I never chose to work for NRCS. The agency was

2405. Wanted to work in a natural resource field with a stable employer.

2406. Prior civil service.

2407. To work helping conserve natural resources

2408. First opportunity right out of college, been here for 11 years
      now - no plans to go anywhere else\....

2409. I used to live on a farm and was interested in helping the farmers
      out.

2410. The type of work we do. I do not regret Monday mornings and
      actually look forward to beginning my work week. I know it is rare
      to have a career where you like the work and the people you work
      with well enough to not day dream of being somewhere else.

2411. work with the enviorment

2412. Field work and putting sound conservation practices on the ground.

2413. The type of work. Outside work.

2414. The amount of pay potential with regard to conservation oriented
      work and job security.

2415. Excelent pay for this job sector and job security.

2416. Wanted to gain Agricultural experience to my conservation planning
      background

2417. The job is challenging, gives a feeling of accomplishment, helps
      fulfills the Mission of the Agency.

2418. It was an agriculture field and was recommended by my university.

2419. Benefits

2420. I liked working in the outdoors

2421. Better pay and the chance to be trained.

2422. Farm backgound and wanted to stay in agriculture

2423. 35 years ago\... 95% of it was working outdoors; working with
      people; getting something accomplished w/ 5% being engulfed in
      paper nightmare; Now is 95% inside paperwork with 5% outside
      getting less accomplished.

2424. To work in agriculture and be outdoors.

2425. Retirement and upward mobility.

2426. best pay for me to start slowing down , less to no responsability

2427. Great job for a working mother

2428. I was asked to work with SCS by a Work Unit Con. who wanted good
      workers to help with watershed surveys, in 1964. Our team was made
      up of farm raised boys.

2429. I previously worked for state in soil conservation so it was a
      step up in pay and chance for greater opportunity.

2430. The pay was decent, the perks were wonderful while raising a
      family.

2431. I needed a job and it was close to where I live.

2432. Stupidity

2433. Able to work closely with privateland owners for conservation with
      potential mobility to other parts of the nation.

2434. the work environment and type of work

2435. Because it relates directly to agriculture, has a positive
      environmental mission, and is a very stable job.

2436. Interest in maintaining connection to agriculture and the land.
      Improving the rural landscape.

2437. I liked the job.

2438. government security without public land management

2439. As a farm kid, I was exposed to conservation as I was growing up.
      I became interested in conservation as a career and pursued it in
      college and became a student trainee.

2440. stability.

2441. security

2442. For the money and benefits.

2443. I enjoy outside work and support conservation of our natural
      resources.

2444. Stability of employment. The ability to work outside, the
      flexibility of the job and at the time the pay was really good.

2445. My brother was already employed with the agency and enjoyed his
      career.

2446. The opportunity to work outside in a rewarding career that delt
      with the protection of natural resources

2447. Found the job challenging and interesting as a student trainee

2448. Respected SCS employee encouraged me to become a student trainee.

2449. The values of NRCS (conservation rather than corporate\'s bottom
      line focus) allow me to do work that agrees with my values as well
      as matches my skills.

2450. I needed a job out of college & they were offering one. I wanted
      to work out doors with the environment. I liked the technical
      aspect of the job.

2451. Interested in conservation

2452. I strongly beleive in natural resource conservation.

2453. chance to make a difference to Agriculture

2454. The opporturnity to work with landowers to plan and install
      conservation measures, to conserve and utilize soil & water
      resources on the land. Not to become a contract and data input
      person who spends 80% of their time in front of a computer.

2455. Liked work that SCS did in 1980\'s.

2456. Locality and need for a job, but then worked my way up the career
      ladder and have been very pleased with NRCS over all.

2457. Safe, sustainable, and growth for those with a family.

2458. Former awareness and scholarship

2459. The job was in the field i was interested in. I enjoy the job.

2460. I viewed being a governmnet employee an important job.

2461. Good people I met within the agency prior to employment.

2462. Interest in soils and land management.

2463. Independance, flexibility and working with people.

2464. Wanted to work with farmers.

2465. It was a opportunity to use my education. Flexible work schedule.
      Family friendly.

2466. I liked the variety of activities that NRCS is involved in. I also
      like how NRCS partners with local communities to assist in provide
      solutions for local resource problems.

2467. Ag related job

2468. Conservation and able to work inside and outside.

2469. Federal agency performing type of work I wanted to do.

2470. Because of the work we used to do. I still love the work but not
      the way it is administered.

2471. Location, desire to work with people on conservation based
      principles

2472. Mixture of field and office based work

2473. job security

2474. I wanted to be a common sense voice in the environmental field.

2475. It has a goal that I believe in and people who seem to care about
      the environment.

2476. It was the best Internship I participated in, and I was offered a
      full time postition before the following Spring.

2477. Salary and other benefits were appealing. I also have the
      opportunity to use my college education for a variety of projects.

2478. The mission of the agency

2479. Security & good income

2480. To work with natural resource issues

2481. Had been a contractor and was looking for more stability.

2482. I believe in the mission of the agency

2483. The office was located near my home when I needed a job.

2484. I liked the technical aspec of the job, surveying and design of
      conservation practices and installing on local farms.

2485. I wanted to work in Agriculture related field close to farming.

2486. I have always seen SCS/NRCS as the

2487. I needed a job and a friend who was a NRCS employee told me of an
      opening which fit my skillset.

2488. Their goals to conserve the land for future generations

2489. It was in the field I wanted to work in.

2490. I wanted to make a difference in natural resources conservation.

2491. Student Trainee Program and local office familiarity

2492. I had a passion for helping solve natural resource problems and
      SCS had a good reputation for providing the best technical help
      available.

2493. Enjoy working with landusers.

2494. Ag related

2495. Job security with good benefits.

2496. I enjoy working with landowners.

2497. Leader in natural resouces - actually got conservation on the
      ground.

2498. I wanted to improve the environment through my work.

2499. To keep my federal employment status

2500. To put conservation on the land

2501. EEO. I have worked in the private sector and experienced
      discrimination due to my gender. This hasn\'t happened to me in
      NRCS.

2502. I felt that NRCS was involved with conservation and the
      environment, both of which were of strong interest to me.

2503. trained with agronomy/soils degrees

2504. TYPE OF WORK AND HOME COUNTY D.C.

2505. I participated in NRCS intern program during the summer and found
      the job interesting.

2506. Stable position

2507. lack of jobs else where

2508. It had openings

2509. permanent benefits even if forced to move or move for verious
      reasons

2510. Increase in grade.

2511. I respect farming as a profession and have a conservation ethic.

2512. Benefits, opportunities throughout the US

2513. I enjoy doing what I do.

2514. Met my needs for employment at time of graduation. Had two friends
      that were employed by NRCS

2515. Helping to conserve our resources with a group of fun, diverse
      people.

2516. Favorable type of work, working conditions, and farming related
      type of work.

2517. Salary

2518. to see conservation be applied to the land

2519. able to work out of doors with producers; benefits

2520. I knew someone that would give me a chance to learn about SCS
      (NRCS) I am glad I was givin the job.

2521. Enjoyment of being outdoors and variety of duties.

2522. The type of work was more important than the pay.

2523. work is worthwhile

2524. I was young, 20 years old, and didn\'t know any better.

2525. I was interested in agriculture and it seemed like it would
      benefit farmers.

2526. Opportunity to work in agriculture and conservation in a service
      capacity; good benefits.

2527. I happened to be in the right place at the right time as a
      temporary SWCD employee which gave me the opportunity to apply for
      the position with the help and recommendation of the NRCS
      employees that I was working with at the time.

2528. It was a much more exciting and viable agency when I started.

2529. Long Term benefits and I like what I do to help people and the
      natural resources of my district.

2530. I wanted to work in agriculture

2531. At the time it was a graet vehical to transfer technical expertise
      to the landowners.

2532. Love for working outside and doing conservation.

2533. Gained knowledge of NRCS as a Conservation District Employee and
      felt I could increase my technical skills. I did not hear about
      NRCS in College. Wish I had heard about NRCS then.

2534. SCS came to my University with interviews for a student training
      position. Never heard of SCS before that.

2535. Job security (there is little job security in most of the
      agricultural industry)

2536. I liked the mission of the agency and the fact that we have a
      great opportunity to help minimize the technical and financial
      constraints that prohibit farmers and landowners from implenting
      conservation on their land.

2537. Interesting projects, and working directly with the public to
      better the environment.

2538. I liked the mission of working farmers and preserving natural
      resources. One of the other benefits that the private sector
      doesn\'t generally offer is flexible and plentiful leave.

2539. The primary reason is to work with landowner/landusers in an
      effort to

2540. Location

2541. Close to home at the time

2542. Salary/benefits/retirement

2543. Potential for full-time employment w/benefits

2544. personal committment to the mission of the agency

2545. Desire to use my college degree to benifit society and make a
      living in an agricultural field of work.

2546. Wanted to use my degree.

2547. Location and benefits

2548. 20 years ago - Little red-tape and senseless paperwork, there was
      a clear vision and expectations.

2549. benefits

2550. looked up to a DC

2551. Type of work I do and flexible schedule.

2552. benefits

2553. Was available at the time I was looking for a job, and has
      excellent health benefits.

2554. Availability of a job at the time.

2555. desire to help the environment and rural agriculture

2556. Pay/benefits/timing

2557. job was given to me

2558. Enjoy working in Agriculture and Conservation. Variety of work
      experiences and programs makes job very interesting and rewarding.

2559. I wanted to encourage more conservation and I felt it also had job
      security

2560. I like to help people. Completing conservation projects, even
      though it may be for one individual, helps the community,
      enviornment, etc overall.

2561. there was an opeaning

2562. I was raised on a farm and my degree is in Agriculture but today
      most people do not live on working farm.

2563. I wanted to work with the environment and I love helping people.

2564. Love the outdoors and a job that is defferent every day

2565. needed a job

2566. I wanted to be involved in conservation efforts.

2567. I enjoy staying close to agriculture while also conserving
      resources and adding wildlife habitat to the ground

2568. I really feel in my heart it is an awesome agency to work for. Not
      may people get to work in the field they graduated in and work
      somewhere they actually enjoy.

2569. Once I knew of it\'s existence, I foudn it to perfectly fir my
      interests and skills.

2570. It was a good local part time job (temporary) that was in the
      agricultural field.

2571. Through a college professors recommendation of me

2572. deep interest and concern for the environment

2573. I wanted to work with and educate private landowners about our
      natural resources; how they can sustain our/their resources while
      utilizing them to gain economic benefit.

2574. I felt that the pay was competitive and that I was being
      compensated for my college education. There was promotion
      potential and the work would offer a challenge.

2575. Wanted to make a difference in resource conservation, doing
      something I believe in.

2576. I believe in its mission

2577. I liked agriculture.

2578. I grew up on a farm. I was not able to go back to the family farm.
      This position still allows me to help farmers and be involved in
      production agriculture.

2579. Better than previous job.

2580. NRCS employee guided me towards NRCS employment opportunities.

2581. Type of Work - Technical

2582. personal contact with a current employee

2583. I like conservation.

2584. To work agriculture community, be outdoors, be able to see
      accomplishments

2585. I was looking for a job and a WAE position was available at that
      time. It was better than nothing. It developed into a full time
      job.

2586. I was a student trainee for multiple years before being hired
      full-time.

2587. The job seemed to fit what I wanted to do during the rest of my
      working career. I could spend time outdoors and indoors is the
      weather was a problem. I worked for other agencies that if the
      weather was bad one still had to go outside, I liked nrcs options
      better.

2588. I was a student trainee for four years and found that I liked the
      work

2589. Security and I liked the job.

2590. The opportunity to work in natural resources conservation, and
      excellent benefits.

2591. was already working there

2592. I accidently found NRCS. I didn\'t know who or what NRCS (SCS back
      then)was when I interviewed for making Wetland maps in 1989.

2593. I want to stay close to agriculture and the land.

2594. career

2595. I wanted to work out in the field

2596. I believe in Agriculture and enjoy working with the different
      people, both producers and related businesses

2597. The ability to effectively conserve/restore habitats on privately
      owned land.

2598. Needed a job/money.

2599. Liked the idea of helping the environment.

2600. Need a job and got hired.

2601. There are not many job opportunities in my area

2602. I needed a full time job.

2603. To help people make good decisions with the land

2604. at the time it was the best service agency.

2605. Job security following 9/11

2606. Because it fit my education.

2607. Stable, abundant job opportunites, fair benefits, and the
      opportunity to work in the area I enjoy.

2608. Good career choice.

2609. At the time I graduated it was the only place that I was
      interested in that was actually hiring people.

2610. subject matter, wanted to stay in the state close to home, summer
      trainee, offered a blend of tech and management-people work, fit
      my personality, good benefits.

2611. Decent benefits and work environment but mostly because I like the
      type of work.

2612. Interested in helping the natural resources

2613. Covered wide range of agricultural conservation and stability of
      job

2614. To get hired permanent full time.

2615. I believed in the mission.

2616. I enjoyed seeing the fruits of my labor after a summer as in
      intern.

2617. I was a farm kid and wanted to work with farmers on the land.

2618. wanted to work outside and help farmers conserve land productivity

2619. NRCS/SCS had the jobs that I wanted to do - work in the outdoors
      with people

2620. Enjoyed working with fellow employees part time so when a job came
      open full time I applied and got the Job.

2621. I was recruited by NRCS at a time when other jobs were scarce.

2622. For the conservation and agricultural aspects.

2623. I wanted to make a differance for resource conservation.

2624. Work schedule, leave and love for conservation.

2625. Job Benefits, Working with the public, and the environment

2626. outdoor work and good pay

2627. Felt that what I do affects the environment somewhat.

2628. Federal Benefits and Satisfaction with the mission.

2629. enjoyed conservation work

2630. I am a strong believer in Conservation and saving the soil

2631. Availabe when I was looking for work.

2632. Only job offer after graduation.

2633. I strongly believe in Conservation and wanted to do my part to
      help get it on the land.

2634. The work that NRCS wants to accomplish is GREAT.

2635. job opportunity

2636. Nature of work to be performed.

2637. Interest in an occupation that dealt with agriculture and working
      directly with farmers

2638. Excellent benefits and pay scale

2639. Work that I enjoy. We should tell our story more often to college
      students.

2640. Self-satisfaction of leaving something for future generations.

2641. I grew up with an agricultural back ground and with other family
      members were interested in the farm. The organization has offered
      me the opportunity to work in the field that I enjoy. The NRCS has
      opened my eyes to a different side of agriculture and one that
      intrigue make and makes each day a new one.

2642. I had an interest in Natural Resources and some friends of mine
      told me about the agency.

2643. conservation

2644. A strong devotion to conservation.

2645. With my experience as a equipment operator of excavating eqipment
      and my love for the hunting and fishing hobbies,I felt this was
      the type of career that I would fit in.

2646. It provides satisfaction and is organized.

2647. NRCS offered me a way to help conserve our resources and leave an
      effect on the land and people.

2648. job benefits

2649. Excellent benefits, and an opportunity to work with agricultural
      producers.

2650. They offerred better opportunities than state agencies for
      advancement and opportunity to stay within the my home state

2651. A DC/friend thought it would be a good fit for me

2652. I love agriculture, the job had better benifits when I started 30
      years ago, and I like to help people improve their land. Also I
      started as student trainee. I worked 2 summers and I knew what the
      agency expected.

2653. Enjoy working with farmers/ranchers. Interested in wildlife
      conservation. Prefer living in a rural setting as opposed to
      living and working in a large city or urban environment.

2654. I am from a agriculure backgound, this employment allows me to
      work with a group of people I can associate with on a one to one
      basis and feel comfortable doing it. Pay and benefits are
      acceptable for the work I complete.

2655. I believe in conservation and I liked the opportunities, pay and
      benefits that NRCS had.

2656. good benefits

2657. Offered a career where I could work with agriculture and natural
      resources together.

2658. I wanted to work in conservation and it was the only opurtunity in
      muy area

2659. Right place at the right time!

2660. Potential for advancement

2661. I was working for SCS at the time! I liked the idea of working
      outside with landowners. The work involved a lot of variety and
      job satisfacion where you could see the problem, recommend a
      solution and work to complete the solution and see the final
      results.

2662. My ag background.

2663. type of work, agriculture

2664. Benefits, type of work

2665. The job was available close to home

2666. Working with people to protect the land!

2667. The strong local ties to the communities we work in. We live and
      interact with other in our local communities.

2668. My Father

2669. Because I have a desire to improve the land that is being farmed
      for future generations to come! I want to help farmers understand
      and utilize the governement assistance that is available to them
      to the fullest!

2670. The pay/benefits were reasonable and I had a belief in what I
      would be doing.

2671. Main agency used to protect our resource base.

2672. During the Reagan recession and farm crisis of the early 1980\'s,
      it was the only job that I could find!!!!!

2673. Gave me a chance to work in my home state with a good paying
      stable job.

2674. Liked conservation and wildlife.

2675. I like to Conserve the land and apply conservation practices on
      the land.

2676. I enjoy working with farmers.

2677. I always wanted to help farmers make a living and help make a
      difference in the world.

2678. My upbringing was on a farm with a very strong conservation ethic.

2679. Opportunity to work in agriculture in a good working environment,
      with great salary benefits.

2680. I wanted to work in an agricultural field and farming did not look
      too promising when I graduated.

2681. Conservation work on the land

2682. I thought that I could do useful work. I wanted to be involved in
      the human and community aspects of natural resource management. I
      was hired shortly after the reorganization under Paul Johnson\--
      it seemed the mission of NRCS reflected my career interests. I
      also liked the local connection NRCS has with communities; it\'s
      voluntary approach; and especially, the professionalism and
      technical expertise of NRCS staff I met while investigating my
      career options.

2683. I enjoy working with people and I enjoy being able to work on
      solutions to problems that will improve the environment the we
      live in.

2684. I completed an internship and enjoyed it.

2685. NRCS was the best fit for my knowledge, skills, and abilities in
      agricluture production and construction

2686. i have a understanding of local ag, didn\'t have to be mobile, and
      enjoy working with local residents.

2687. It is what I desired to do when I was in college. It took me 8
      years after college before I got on with the agency, but I like
      the work and assistance we provide to landowners and farmers.

2688. Security

2689. ?

2690. Started as a temporary employee and worked up to full time
      permanent

2691. We have a common goal, and I like the clientel.

2692. The benefits

2693. Interest in natural resources, agriculture, manager.

2694. I love being invovled in Agriculture and this was an opportunity
      to stay invovled with Agriculture

2695. Competitive pay in the field of my choice.

2696. benifits

2697. Positive effect of the work accomplished(environment and
      preservation of resources).

2698. Variety of resources & programs that are worked on and the
      flexibility to work on the farm.

2699. job opportunity within commuting distance and that was in line
      with my education and experience.

2700. Proximity to home. Interesting job, more pay than I could hope to
      achieve locally.

2701. local employment,liked the type of work that was being offered

2702. Honestly, I knew that I would make some kind of difference, though
      small it may seem sometimes, I wanted to do just that. And also,
      it was the first JOB (paying) that approached me at the job fair

2703. I believe in conservation and wanted to be a part of it.

2704. I identify with and support conservation activities. They had an
      opening close to my farm.

2705. I believe in the conservation of Natural Resources. There is a lot
      of potential with NRCS to move and experience new aspect of the
      natural resources field.

2706. The type of work we do.

2707. I like being around agriculture

2708. need a Job at the time

2709. I have a strong background in Ag and new SCS existed and was
      fascinated with the work.

2710. nothing else available at that time of the year

2711. Only agency/orgainzation that does actual conservation planning in
      my opinion

2712. The job was in a field that I had an interest in

2713. Diverse job assignments.

2714. It used to be a technical agency that did alot of work in the
      field and actually got conservation on the ground instead of just
      talking about it and spending so much time on the computer.

2715. So that I could work with my education.

2716. This postion could work well with family life if I could move back
      home. It is also very satisfing to do the work we do.

2717. Employment

2718. I was in the smmer intern program and liked my experences in those
      summers

2719. NRCS is the leading agency in conservation of natural resources

2720. When I signed on with the

2721. Good job in desired location

2722. My farming background, and I enjoy the type of work.

2723. They were hiring at the time and it was a job. didn\'t know much
      about SCS at the time

2724. the challenges that were presented by building the programs with
      sound attention for details

2725. The benefits, flexible work schedule and being able to work out of
      doors and actually build something or see it built.

2726. I feel that the job is important, I get a lot of personal
      satisfaction from what I do.

2727. The technical work structure and pay plan with benefits.

2728. job appeal

2729. Benefits

2730. recommendation from college professor

2731. full time job with benifits and I enjoy working with farmers

2732. opportunity to promote conservation of natural resources and work
      with private lands

2733. Job stability

2734. I like the work,people and get great satisfcation from my work.

2735. Had an interest in soils and conservation as a kid.

2736. Enjoy working with farmers & putting conservation on the land.

2737. The opportunity came in Hardin County, IA when I was looking for a
      job. I love the land. Helping producers, operators and landowners
      conserve our natural resources is the best job I can have. I enjoy
      getting conservation on the ground.

2738. Learning of what the agency does, and their willingness to give me
      a chance.

2739. I like helping people put conservation on their land.

2740. desire to work for the people in resource conservation.

2741. I am a farmer and needed a job to support the farm. NRCS has a
      good pay scale and benifits for a rural community. I also like the
      work and helping farmers improve their farms.

2742. I believe in the mission.

2743. I qualified

2744. My education and training match well with NRCS\'s mission. There
      are limited employment opportunities in my area.

2745. The tasks I perform best fit my abilities and interests

2746. work environment

2747. Working with producers putting conservation on the land

2748. Job stability and benefits

2749. Excellent goals as an agency, plus benefits.

2750. I knew a SC and wanted to have his job some day I got luckly when
      I was hired on as a student trainee.

2751. I wanted to work in the wildlife field and found SCS. In Iowa
      making the habitat decsions happens on private land. It was a good
      fit

2752. Flexability of work envirenment.

2753. Outside working environment, and offices close to home area

2754. Involvement with production agriculture and the benefits/flexible
      schedule.

2755. It is interesting work since I am a farm wife and deal with the
      farmers.

2756. I farm also and I am interested in the soil conservation aspect
      along with working with other farmers.

2757. I liked the goals of the agency. I liked the conservation the
      agency offers to producers. The agency is under rated and until I
      worked as a WAE, I did not know NRCS even existed.

2758. Job security

2759. I enjoy working outside with people and our resources

2760. Enjoyed type of work.

2761. work with farmers

2762. I was committed to environmental issues since the 6th grader
      erosion report I completed for science class.

2763. Like to work with farmers

2764. My ag background. Student trainee opportunity.

2765. I have a farm background and can relate to landowners/farmers.

2766. I needed a job.

2767. The ability at the time to work one-on-one in the field with a
      producer and work with organizations such as Pheasants Forever,
      National Wild Turkey Federation, etc to put conservation on the
      ground and protect the natural resources. I guess spending 2/3\'s
      of the time outside. Not 2/3\'s in front of a computer.

2768. So that I am able to help landowner address natural resource
      concerns and enhance conservation and wildlife habitat on the
      land.

2769. The ability to work outside.

2770. I enjoy working out doors

2771. I wanted to help the land and environment and it is important to
      me to make an impact.

2772. I believe in what they do.

2773. Offered the pay I wanted and I was impressed with individual who
      interviewed me.

2774. I chose NRCS 24 years ago as I worked in a small town and a
      federal job was a good job in a small community. Since then I have
      moved up in my career and now work in a city. I would prefer to
      move back to a small community, especially at this time in my
      life, but the agency is not flexible to let me do the job I have
      from another location. The duties I do preform could easily be
      done from any location, but the agency is not open to this.

2775. It was the field I was interested in.

2776. Benefits

2777. I wanted to work in a conservation field. I knew that the federal
      government would be the best level to work at. I have a farm/ag
      background and knew that NRCS would be the perfect fit for me.

2778. NA

2779. I believe in what the agency stands for, and I feel like I\'m
      helping people conserve their resources everyday.

2780. Working with people and our resources.

2781. Security

2782. Good Benefits.

2783. To be close to home

2784. Personal reference

2785. Internship

2786. It was a good opportunity and pay scale at the time. I liked doing
      the field work and working with ag producers.

2787. Offered a good part time job with benefits.

2788. Benefits of federal service & pride of being a federal employee

2789. had a position available

2790. Challenging Career Oportunities

2791. It was close to home and I wanted to try working at a smaller
      agency.

2792. Agency that is involved with conservation.

2793. Wanted to work in the agriculture arena and I am a second
      gereration employee

2794. Desire for a new challenge

2795. I had a degree in Agriculture

2796. Interest in soils and conservation

2797. It was a great place to work and it had a good retirement and
      health benefit packages

2798. type of work

2799. Student trainee opportunity. Working outdoors. Interest in the
      environment.

2800. I enjoyed working with people to inprove the environment and
      quality of life.

2801. The ability to work outside on many different kinds of practices.
      Good mix of office and field work, at least back then.

2802. Enjoy public service with a focus on natural resources.

2803. Only job available at the time

2804. Interested in working in a natural resource related field. A
      career in one closely associated to agriculture seemed to present
      the most opportunity.

2805. The mission of the agency and the people I would with.

2806. Desire to stay within the state of Indiana and the pay and
      benefits, both were related to my new status as a father.

2807. Good pay (for my field of work) and I believe in what we do.

2808. Moved to NRCS from State Agency because of increased pay and
      benefits

2809. Change

2810. I was raised in the country and everything NRCS does applies to
      conservation and I wanted to be a part of making a difference.

2811. They were the first to call with an offer in my area of expertise.

2812. Job security

2813. Stable employer doing good work.

2814. Federal employment

2815. Attendance at an agricultural university and active recruitment by
      at that time SCS.

2816. I find great fulfillment in getting conservation on the ground
      with the public (really) and have found a civilian government
      career most compatible with modern federal military service in the
      reserve components.

2817. previous positive experience in partnering with agency

2818. I wanted to learn to map soils, and I thought NRCS would be the
      best place.

2819. Job availability at the time and I knew someone in the agency.

2820. The opportunities that are available and the knowledge and
      training I would receive.

2821. Outdoors

2822. The opportunity just came up at the right time.

2823. It had work in an area that I find interesting.

2824. I could use the education I received at college for my job.

2825. I need a job in my field of study and they were hiring. So I
      applied.

2826. Proximity

2827. SCS did the work i was interested in (soil survey), plus I was
      able to start as a WAE employee hired locally, and get to know the
      agency and become known by it.

2828. Job description fit my personal goals and educational background.

2829. rewarding work

2830. Mission of agency, benefits offered, potential for promotion.

2831. The integrity of the agency

2832. I started with NRCS and have been with them for 20 years. Now I am
      with OCIO. NRCS is a good agency with good people that I enjoy
      working with.

2833. I liked the kind of work and the clientel that NRCS provides.

2834. It is a natural resource agency that has the funds required to
      apply conservation at a satisfactory level. Also, NRCS jobs seem
      to be more stable and the agency\'s budgets are usually funded at
      an acceptable level - not many cuts.

2835. downsized from old agency

2836. Work in the field right out of college. I was tired of the
      academia and was interested in hands-on type work.

2837. The mission of stewardship

2838. Job security

2839. It addressed my interest\'s - Agriculture and protecting the
      environment

2840. Knew someone who worked for NRCS and they enjoyed working for
      them. NRCS agreed to pay for my relocation from Colorado to Iowa,
      eventhough it was a GS-7 position that I accepted at the time.

2841. Job was open.

2842. Stability

2843. Relocation to this area and this was first job offer.

2844. Willing to hire me as a student trainee

2845. I had the job qualifications and wanted to change agencies and
      location

2846. It was a federal position.

2847. Quality work ethic

2848. There was a vacancy in the town I lived in.

2849. The mission of the agency is directly in line with my personal
      goals. I chose my career based on helping the environment and NRCS
      provides a way for me to do that in my daily responsibilities.

2850. In the 1980\'s I considered federal employment to be the most
      secured but I didn\'t realize I would be starving,literally from
      pay and figuratively from training not budget supported.

2851. It was the only thing available at the time.

2852. I liked the people here.

2853. I was raised on a farm and was interested in working with
      production agricultue and conservation when I graduated with a
      degreev in agronomy and soils in 1969.

2854. They were a Federal Agency and the benefits looked good

2855. I thought it would be interesting

2856. My conservation ethic and previous work experience.

2857. Get out of the city and work outside!

2858. I was a USDA employee and my husband transferred to a state with
      no USFS/BLM offices

2859. conservation of the nations natural resources on private lands.

2860. working for a Natural Resource agency fit my career goals; good
      benefits

2861. I saw SCS as the agency for me to continue the conservation and
      public service ethic that my parents and family friends
      demonstrated.

2862. They were hiring people and expanding staff at a slump time for
      the rest of agri-business work. They arrived with an offer before
      anyone else did.

2863. stability

2864. It allowed me to advance in my career path.

2865. I wanted to work for people (producers) that wanted to help
      conserve resources. Other jobs (consulting/private industry) may
      have people working in an environmental field but the buisness is
      always looking for ways around the environmental permits which are
      in place to help with conservation.

2866. Worked with employees as a child, and have always had similar
      values as those exibited by NRCS when I was young. Knew NRCS when
      they were SCS.

2867. fell into it by accident, in college never thought of NRCS as a
      career opportunity but happy I did find it

2868. Opportunity to pursue a lifelong interest-Conservation.

2869. I love how the agency works with producers to help them in any way
      possible. There is so many different programs that help out
      different situations. Also the benefits were a great deal for me.

2870. I liked working in the field of natural resource conservation.

2871. After nearly 40years I don\'t remember. It was a job which has
      provided a great deal of personal satisfation and I feel I have
      done a good job of educating the public on the value of
      coservation. We as a nation are so very young many tend to forget
      about the future

2872. A profession in the public eye that works with various types of
      people throughout the county

2873. Location, Job Description and experience working at the Federal
      Level.

2874. job security

2875. NRCS was a good fit for my skills and abilities.

2876. was hiring my discipline

2877. Job was available

2878. type of work

2879. worked for a swcd and moved over to nrcs for pay and security

2880. Location

2881. The job was very appealing, good pay and benefits.

2882. outdoors career in an agriculture-related field

2883. As a soil scientist NRCS was one of the last federal agencies to
      be involved it actual field mapping of soils in some parts of the
      country.

2884. Worked for the federal government in the past.

2885. I am a second generation employee, I have always wanted to build
      dams, help conserve the soil and water resources and help people.

2886. Chance to do work that I enjoyed and thought was beneficial to our
      country and the environment.

2887. I had an internship with NRCS that developed in to a permanent
      position. It was a job with a pay check.

2888. location and federal employment

2889. a good feeling of working at something that benefits the
      environment

2890. Mission founded on natural resources and helping people

2891. I am concerned about the direction agriculture is taking. We need
      to address all clients and not just a select few.

2892. working with the environment

2893. I wanted to work in an agricultural position. Had I known more
      about USDA-NRCS in college I would have had a different focus for
      a job then what I did at the time.

2894. My interest in conservation

2895. I believe in the mission and appreciate the good health and
      retirement benefits.

2896. At the time of entering the SCS, I thought soil conservation work
      was one of the most important things that one could be involved
      with on the planet as a life-long career. I was also attracted by
      the benefits and SCS professionalism.

2897. The opportunity to conserve natural resourses. Have out door work
      envirment. To build projects that will stand time.

2898. Type of work, location (rural setting)

2899. I wanted to have a positive impact on my community, state, region,
      nation.

2900. good variety of work,good benefits

2901. Job security and work schedule flexibilty: MAXI-FLEX.

2902. relatively stable work environment

2903. 32 years ago they offered me a job. Fresh out of college, the work
      sounded very appealing

2904. Worked part-time as a student

2905. Vacation time and the flexibility of the work schedule utilizing
      credit leave the way it use to be before we were denied the
      ability to use the MaxiFlex schedule and were switched to the
      FlexiTour.

2906. Job security and Maxi-flex tour of duty.

2907. Quality of the agency and their history for being a good

2908. I like working with the farm sector.

2909. I was recruited by an employee that I had come to respect, at a
      time that I was looking for a job in agriculture where I could do
      work that matched my values.

2910. Interest in the job I am currently doing. Good benefits.

2911. security

2912. Upward mobility.

2913. I enjoyed the planning and implementation process before the
      advent of the computer which now does not allow the work to be
      accomplished, due to the computers are adding more steps to finish
      any given product. What we do now is never seen by the public.

2914. Stable job and benefits

2915. The job involves work I enjoy at a good salary with benefits.

2916. I was looking for a job locally 20 plus years ago and have moved
      with the job since, through promotions. I have stayed with NRCS
      since because I enjoyed the work.

2917. Enjoy helping private landowners solve their resource concerns &
      benefit the environment.

2918. The type of work is very gratifying and the employees are great.

2919. I wanted to put conservation on the land. That means building the
      drop structure to stop the gully - that means building the
      terraces so the field can be farmed - that means convincing the
      farmer to try no-till corn. It means stewardship, and leaving the
      land in better shape than when we recieve it. That\'s the kind of
      stuff our landowners and farmers respect, and expect us to do.

2920. I was interested in conservation on the land, and i liked the fact
      you were outside.

2921. Feeling of security, pay, and bennefits.

2922. I love working with Local Landowners

2923. The agency was willing to work with me and train me.

2924. Because they cared about conserving the natural resources that God
      entrusted to us and they devoted themselves to protecting those
      resources through a voluntary approach

2925. believe in the mission of NRCS

2926. like the wildlife, working outdoors and helping a landower improve
      his land which everway i can

2927. Good conservation ethic

2928. I enjoy the work for the most part. It was better potential pay
      and upward mobility than The Conservation District.

2929. I love working with the protection of natural resources. if it
      were not for my interest in promoting conservation and my loyalty
      to this agency and the people in it, I would have left years ago.
      This is why I stay here-even though I see serious mistakes bing
      made which are impacting the quality of work in the field. Maybe I
      feel that I can in some small way positively impact the decisions
      being made at a higher level.

2930. good experience as a trainee

2931. I worked as a WAE and with the Conservation district because I
      knew someone who worked there.

2932. I was looking for a job and was at the right place at the right
      time.

2933. it was the main employer of soil scientists

2934. I knew of the agency before seeking employment with the NRCS

2935. rural lifestyle, freedom & flexibility, the work we do

2936. I wanted to help conserve our natural resources

2937. Local SWCD.

2938. When you are young you can put up with the BS. Later in life you
      realize how much you could acutally get done now that you know how
      to do it and how to get others to do it, but you know the system
      will not allow it.

2939. Because I believe in what the agency represents.

2940. I enjoy working with farmers and being outside and working witht
      he land

2941. Only agency hiring during Jimmy Carters Administration, Forest
      Service and Parks Department was all political and if you were a
      relative of someone that worked their. Very male oriented.

2942. still farmed

2943. Could stay local.

2944. For summer employment and college credit for internship hours. I
      stayed because I like working outdoors.

2945. enjoy the type of work

2946. na

2947. work activities matched interests

2948. I had served a tour of active military service. I had previously
      completed a BS in Natural Resources/Soils. My father had raised me
      to love the outdoors, hunting, fishing, etc. I needed a job after
      completing my Masters Degree and a graduate advisor introduced me
      to an SCS State Soil Scientist, who was able to get me a position
      with a state soil conservation committe which evoloved into an SCS
      soil scientist position after about a year. So I suppose that
      between my father and my University professors (especially those
      in the soil department) have to be the primary reason. but I did
      enjoy playing in the dirt and in ponds and in wetlands when I was
      a child.

2949. It was a way that i could put my technical and field work together
      to make an end product that helps producers.

2950. natural resource related work

2951. I enjoy working with landowners on their land on a voluntary
      basis. I believe that being invited to a farm to develop
      alternatives to resource issues by a landowner is one of the
      greatest compliments that I can possibly recieve. In short, I like
      helping people solve problems and NRCS gives me a means to do
      that.

2952. Looking for second career

2953. I was in need of a full-time job. This happened to be in a related
      field that I was interested in.

2954. salary, benefits & job position

2955. Insurance

2956. Love of the job and the customers.

2957. I am very interested in agriculture and developing ways to help
      farmers.

2958. liked the work. liked helping people. stayed with an agriculture
      profession without being in sales or production. good pay.

2959. To put conservation practices on the ground in the

2960. The work. Putting conservation on the land and planting the seeds
      of conservation in the minds of people. Most people do not work
      here for the money, but for the effect they have on the land and
      people.

2961. Was called to public service and the noble cause of natural
      resource conservation.

2962. Federal employeement benefits. Working with the public for a sense
      of accomplishment

2963. I grew up on a farm but to small to get started myself. I worked
      for a larger farmer who had some conservation practices which I
      helped layout and survey by SCS. After Vietnam and two Year army
      tour I contacted the DC from my home county and started working
      for the SWCD while attending my local Jr College. I enjoyed
      working with the soil conservation technician and the survey and
      design part of the job.

2964. At the time I needed a job and was offered this one.

2965. After working for a SWCD, I made the switch to NRCS for career
      advancement, better pay and benefits, and I enjoy the fact that I
      could get out of the office and work in the field.

2966. I liked conservation

2967. wanted to be involved with conservation in some way

2968. feel strongly about the mission

2969. outdoor work

2970. interested in all aspects of farming/conservation

2971. The diversity of the job.

2972. It is what I believe in for the rural and urban customer and came
      with hospitalization and retirement and holidays off

2973. to help an ag. cause

2974. dk

2975. chance to practice conservation on the land

2976. You get a chance to work with many aspects of our world\'s natural
      resources and work is diversified.

2977. To help people put conservation on the land.

2978. I like the type of work that the agency does, outside and with the
      natural resources.

2979. Environmental Concerns and issues

2980. I loved working for them as an intern. The job allows me to
      utilize the science/technical stengths that I have and enjoy.

2981. I have always wanted to work in soil conservation. NRCS is the
      agency that provides me with the opportunity with the best
      compensation.

2982. To supplement income from smalll farm (1975)

2983. I enjoy working with farmers and landowners in the rural community
      and giving them top quality assistance.

2984. Soil and Water Conservation appealed to me

2985. I want to work and help with our natural resources

2986. Work emvironment. Get to work in a field and office settings.

2987. Wanted to work in the agricultural field

2988. outdoor work

2989. I grew up on a family farm. In college, I got the

2990. I like working with the land and people.

2991. Helping People make good decisions

2992. Close to home.

2993. For the job security and benefits

2994. Wanted to work in Ag/Conservation and good benefits

2995. To dedicate my life to making the natural environment better for
      future generations

2996. It was the first job I was offered.

2997. To fulfill my desire to benefit the public and environment through
      the application of soil science.

2998. Benefits and work schedule.

2999. It was a job at the time.

3000. insurance

3001. Always involved with conservation on the family farm.

3002. At the time, it allowed me to work with farmland owners/operators.

3003. I was an employee of the local Soil and Water Conservation
      District. I wanted a career that had better pay, promotion
      potential,as well as benefits.

3004. It allowed me to make a difference in the conservation of Natural
      resources and the salary and advancement was much better than
      other agencies.

3005. Job description

3006. It\'s what I went to college for.

3007. more opportunity for advancement, more easy-going atmosphere.

3008. NRCS choose me - I stayed because NRCS provided an opportunity to
      combine teaching,working with people,and my love of agriculture. I
      found a job I enjoyed and one where I felt I could make a
      contribution to others - clients and other NRCS staff members.

3009. To work with local landowners/customers. To be able to work
      outdoors/indoors. The verity of work.

3010. I worked one summer in my home county as a Soil Consservation Aid
      after high school.

3011. none

3012. I enjoy working in the field of conservation and I discovered
      NRCS. I had never heard of the NRCS until I started working for
      the SWCD.

3013. Enjoyed the type of work.

3014. Working outdoors with landowners and paperwork that was easily
      understood by everyone.

3015. Commitment to conservation on private land.

3016. Interest in Soil Conservation

3017. agricultural related, good pay and benefits, was able to travel
      when younger (so could move 6.5 hours South of home)

3018. Working with the natural resources.

3019. NRCS offered a way to be involved in the agricultural industry and
      the work that the agency does is valuable.

3020. I enjoy the programs that we have

3021. A position was available in my disipline in commuting distance
      from home.

3022. They provided employment in my field.

3023. Reward of the job and compatability with a concurrent USAR career.

3024. It fits my personal feelings growing up on a farm, but not seeing
      farming as a viable future.

3025. It was a service oriented agency where you work indoors and
      outdoors to help people.

3026. Good benefits and a stable job

3027. Job opening at the particular time

3028. Intrest in ecology

3029. It was a conservation related job with good bennifits and
      relatively strong job security. I worked for an SWCD which exposed
      me, for the first time to NRCS.

3030. Made the transition from conservation district because of better
      pay and benefits.

3031. enjoyed the work at that time

3032. Retirement and benifits.

3033. I am interested in agriculture and conservation.

3034. I like believe I can make a difference for the environment and the
      people who currently own the land.

3035. Ag background

3036. I was trained as a forester and I wanted to work for the State.
      State cutbacks forced me to find a similar position with another
      Government Agency.

3037. job security

3038. I enjoy conservation

3039. I have an agricultural background and natural interest in
      conservation as a whole. I thought this would be a good career to
      be involved with both.

3040. I enjoy doing conservation work with the (relative) security of a
      Federal position.

3041. I wanted to work in some inviromental area.

3042. I love agriculture and wanted to work in that area.

3043. The opportunity to work in my community, or where ever I wanted to
      if I wanted to pursue it.

3044. Luck, a professor asked if I would like to work for SCS, I didn\'t
      know who you were, but was interviewed and hired on spot, so
      started my career 18 years ago.

3045. steady employment and the opportunity to learn new things.

3046. It give you an chance to make a difference.

3047. I have military service that counts toward my retirement and the
      Federal Gov\'t is a fairly stable career.

3048. heard that it was a good agency to work for and the pay and
      benefits were better than other potential jobs.

3049. Variety of tasks involved in the job. Not doing the same thing
      every day.

3050. Good reputation, working with landowners to solve problems,
      professionalism, strictly competitive hiring procedures.

3051. I found I like the problem solving situation with the enviromental
      situations and I like, that we, help to educate landowner\'s on
      Natural Resource information. I feel that the more we can inform
      the public on good sound ways to use our Natural Resources.

3052. Allowed me the opportunity to work our agricultural and urban
      customers to provide on the ground conservation.

3053. It offered a good opportunity for me. It was local and has proven
      to be the best job I\'ve had so far. I\'m still proud to be part
      of a team that is accomplishing many earth-saving goals.

3054. I enjoy helping people make good decisions in accomplishing their
      goals.

3055. I wanting job that would give me the opportunity to work outdoors
      and enjoy our natural resources.

3056. I enjoy the work, good benifits and money is pretty good.

3057. My background in Agriculture and my involvement with the
      Conservation District as a high school student

3058. Working with farmers and protecting the land

3059. I have a strong belief in soil conservation and this used to be
      the agency to that could fulfill that belief.

3060. Working outside the office with landowners and operators

3061. An agriculturally based job, with promotion potential and good
      benefits.

3062. Ag based occupation

3063. Governmental job with stability and benefits

3064. NRCS (SCS back then) offered me an employment opportunity within
      my educational field. It has been a wonderful

3065. Recommended by relatives

3066. A good work environment.

3067. I wanted to work in the ag community in a conservation field

3068. I enjoy this work.

3069. I had an opportunity to work for SCS during the summer when I was
      in high school. Becasue of my work ethetic, SCS sought me to work
      for them after graduation. I have worked and enjoyed working with
      many very knowledgable people throughout my career. I felt I could
      and have made a difference. As a senior employee, it concerns me
      that NRCS is putting less and less emphasis on hiring individuals
      based on their technical abilities.

3070. I wanted to help people help their resources

3071. I recieve job satifaction by helping others in the farming
      industry.

3072. I was able to work with producers to conserve natural resources
      and able to work in the rural area.

3073. Good benefits and no evening/weekend duties.

3074. I liked the benefits and pay that was offered to at the time of my
      hire.

3075. We will always need agriculture and NRCS is a leader in these
      services to producers.

3076. To work in the field of my education and interest.

3077. I was an Agronomy major.

3078. I felt that NRCS held an opportunity to work in the Agri-business
      field. An area that I was raised in. I felt that I could make a
      difference. I can tell you it was not the money.

3079. My agriculture background.

3080. Converted from Conservation District.

3081. Liked the kind of work I would do. Mix of outside and inside work
      related to natural resources.

3082. Love for the type of work we do.

3083. They were the first to offer me a job.

3084. Family friendly schedule and benefits.

3085. Federal government was noted to be a good employer at the time I
      began working (very competitive pay scale and good benefits).

3086. BENEFITS AND THE SATISFACTION OF THE WORK

3087. Could work with people in the field.

3088. The agency chose me.

3089. I wanted to work outside and to help people.

3090. Mission is excellent and the pay is fair.

3091. Federal job with security

3092. My college adviser talked me into a student trainee position. I
      liked the work and I have been with the agency for 38 plus years.

3093. I liked soil survey as a district employee and the NRCS is the
      national leader is soils, so I went with the best.

3094. A district clerk told me about the job opportunity as a soil
      conservation technician. I had a simular background as a
      construction worker, installing terreces, waterways, (conservation
      practices.

3095. To work on th eland and help the farmer/rancher

3096. availability

3097. Wanted to have some income.

3098. Benefits/people I work with

3099. Farm background

3100. They were doing work that interested me.

3101. Was available at the time I needed a job.

3102. There wasn\'t anything else available at the time. I like the
      work. Helping people with resource problems is a good thing.

3103. Interest in the field.

3104. I chose NRCS, formerly SCS, for it\'s on-hands technology transfer
      to accomplishing the mission of natural resource protection.
      Secondly, it was the ability to be mobile and learn more about the
      various resources issues around the country and experience these
      problems and solutions. Being helpful. Bing an active resource
      planner that seeks solutions through indiviudals and communities,
      Not just a paper pusher collecting dust.

3105. My agricultural background, wnted to stay in ag, but saw no real
      income potential in production Ag.

3106. I liked the kind of work they preformed

3107. Pay and benefits.

3108. Federal Pay and Benefits

3109. It is a WAE position and there was an opening.

3110. BEcause of the pride I receive assisting landowners in resource
      issuess.

3111. They worked in a field I was interested in

3112. To get conservation on the land.

3113. Opportunity.

3114. I chose a career in conservation because I wanted to protect our
      Natural Resources.

3115. Better benefits, higher pay scale, and more opportunity for
      advancement than previous employer.

3116. It was within my major field of interest for college degree.

3117. I have always enjoyed the outdoors and I have always enjoyed this
      type of work. I have always considered NRCS a great agency to work
      for.

3118. Benefits

3119. As a son of a farmer I experienced first hand the many issues
      associated with farming upland rolling (7% slopes + -)land. Also,
      the many concerns of working with a cow-calf operation.

3120. To work with the farmer(s) one-on-one to help them solve the
      problems they face in their operations on their farm(s). The
      increased work required on computers (i.e.: planning, mapping,
      progress reporting, inventories, etc.) are beginning to restrict
      the time we can spend out in the field dealing with the problems
      the farmers have. Getting conservation in the computer seems to be
      becoming more important than getting conservation on the ground.
      As stated, working in the field with the farmers is what makes our
      jobs enjoyable, but our response time to their requests for
      assistance is starting to grow longer due to the restraints of
      other job requirements.

3121. benefits (health coverage, early retirement, and leave benefits)

3122. I had a wonderful working relationship with many state and federal
      agencies in my state before I went to work for NRCS, so I knew I
      would be able to help the agency with my knowledge and also help
      our producers.

3123. The agriculture job market at the time I was graduating only had a
      few jobs available. NRCS was one of them.

3124. Wanted Agriculture related career.

3125. To be able to conserve our natural resources and help the farmers

3126. Started as a temporary employee.

3127. Employment in a field that I enjoy working in and am familiar with
      due to a lifetime of involvement with agriculture.

3128. Stable job

3129. A chance to improve the enviornment

3130. I previously worked for the Soil and Water District as a
      technician. I wanted the benefits and 100% enjoyed my job at that
      time.

3131. working outdoors

3132. Pay

3133. My education in biology and conservation, a personal interest in
      the state\'s outdoors, and the pay & benefits.

3134. The oportunity to work in the agriculture field

3135. Ability to build on knowdege and skills I already had in my field
      of study.

3136. Enjoy working with agricultural related jobs.

3137. I worked as a coop student and learned what the job and agency was
      about learned it was a depended job that didn\'t pay too bad so I
      stayed.

3138. liked working with people to improve their standards of living and
      flexable leave so as to take off with my family when needed

3139. It was a job I wanted to do.

3140. It does what I have been trained for and love to do. D.C. years
      ago got me interested

3141. Like the thei mission statement

3142. A federal job doing what I believe in, located where I wanted to
      be.

3143. location,duties

3144. Job duties and pay

3145. I worked as a student trainee and loved the work, so I stayed on
      after graduation.

3146. I needed a job and it sounded like it would be a fun job

3147. Salary and Benifits

3148. Soil Conservation was what I went to college for and what I wanted
      to do.

3149. Area of study

3150. Enjoyed the work. Had an agriculture background.

3151. When it was SCS, the agency was here to help landowners. It had
      the higest reputation of any Gov. agency.

3152. Conservation on the land.

3153. Benefits

3154. Worked for District and liked the service and programs provided by
      NRCS

3155. Knowing other employees in the office notifed me of the opening or
      other wise I would have never known. The Other employees in the
      office.

3156. I enjoy working on wetlands, and i enjoy how flexible my job is

3157. Living in a rural area, it was best fit for my degree.

3158. Salary and benefits

3159. An opening at an opportune time and location

3160. Wetland Reserve Program

3161. I worked for NRCS during college. I liked working in the
      agricultural sector and NRCS was the first to offer me an
      employment opportunity.

3162. The work described was close to what I want to do.

3163. Medical benefits, Leave policy, Pay scale for rural living

3164. I feel like I can make a difference in our environment.

3165. Geographical location of position

3166. Proximity to where I wanted to live.

3167. I like working with farmers.

3168. I was givin a Coop opportunity during my College years to work for
      NRCS.

3169. better benefits

3170. I wanted to work outside of the office in a natural field.

3171. I had a background in soil conservation and felt the job and
      benifits were very appealing.

3172. Better pay and benifits then I had as a Conservation District
      employee.

3173. A State NRCS employee made a college classroom visit

3174. The structure and mission of the agency with the benefits.

3175. Wanted to work with agriculture and cinserving and improving land
      seems good

3176. I grew up on a working row crop farm and was taught early on about
      the need to care for and keep the land productive. This is the
      main reason I chose NRCS

3177. challenge of serving to public,Preserving are natural resources

3178. Agriculture background and job satifaction.

3179. I originally worked for the district and wanted to advance both in
      salary and career goals.

3180. Helping people and working in a rural environment.

3181. job offer within my college major

3182. able to work in field of expertise that went to school for

3183. ENJOYED WORKING IN AGRICULTURE FIELD

3184. Got a chance to complete a cooperative internship with the agency.

3185. Primary reason was a Technicial, Career Orinted, Job Security was
      Important

3186. Like working outdoors.

3187. Do conservation work

3188. Pay and benefits but the biggest is working in the agricultural
      field

3189. Career

3190. Having worked in the private sector for myself as well as other
      business\'s I wanted to go back to a farm based business. I felt
      that NRCS offered me the best opportunity.

3191. I started to work as a district employee and became very
      interested in NRCS.

3192. Because of my background in agriculture and it offers various
      opportunities and locations in my home state.

3193. Helping farmers/landowners protect our natural resources

3194. Working in the agriculture sector.

3195. I wanted to help put conservation practices on the ground and help
      change public opinion of why the gov\'t wants to help landowners.

3196. I started working for a conservation district. I enjoyed my job.
      When a federal operning came along, I applied and was hired.

3197. Wanted to stay in the Ag field, next best thing to farming.

3198. NRCS makes a difference on the land that can be seen as you frive
      down an road in the US. Being able to have that kind of impact on
      society gives me great pride and satisfaction.

3199. i was looking for a position that would allow me to work outside
      and with agriculture. also, i was hired because the agency was
      looking to fill numbers and looking back i was not well qualified.

3200. To get the oppurtunity to do something that I am very interested
      in.

3201. I always been involved in agri activities.

3202. Enjoy conservation and the rewards it brings.

3203. Being able to work in the field and the office.

3204. They were the first to offer me a job.

3205. Personal interest in the conservation of our natural resources and
      the work schedule/benefits.

3206. Growing up on the farm, the SCS/NRCS tour of duty provided working
      with people, especially the Ag sector to help conserve our
      precious resources.

3207. family alrady in organization

3208. I love the outdoors and want to try and make the land better then
      it was when I got here. It is not the pay.

3209. I worked for SCS as a WAE (intermittent) employee; I liked the
      work and believed in what I perceived as the mission.

3210. To work close to home

3211. Desire to improve the stewardship of our resources.

3212. Steady Pay

3213. STability of job during the 1980\'s when agriculture sector was
      suffering. Being able to work in the agriculture sector.

3214. It was the first available position in the field of agriculture as
      I was looking for a job.

3215. SCS offered a cooperative training program,while in College.

3216. Kind of work that NRCS does and the people with whom you work.

3217. NRCS Offered me the chance at a career 30 years ago.

3218. Moveded up from a district employee\...working my way up the
      ladder

3219. It is a good job and a good place to work.

3220. Because of my interest in agriculture and in soil conservation.

3221. Pay

3222. Good pay for a farming area

3223. Being able to work in a rural community and good benefits

3224. To help conserve our resources for future generations

3225. availablity

3226. The Job

3227. Interest in helping people to conserve natural resources and to
      assist the economics of agriculture.

3228. It was type of work I wanted to do.

3229. Needed employment that had insurance

3230. pay and location of job

3231. Like the type of work NRCS does.

3232. the out door job

3233. the pay was a big factor and the benefits, plus the job market was
      pretty poor.

3234. Government jobs had the reputation for being good jobs

3235. Working to implement conservation programs\... and the benefits.

3236. Location

3237. I like the work

3238. The first job I was offered upon graduation from college. Plus
      I\'ve always considered myself a conservationist.

3239. Liked working on the ground with producers.

3240. Enjoyed working outdoors

3241. possibility to help farmers

3242. I hope to be able to retire some day with some income more than
      just s.s.

3243. I hope to have a retirement someday.

3244. I enjoy working in agriculture and with farmers, landowners, &
      operators to not only do positive things for their operation, but
      to do positive things for our environment and country. The
      agriculture community and environment is a great community to be a
      part of and NRCS (SCS) has always been an agency that is known for
      helping people and their rescources which the rest of the world
      depends on.

3245. Job stability with competitive pay for my particular career

3246. Location of work.

3247. Stable job with retirement benefits.

3248. To work in agriculture and conservation.

3249. Benefits and Pay

3250. My background and education are in agriculture and I enjoy helping
      ag landowners.

3251. My passion for the environment\'s welfare

3252. Because they are involved in conservation projects.

3253. Needed a job

3254. Ability to work with landowners/producers, be outside and make a
      difference on the landscape.

3255. Location, flex time and COL with promotion possibility.

3256. Good job working in conservation, great knowledgeable personnel to
      learn from and good promotion potential.

3257. It is a great organization. I have been involved with agriculture
      all of my life and I have a strong belief in soil and natural
      resources conservation.

3258. It was available when I began searching for employment and having
      a job that involved enable me to work with landowners outside of
      just being in a office was very attractive. Unfortunately, we now
      spend very little time actually on the land; it\'s all done at the
      computer.

3259. Previous Ag and engineering experience fit into job opening.

3260. To work within the field of conservation

3261. Type of work was appealing.

3262. I had previously worked with NRCS through an outside contract, and
      I had a good experience working with NRCS.

3263. Needed a job.

3264. \- Gvt is not too likely to go bankrupt or be purchased by another
      outfit. -Gvt does less hiring discrimination based on age than
      most companies (and downsizing/age based firing). - Grew up
      farming and want to be around it and like so

3265. Income and benefits

3266. I had to start somewhere. I do less here and get paid better than
      in a private firm.

3267. benefits and stable job

3268. Work is in-line with personal interests

3269. I was getting out of college and wanted to work for a federal
      agency. NRCS was hiring but the CORPS wasn\'t.

3270. I had heard good things about the Department of Agriculture.

3271. It gave me the opportunity to try out a different career path
      while preserving my federal retirement benefits.

3272. It provided the kind of work I wanted to do with promotional
      potential.

3273. College Professor

3274. Outdoor work - benefits

3275. Promotion opprotunity from another federal agency.

3276. They helped me thru college as a student trainee and part time
      work or I would not have graduated from college. I felt obligated
      even though I had much better offers at the time.

3277. Always wanted to be a Federal employee and had the opportunity to
      submit my SF-171 and got interviewed and hired.

3278. I didn\'t choose NRCS. I chose SCS, which was a very good agency.

3279. large numbers of highly qualified people worked for SCS

3280. I wanted to work, and being an older employee I knew the Federal
      government would not discriminate against me because of my age.
      Now that I\'m here, I appreciate the work I\'m doing to help
      perserve our natural resources. I\'ve grown to learn just how
      important that is.

3281. Federal Benefits

3282. I want to work in federal Government

3283. promotion from other federal agency, location of position

3284. Formerly a civil service employee. Wanted to finish out more years
      for retirement.

3285. Job promotion

3286. Wanted to work for the Federal Government to do something for
      myself and the community and for better experience and benefits.

3287. Only agency in area with the position open at the time

3288. Location of the job.

3289. Supervisory experience.

3290. The type of work that NRCS does.

3291. First federal position available when I moved into the area.

3292. Desired position became available

3293. Chance to work as an engineer but not in a metro area.

3294. I had never heard of the agency. A friend said there was a
      potential promotion at NRCS.

3295. Location, pay, availability

3296. poeple are really nice to work for

3297. continue federal career

3298. I wanted to assist famers.

3299. Benefits.

3300. conservation mission

3301. Wanted a Federal position

3302. The NRCS\'s overall goals, agenda, and mission.

3303. I wanted to excell in my job, have benefits and retire with a
      retirement plan

3304. Federal Benefits

3305. I heard it was a family oriented organization.

3306. A relative was an employee

3307. Passion for conservation

3308. Making a difference

3309. Interviewed right out of college and was offered a job with good
      pay, benefits and in my field.

3310. Had the opportunity to co-op and learn about the agency. Also,
      several students and persons that I knew had worked for NRCS
      and/or was currently working for NRCS.

3311. promotion from previous position

3312. NRCS helps people do the

3313. I chose NRCS as an employer so that I could fulfill my goals of
      working with private landowners to provide environmentally sound
      science to address sustainability issues as well as to restore
      ecological functions and values on a large scale.

3314. Type of work

3315. I liked the challenge of doing the job.

3316. I grew up on a farm and was interested in a career in Agriculture.

3317. Provid eservice to farmers.

3318. Wanted to be in a job that assisted farmers and ranchers.

3319. My satisfaction with the nature of the work

3320. I was interested in the work.

3321. I once beleived in what we did

3322. The mission we have and the people already working for them.

3323. Federal agency. Already had many years in with another federal
      agency.

3324. Benefits of a federal position.

3325. Recruited by a former colleague from another agency

3326. Fairly secure employment working in the field of Agriculture that
      interests me.

3327. I needed a job and they had an opening. There was no formal
      application required at the time, only an interview and I was
      offered a position.

3328. Salary

3329. Salary

3330. chance to work for a good cauase

3331. career field

3332. I started as a student and simple remained on because it was made
      available to me.

3333. Interest in work description

3334. Increase in pay.

3335. I believe in conserving the soil

3336. I took this position to be closer to family.

3337. Permanent, full-time employment following four lean college years!

3338. Leader in soil survey.

3339. Liked the type of work.

3340. Liked agriculture in general

3341. Similar position was held at a state agency. Better pay package.

3342. Had an Ag backgound. Interested in the enviornment

3343. Graduated from college and needed employment.

3344. I wanted to work in the conservation field and help farmers and
      other landowners improve their conservation systems. I enjoy being
      outside and working on the land.

3345. It was an oportunity to get paid for being useful.

3346. Pay.

3347. Liked working with farmers and the land.

3348. location and pay

3349. Interested in the mission of the agency and type of work.

3350. I believed this was an Agency that could have a positive impact on
      providing food for the world.

3351. Corporate Culture at the field/state level is wonderful. Employees
      at the field/state level are wonderful.

3352. Family worked here previously

3353. It was purely an accident, I was at the right place at the right
      time.

3354. The benifits were better than other jobs I was considering.

3355. Work in the field with farmers on conservation and agricultural
      issues.

3356. Reputation for providing voluntary soil conservation assistance to
      farmers, job security, good benefits.

3357. Opportunity for Promotion

3358. Job security.

3359. Opportunities within the agency.

3360. location and job in my field

3361. job responsibilities were a great match for my skills and
      interests

3362. Looked like a stable job doing what I enjoy

3363. 1\) the job opening was one that fit my skills well 2) benefits

3364. Opportunity to work in the field of agriculture and live and work
      in a rural area.

3365. benefits

3366. Security and the desire to contribute to the conservation of
      natural resources.

3367. It\'s real life mission is rewarding.

3368. My grandfather had been an SWCD board member and I chose to work
      in a field that was important in my family.

3369. To help with envornmental issues

3370. I was familiar with the agency and wanted to remain in the
      agricultural field. It would also give me an opportunity to
      advance and opportunity to work in different parts of the country.

3371. Solid interesting job.

3372. Three years of internship

3373. outdoor work

3374. SCS mission was consistent with my personal interest and
      commitment to good stewardship by using sound science to help
      agricultural producers and rural communities maintain and improve
      the natural resource conditions especially water quality and
      quantity.

3375. Federal benefits.

3376. Agency is focussed on agriculture. Comparable pay rates to private
      sector (at that time).

3377. The Soil Conservation Service was a good paying job and was well
      liked by the local public for their expertise they applied to the
      land.

3378. I thought I could make a difference, but 15 years has proven me
      wrong

3379. Had good wages and benefits

3380. I like to work with people to solve problems.

3381. I wanted to provide information that will help agricultural
      producers make good land-use decisions. SCS (at that time) seemed
      to me to be the main organization operating in that arena.

3382. Ag backgrond and seemed like a good fit with what I wanted to do
      and stay in a rural area.

3383. Internal love of our natural resources and desire to help, those
      fortunate enough to

3384. belief that families can make it in agriculture, that is is
      enjoyable and sustainable

3385. I like the outdoors and enjoy helping people protect our natural
      resources.

3386. Personnel present in this location.

3387. Farming was the life I grew up in, my knowledge base fit the job.

3388. Found the work interesting as a summer trainee, so made it a
      career.

3389. Interest in conservation.

3390. Benefits/Pay/People

3391. security

3392. I was unemployed

3393. I enjoy working with the rural sector

3394. I needed a job.

3395. i love the land and agriculture. i also want to help save the
      Natural Resources for the future

3396. 20 years ago it was a good job in agriculture. Not it is an
      administrative position that has little to do with putting
      conservation on the ground. We have become paper pushers with
      goals and charts and budgets to meet and balance.

3397. I enjoy the assistance that we provide to the producer.

3398. Being able to work hand in hand with farmers.

3399. Benefits, insurance, and working with the public

3400. I liked and believed in what (SCS) stood for.

3401. Enjoyed working outside as much as possible.

3402. I like farming

3403. by luck

3404. Liked working outdoors with landowners assisting them in deciding
      what conservation practices they may want to implement to protect
      their soil and water resources.

3405. I worked for a conservation district and enjoyed the work I did,
      so NRCS sounded like a great career for me.

3406. Best paying job in my area and enjoyed the working in the field.

3407. Liked the work

3408. Agency mission and type of work we do

3409. Helping farmers.

3410. Job security

3411. Sought Federal employment in environmental field

3412. Benefits

3413. I was recruited as a WAE Aid and found out that I loved the work!

3414. Like working out side

3415. Helping people

3416. the type of work.

3417. This is the job I wanted and attended college for.

3418. Needed a job, and wanted to complement my Marine Corps time with a
      fereral job.

3419. As a child I saw NRCS(SCS) as the only government agency trying to
      help them my father on his farm.

3420. To help our farmers and ranchers to improve their operations.

3421. Liked the job and opportunities 20 years ago but that has greatly
      changed.

3422. I have relatives that work for usda.

3423. Being close to farming which I enjoy.

3424. I felt working for the NRCS, I could contribute something to the
      farmers and ranchers in my state.

3425. Because I gave me an opportunity to help people resolve problems
      that they have on their farms.

3426. Interested in working with farmers, groups, communities & agencies
      on problems in related fields.

3427. Job came open where I live.

3428. My father worked and retired from the USDA. I liked working with
      people that want to leave the soil better than when they toke it
      over and young people in 4-H and FFA.

3429. Was working for the Conservation district in a Field Service
      Center when a technician\'s position came open. Only found out
      about NRCS by chance.

3430. History of agency and the professionals that I met while in high
      school agriculture classes.

3431. Location of position

3432. I thought I could make a difference by helping rural people.

3433. The agency provided an opportunity to use formal training.

3434. An employee of NRCS was my motivation to obtain an agronomy degree
      and seek employment and NRCS offers me a place to acheive all of
      my personal goals as well.

3435. I wanted to work in the conservation field

3436. Job satisfaction with career field

3437. I always wanted to assist farmers, seeing them improve their
      operations.

3438. It has been a career aspiration since high school

3439. I had worked as a WAE as a young man and enjoyed the opportunity
      and wanted to get on with the agency.

3440. The agency\'s reputation and competitive pay scale

3441. I thought I would be able to help others on their farms. My own
      love for farming.

3442. Needed a paying job 30 years ago.

3443. Soil conservation

3444. Very few jobs available.

3445. working conditions and benefits

3446. Because I can help people and the enviornment

3447. Security.

3448. Job Security

3449. I wanted to work in an agricultural field.

3450. Because once i was able to work outside with the producers and put
      conservation on the land. Now i just push programs.

3451. So I could work in a rural environment with agricultural producers
      to help them solve resource problems.

3452. I have always been interested in the type of work we do.

3453. The working environment and overall goals of the agency.

3454. Fit my sense of mission and personal goals for life

3455. Ability to use my degrees in a rural setting.

3456. My college degree and career interests are well suited to this
      position. Credit leave availablitiy was the primary reason, I did
      not like working for other companies that tried to get 50 hours a
      week of work from me without any extra compensation.

3457. Agency was totally different at that time. Employees actually got
      to the field to assist clients.

3458. Pay, benefits, job stability

3459. The opportunity to work with production agriculture in sustaining
      the natural resource base.

3460. Wanted a change

3461. I had a strong desire to work in the natural resource area, as my
      parents farm for a living and I wanted to work to preserve soil
      and water.

3462. agree with the mission

3463. timeing

3464. Allowed me to remain close to agriculture in a technical field.

3465. Did internship and loved this type of work, wieghed my decision
      more on enjoyment of my job as to salary potential.

3466. Ag field and outside work.

3467. I wanted a career that would allow me to help protect the
      environment & allow me to work outdoors part of the time.

3468. I enjoy working outside.

3469. I love working outside ,i like dealing with people and feel good
      when i really accomplish a good job.

3470. I like working in Agriculture and my family are farmers.

3471. College Coop Program.

3472. believe in conservation

3473. I was offered a job when I graduated from college

3474. The opportunity to work with the out doors and make a difference
      to the enviroment through concentrate efforts of land improvements

3475. Benefits such as health insurance,and retirement

3476. location of office

3477. Good pay, benefits and opportunity to work in the Agricultural
      field like where I was raised

3478. Needed a job

3479. Pay

3480. I worked for state gov. and was aware of the agency.

3481. At the time, good pay and opportunity for learning.

3482. Wanted to be a part of saving our natural resources along with
      Federal Employment.

3483. Benefits

3484. I enjoy this type of varied work, and feel that I\'m making a
      difference.

3485. To work with farmers.

3486. Enjoy the work and the work environment. The benefits, especially
      the leave and credit leave and health benefits.

3487. I could work with farmers and ranchers to put conservation ont he
      ground every day

3488. I was hired when it was still SCS. Needed a job. Was out of
      college when one came up.

3489. I enjoyed implementing and designing conservation systems to
      landowners.

3490. Work with private land owners.

3491. Felt the jod and mission were important, and felt job security and
      benefits were above average for my area.

3492. My goals of helping save our water,air,soil,animal and vegetation
      resorces.

3493. The field I work in was open and I was excited on helping save
      some of the resources we would be working on

3494. Location

3495. Knowledge of past agency accomplishments and desirable working
      conditions.

3496. Within my technical discipline from Grad School, personal
      relationship with local conservationists

3497. I welcomed the opportunity to develop strategies for
      education/outreach and to assist with the opening of a new office.
      I also had a personal desire to work for the federal government,
      and could fully support the mission of NRCS.

3498. Allowed me to work in the conservation field with landowners.

3499. The desire to assist agriculture producers in reaching their
      resource goals while at the same time making a positive affect on
      the environment.

3500. Connectivity with rural agriculture and protection of natural
      resources.

3501. encouragement of University professor

3502. Ability to be around agriculture while having time for family.

3503. What I considered a secure occupation at the time.

3504. Pay and promotion potential

3505. It provided an oppurtunity to work with ag producers in the field.

3506. DC asked if I was interested in working as a WAE; this job led to
      a full-time position as technician.

3507. Passion for conservation

3508. The federal government takes good care of its employees and
      personal satisfaction of helping people.

3509. Water and Soil Conservation in Agriculture

3510. There are very few people that have made a mark on the world as
      the mark of a soil and water conservationist. Take an airplane
      trip over our state and you will be treated to a view of thousands
      of miles of terraces, waterways and ponds. It is an honorable
      occupation with an enduring legacy of the work you have completed.

3511. It doesn\'t matter. I wouldn\'t chose the NRCS as my employer
      today if I was just starting out. NRCS changes with the wind. If
      there ever was something that I like in the recent past, I am sure
      we have moved away from that by now.

3512. I come from a agriculture background and enjoyed working with
      natural resources.

3513. As a farmer, I tried new farming and conservation practices to
      improve the land and the bottom line. I wanted to help the other
      producer improve the land and stay in farming.

3514. Great family values. Love the work I do and the people who help me
      accomplish my goals.

3515. I had a good relationship with local office through an FFA class
      and planning conservation practices on a farm as a class project.

3516. I wanted to be involved with agriculture and also make the earth a
      better place when I leave the agency than it was when I started
      with the agency

3517. To help the farmers and ranchers of this country.

3518. Lost job thru FSA, lack of funds in Budget. Needed a job.

3519. At the time, best of both worlds, working with producers in the
      field putting conservation on the ground. Providing the technical
      assistance, didn\'t worry about paying the producers - ASCS did
      that. The salary and benefits were fair.

3520. The work at the time I hired on was geared to my education and
      training.

3521. Job in southwest Kansas

3522. It was what my experience was in.

3523. I wanted to help protect our natural resources and serve the
      public.

3524. I would be working around agriculture and producers.

3525. Wanted to work in Conservation. NRCS offered student trainee
      internship.

3526. I was badly in need of a job and I liked the benefit package.
      Because I was a farm hand.

3527. NRCS provides the work I enjoy.

3528. Federal job after military duty.

3529. It was a fair job and it was local.

3530. Could not find a competitive ranch management job when I graduated
      from college.

3531. I felt that I would be able to make a difference with respect to
      taking care of our natural resources. 18 years ago I did make a
      difference. Now I sit in front of this computer the majority of my
      day. Hard to tell if I am still making a difference.

3532. Land improvement

3533. Rewarding work, personal relationships, benefits.

3534. When I was hired we actually went to the field and worked on the
      land with farmers

3535. I was in the right place at the right time.

3536. I wanted to work outside with natural resources.

3537. Work outside dealing with natural resources. Job security. Able to
      work in different states. Able to do differnt jobs in my career.

3538. Benefits and mission

3539. I\'m a child of the \'60\'s. I wanted to do something for mankind
      and at the same time, work in agriculture.

3540. Thought it was something that would make a differance. Which over
      the years I have found that we have moved farther and farther away
      from what we are supposed to be doing. We are to comsumed with
      looking good to the public and congress instead of doing what is
      right at times. Yes I know that\'s the way it is but doesn\'t mean
      we have to like it.

3541. Job security in a line of work that I enjoy.

3542. Believe in conservation and wanted to make a difference on the
      land and with producers.

3543. I formerly worked construction and had an accident. The local
      district conservationist help me get my present technicians
      position.

3544. Chance to work with individuals to help them better manage their
      land and resources. I didn\'t have the finances or
      foot-in-the-door to farm or ranch, so the next best thing was to
      help those that do!

3545. It was the best option for my career goals.

3546. My degree and skills were needed by NRCS. I preferred the
      Agency\'s work environment of working with producers and the land
      to enhance our natural resources.

3547. I needed a job

3548. I chose SCS because it was a good outfit. Not sure that applies
      today.

3549. outside work, it sure wasn\'t the pay.

3550. Their reputation for conserving natural resources, which as a
      result helps to maintain farming and ranching as a way of life.

3551. Benifits and the opportunity to work with producers to improve our
      natural resources.

3552. very few jobs in my field

3553. Working in the out of doors to improve reasources.

3554. The opportunity to have a career dealing with agriculture.

3555. I felt it was a secure job.

3556. The opportunity to help others.

3557. Enjoyed working with people and helping solve their conservation
      problems.

3558. to work outdoors to make improvements

3559. Working in Agriculture

3560. Growing up on a farm, I valued what the SCS had accomplished and
      wanted to continue with their goals.

3561. Wanted to help imporve the environment

3562. I enjoy working with producers out in the field to help them
      protect and improve the nationÆs resources.

3563. I was familiar with what they did and worked as a student trainee.

3564. I was a District Employee in the beginning and grew up on the farm
      and was interested in the work when the push was on the hire women
      in the technical field.

3565. pay and benifits

3566. It is an ag related job that is in the area where I live.

3567. I like working one on one with producers to improve their land.

3568. Job security and Federal Benefits.

3569. Needed a job

3570. Conservation for the future

3571. Good job for the area.

3572. Health benefits

3573. The type of work that the agency performs and benefits

3574. I was a student. My WAE position turned into a full-time position.
      For support staff a position with USDA provided more financial
      security. Since that time I have developed a greater knowledge of
      our goals and grown to believe in our Mission.

3575. Stability

3576. The ability to make a concrete improvement in the enviroment.

3577. I thought I would be working in conservation,,,, not just reducing
      erosion

3578. Better pay & benefits than previous job.

3579. Outside work in agriculture

3580. I choose NRCS as an employer for the stability of a job.

3581. Mission and ability to meet farmers and help them

3582. Type of work

3583. liked what they did

3584. I could still work in an ag environment.

3585. Looked like a good job

3586. A chance to work with natural resources

3587. I enjoyed working outdoors solving natural resource problems.

3588. I was one of the few places I could work with natural resources in
      my state.

3589. Protect environment.

3590. I wonted to work in the environmental science field.

3591. Farm background and needed a job

3592. Stability and theoretical job satisfaction. I was mistaken on both
      accounts.

3593. Grew up in an gricultural environment! Graduated with a BS in
      Agriculture. Flexible hours. Benefits.

3594. Natural resource conservation

3595. lack of choice

3596. working with private landowners

3597. I am not an NRCS employee, I work for the district.

3598. In 1977 it was a job.

3599. Because a job was available and close to where I lived at the
      time.

3600. I am a third generation farmer/cattle producer.

3601. Flexible hours, security, and benefits

3602. Because of volunteering at the local NRCS office during High
      School. It allowed me to find out about the student trainee
      program. It seemed like a good fit for a farm girl.

3603. Because I could do the job and I enjoyed the job.

3604. I thought I could do some good for the resources.

3605. NRCS was hiring when I needed work.

3606. HEALTH BENEFITS

3607. was a student trainee and got taste of the work

3608. At the time I liked the diversity of the job although that has
      change a considerable amount since

3609. It was the first agency that offered me a job.

3610. Because I have a personal committment to conservation and wanted
      to work directly with natural resource issues.

3611. Good working hours. Weekends available for the family.

3612. Flexibility and responsibilities

3613. Work knowledge, benefits and pay

3614. I wanted to help people help the land - not entangle it all in red
      tape. Keeping huge databases and extensive contracts on every
      person & program activity is NOT my idea of that kind of help!! It
      prevents us from meeting our mission.

3615. My father and older brother were hired by NRCS before me. To be
      able to work with the agriculture sector and try to make a
      difference in the world we live in.

3616. A stable income that used my education.

3617. Good benefits and work environment and job duties that appealed to
      me.

3618. They had a good reputation when I hired on.

3619. With NRCS I have the opportunity to work indoors and outdoors and
      help farmers and ranchers implement new conservation practices
      that help them and help the environment.

3620. I enjoy the work and being outdoors, good job with good benefits.

3621. Availability

3622. Good fit for college degree.

3623. benifits and hours

3624. Farming and ranching was what I done. This was a way to be helpful
      to other farmers and ranchers. I also liked the benefits and the
      job security.

3625. It fit my education and background. I am truly interested in
      conserving our natural resources for future generations.

3626. I don\'t like interviews and application process, the NRCS hired
      me so I did not have to do anymore interviewing.

3627. I needed a job

3628. Federal Retirement

3629. Parent worked for agency

3630. It had job openenings and the position was in the part of the
      state I wanted to be in right now.

3631. Pay scale in agriculture.

3632. Work with good people in conserving the natural resources.

3633. To get out and enjoy the land and to assist others at being good
      stewards of the land.

3634. The combination of working in natural resources and good
      pay/benefits.

3635. benfits

3636. Benefits and we used to work outside more.

3637. pay, friendly people, ability to ask questions, and make a
      difference you can see

3638. It gives me an opportunity to work outdoors with clients that have
      the same background and interests I have in an agricultural
      setting.

3639. To work outdoors in an ag related field with clients that have the
      same background and interests as I.

3640. good solid employment in area which I desired

3641. Friends of mine that worked for the government.

3642. Enjoy the things the service does

3643. to work with the land

3644. The working environment

3645. My love for ranching and farming.

3646. I liked to work with private landowners. Now I am stuck in front
      of the computer and pushing papers to meet goals and red tape
      requirements. My ability to interact and develop relationships
      with private landowners has been greatly decreased.

3647. IT IS WELL SUITED FOR ME. I HAVE WORKED JUST ABOUT MY ENTIRE LIFE
      IN AGRICULTURE

3648. The job was related to the education I recieved during my four
      years of college.

3649. I enjoy working with farmers and ranchers. I feel as though I am
      doing something worthwhile.

3650. It seemed a good fit. I wanted to help landowners with resource
      managment

3651. I am a farm boy from North Dakota and NRCS always helped us make
      the right decisions for our family farm. The Agency is very well
      respected is the other reason. I am proud to work for NRCS.

3652. I grew up on a farm and was looking for a way to stay in
      agriculture and serve the producers. I worked with conservation in
      4-H and FFA and continued through college.

3653. It was available

3654. To be able to have a good career in a rural area and not have to
      move to a large urban area.

3655. It was a good offer during my graduation time.

3656. Health benifits

3657. Benefits and overall better job and a field that I was interested
      in

3658. Outdoor work and the work was related to my background growing up.
      I enjoy working with landowners and conservation work.

3659. Wanted to work in agriculture and enjoy working with people.

3660. Coming from a farming background and being in FFA its something I
      enjoy and can relate to.

3661. Wanted to work in the environmental field and had a degree in
      Natural Resources.

3662. I have been in farming and ranching all my life, and I wanted to
      help make it better. I could do something I enjoyed and be
      associated with the industry I grew up with .

3663. working outside and with the American Worker(FARMER/RANCHER)

3664. I love working with landowners on conservation issues.

3665. love of the land

3666. Working to help the environment with farmers and ranchers.

3667. My father has been an employee for 30 years and I had first hand
      experience of what this agency has been doing for many years and I
      wanted to try and keep that tradition.

3668. Helping the agricultural community.

3669. A good friend was working with SCS-NRCS and informed me I might
      like working for SCS/NRCS. It was a job that was offered where I
      grew up.

3670. Not sure.

3671. My college degree enabled me to fit seamlessly into the NRCS and
      allowed me to do all that I had been trained to do.

3672. I enjoy helping landowners solve conservation problems and
      exposing them to different ideas about conservation. Being able to
      work outdoors.

3673. Nothing else was available in my area in agriculture.

3674. They worked strongly with me in getting hired. They acted like
      they really wanted me on board.

3675. Because, the work I do is satisfying and rewarding. It is
      something I can be proud to tell people that I do.

3676. Since I grew up on a farm/ranch and wasn\'t able to go back to the
      farm following college, it is a means for me to stay connected to
      agriculture and actually work with the farmers and ranchers.

3677. When I started it was SCS and I really did not know anything about
      the agency. A friend had told me about himself applying for a job
      and so I sent in for a rating. The position I was offered went
      along with my degree in Agriculture.

3678. needed a job with some benifits

3679. Agriculture background.

3680. benefits,job security

3681. it was easy

3682. Benefits

3683. I had grown up in a family with strong government ties and new of
      the benefits that a federal job contained. I also wanted to pursue
      a job in which I could help people.

3684. I really enjoy what I do. I love helping landowners become better
      stewards of the land and applying conservation practices to get
      them there.

3685. I was raised on a farm and I enjoy helping Landowner with their
      needs.

3686. Following a paycheck to support family. Working on the land with
      various problems to solve was interesting. That is no longer the
      case.

3687. I have an interest in agriculture and conservation.

3688. Job Benefits

3689. Have Ag background and wanted Ag Job

3690. NRCS offered an opportunity to utilize several of my academic
      pursuits.

3691. Agency mission

3692. Make a difference. Conservation and development.

3693. I was born and raised on a farm/ranch and have always wanted to
      remain involved with agriculture and help others learn ways to
      improve their farm/ranch.

3694. working conditions and comuting distance

3695. It was a great way to get my foot in the door

3696. Type of work.

3697. Stability and Benefits.

3698. A stable income working in rural areas.

3699. Field of education-career development

3700. Liked to the job

3701. They were the only employer with an opening at the time.

3702. I like working with the land.

3703. It was a part time that became a full time job.

3704. I chose NRCS because I actually thought I could make a difference
      on the impact of the environment that we live in, because what we
      do is the future of tommorow and how we actually live.

3705. liked the job opportunities

3706. Working with landowners to help conserve and protect our natural
      resources at a non regulatory level.

3707. I have/wanted a techical background and wanted to work in a rural
      location and work outside.

3708. Needed a job at the time

3709. At the time it was better pay and benefits than job I had.

3710. They choose me

3711. Mission

3712. Interested in natural resource conservation and the benefits.

3713. I grew up on a farm and when I graduated college, I wanted a job
      which I thought I could make a difference with the agricultural
      community.

3714. I am a second generation NRCS/SCS federal employee. I love my job
      and always new what I wanted to do.

3715. I could appricate what we did for people to help the land.

3716. Career in Ag related field with Civil Service benefits

3717. I chose SCS as an employer because I liked working with people
      helping them with problems that they have on the land, and did not
      want to work in an office tied to a computer.

3718. I chose NRSC because I could work out in the field with landowner
      and provide technical service. This is not the case anymore
      because of all the red tape.

3719. I enjoy working with agriculture producers. The benefits and the
      pay are very competive with the private sector.

3720. i was looking for a job when in college. There was a COOP program
      that paid for students to participate with the agency. I applied
      and was accepted. Prior to that I did not know there was and SCS.
      The only agencies I know about that dealt with natural resources
      was USFS, BLM, and BIA. Since we are a small agency that deals
      with mainly private lands we are overlooked. Districts have some
      responsibility for the lack of visibility. We tend to preach to
      the choir when we present our story. The agency does not seem to
      have the ability to stand alone as a technical agency that people
      realte to on an everyday basis. Sorry I rambled on. I love the
      agency and am still glad that I found that COOP program. I have
      been in 8 FO\'s, State office, and and RC&D job. The agency has
      treated me well.

3721. Type of work

3722. I have the flexibility to stay in the office and do my work from
      there or go to the field. My job does not strictly limit me to a
      desk.

3723. Good Benefits

3724. Conservation implementation

3725. In the 60\'s developing the nation\'s natural resources was
      promoted as a very important goal and the Natural Resources
      community promoted this vocation. The push was voluntary
      management. People were proud of their operations and eager for
      assitance to improve them.

3726. Better pay than the State job in conservation.

3727. I thought it was a fair agency to work for.

3728. Because of recognised professionalism (30 years ago).

3729. I enjoy visiting with producers about conservation concerns and
      putting conservation on the land.

3730. Looking for a Job

3731. First job available

3732. Interested in agriculture and its oppertunities

3733. Working on the land

3734. Enjoying working outdoors, had experience with agriculture and
      enjoyed the lifestyle.

3735. i enjoyed the customers we serve, and the beneifts were better
      than private industry could offer.

3736. Agriculture

3737. Agriculture. I grew up on farm.

3738. Flexible work environment (in the field or in the office).

3739. An opportunity to use my knowledge in a field I enjoy.

3740. Better than average benefits for my location working in
      agriculture.

3741. Only job offer

3742. The benefits

3743. my love for the land

3744. Had worked with NRCS personel on projects in former employment.

3745. Well, When I was hired it was the Soil Conservation Service, My
      Father and Uncle enjoyed there job helping inform others as to how
      to conserve the resources of this great land. Now, we have to deal
      with documentation of every little thing, from the time charges in
      regards to programs being worked, to getting goals reported. I
      love this job and do spread the need to protect our resources
      although during the last 5 years there has been so many changes to
      our agency that we have lost credibability expecially when we had
      a name change. Most folks around there still know us as the SCS
      Boys/Girls. With the influx of the computer and rhe required
      document on it, with concerns of office closures, etc. It is not
      the same agency that I had started my career with.

3746. Closer to family.

3747. Perception that I could make a difference and that the agency was
      a quality organization. Pay was secondary.

3748. Learned a lot about the agency in College

3749. I Chose SCS because it made me feel I could really be a Steward of
      the land. Currently NRCS strives to make itself look good instead
      of getting conservtion on the ground.

3750. Wanted to work in rual setting, good pay

3751. As an Oklahoma state employee, it was for the benafits and pay,
      the chance to improve my skills and to make a change in the
      communitys around the state.

3752. I needed a job

3753. To work with agricultural producers.

3754. I like working with natural resources, the land and down to earth
      (real) people.

3755. Job satisfaction and benefits.

3756. Working in the field. Working with Agriculture. Putting
      conservation on the ground.

3757. Job offer

3758. flexabily of work for family reasons and job security

3759. I agreed with the goals and mission of the SCS, at the time of
      being hiring.

3760. Availability of Group Health Insurance.

3761. Interested in this kind of work.

3762. Type of work and believe in conservation

3763. Because I wanted to work for SCS/NRCS since I was 12 years old and
      I accomplished that goal.

3764. It was a better job than working for the conservation district.

3765. They had openings for Range Conservationists.

3766. Family tradition -2nd generation

3767. At the time the agency had a clear misson, provided needed
      assistance to the American Farmer and rancher by addressing
      resource concerns of the client.

3768. i needed a job.

3769. Husband had been involved in volunteer work for conservation.

3770. I personally knew SCS employees. When I was in high school, the
      District Conservationist lived across the street, and was a good
      influence.

3771. working outdoors

3772. The work is interesting and challenging

3773. I have a strong AG/natural resource background. I like the
      flexibility and time off.

3774. I got a chance to have a decent job close to home.

3775. Needed a job

3776. I enjoy doing the type of work that NRCS does.

3777. I wanted to help improve the environment.

3778. Benefits, and the stability

3779. NRCS provides me with a career that gives great satisfaction and
      pride. We are an agency that is devoted to the land, its peoples
      and their interaction. Preserving the natural resources of this
      country is equally important as preserving Her sovereignty, for
      without our natural resources, there is little left to protect.

3780. Believed in program

3781. My wife!!

3782. My degreee was design to qualify me as a soil con or range
      specialist.

3783. Needed a job.

3784. To work on conservation at the field level.

3785. N/A

3786. So that I could work within agriculture in a hands on way, in a
      job that still allows me to be out on the land with those who care
      for it.

3787. I Like The Tipe OF Work

3788. For the type of work (natural resources).

3789. Needed a job.

3790. choosen area of interests

3791. I like the work that we do.

3792. Working with AG producers

3793. I enjoy working with agricultural producers, and I strongly
      believe that agriculture is the backbone of the United States.

3794. My degree

3795. Challenging career with good benefits and flexible work schedule.

3796. Good Training and Secure Job

3797. I have a bachelor\'s degree in Forestry and about 3 years of
      private surveying experience\....Soil Conservation Technician was
      a good match.

3798. Better pay than average in this area, benefits,permancy.

3799. I was raised on a farm and ranch and wanted to help other farmers
      and ranchers.

3800. Needed a job and was at the right place at the right time.

3801. The agency came to me before graduation, looking for the field of
      expertise I was studying.

3802. To help solve natural resource problems.

3803. had erosion control experience

3804. I do something different and meet new people every day. Also I
      enjoy what I do most every day.

3805. It was a job opportunity where I could use my degree.

3806. I enjoy working with people and working out of doors.

3807. I was working as a WAE at the time, a permanent position/entry
      level became available and I applied. I like the fact that we
      worked with private landowners as opposed to public land. Used to
      be less red tape\...

3808. To work with ranchers in a non-regulatory capacity to improve
      rangeland sustainability

3809. College

3810. The love of the agriculture field.

3811. Campus recruiter

3812. The opportunity to improve the environment and work with people
      and clients with similar interests.

3813. The work we do with the ag sector was the primary reason.

3814. Stable work environment.

3815. At the time they were basically the only entity that had postions
      for my specialty.

3816. To work in an agricultural field assisting farmers and ranchers.

3817. job in agriculture

3818. I was familiar with the agency through the watershed program

3819. Secure job in the agricultural area

3820. Had previously worked for Dept of Army and this was only Federal
      job in our town opened when I needed to get back into workforce.

3821. Agriculture & conservation work load and environment

3822. It was the only good job in the small town I currently resided. I
      qualified for the job, so I applied.

3823. Benefits

3824. Farming background and enjoy working in rural environment

3825. I have a desire to help people with their resource concerns on
      their farming operations and that my family is currently farming.

3826. I worked as a summer intern and like what I was doing. So, I
      decided to give it a chance.

3827. Wanted a career in Soils and this agency had the career to use my
      education.

3828. The ability to transfer to different states.

3829. I started as an Earth Team Volunteer and love working in the ag
      field.

3830. I decided that I wanted to work for the SCS when I was still in
      college. However I was not able to hire on for 2 years after I
      graduated. Even though I had a Rating that qualified me to start
      at a GS-7 at the time. Now for your question, I like the
      opportunity to help people in Agricultural and working out in the
      field (countryside not behind a computer). I also felt this would
      be my best opportunity to be involved with Farming and Ranching.

3831. Chance to get conservation on the land.

3832. Because I could actually help Farmers and Ranchers implement
      conservation on private land and help out the Nations Agricultural
      Base.

3833. needed a job

3834. Bieng involved in Ag

3835. NRCS hired me before other Federal or State agencies.

3836. My parent\'s grew up in rural areas and I love the country. I
      wanted to work in a rural community and my expectation \'fit\'
      where I live. I want to be here. NRCS was interviewing on campus
      and I saw it as a way to live in the country.

3837. To learn about the land and it\'s natural resources, and to teach
      people how to be good stewards of the land.

3838. They offered me a job when I got out of college.

3839. Type of work.

3840. Voluntary client participation for conservation work

3841. Working with agricultural people and making a positive impact on
      their land and in their lives

3842. I am given an oppertunity to do something which I belive is very
      important to all. In return I am paid a fair wage and treated like
      family.

3843. Job locations. I was able to get a job near my home town where I
      wished to live.

3844. Work opportunity

3845. Only college program that offered employment after graduation that
      I thought I would like at 19 years old.

3846. I liked what we were doing before we became program driven by the
      1985 farm bill.

3847. The job was offered to me and I stayed. The first 7 years were
      great and then the 1985 Farm Bill has slowly change the type of
      work done.

3848. Allowed me to work in agriculture and live in a rural community.

3849. Opportunity to work with underserved clientelle (private
      landowners) to promote good resource management and help them
      achieve viable agricutural operations

3850. Conservation

3851. Opportunity to advance my career from my starting position.

3852. I wanted to return to Government work. I am proud of the job that
      our people do at a local level. Working with clients to get
      conservation practices on the ground.

3853. In the little farming comunity I grew up in the NRCS was one of
      the best careers I could hope for. It still is a great agency to
      work for and it needs some help.

3854. It was a job where I wanted to live but I had never heard of or
      knew what SCS was.

3855. Most job opportunities for people with degrees in Agriculture seem
      to be with Federal Gov\'t.

3856. remain in agriculture

3857. Work in a field closely associated with agriculture.

3858. Work with farmers and ranchers to improve resources.

3859. coop student

3860. Lost my farm to divorce

3861. As an engineer, I hated the idea of allowing the destruction or
      detriment of natural places in order to build a structure. I love
      the fact that my job was to encourage conservation of natural
      resources. I loved the impression I had that we assisted farmers
      and ranchers who could not have moved forward with their goals
      without our financial and technical assistance. I loved the fact
      that wetlands, T& E species, and cultural resources had to be
      addressed as part of a project. I loved the thought of doing
      something different every day and having the ability to be outside
      every now and then. Those are the main reasons I am dissatified
      with my job now. All I do is training and supervision and cleaning
      up other\'s mistakes.

3862. I was interested in natural resources and in assisting landowners
      with resource issues and the idea of spending time in the field
      where conservation is best planned and implemented.

3863. Good pay and benefits for my area and education

3864. low pressure environment doing a job I enjoy and find interesting

3865. I enjoy what I do.

3866. A job in my field of study that I was interested in undertaking.

3867. I was a SCEP student.

3868. I was a SCEP student and enjoy the work I do.

3869. There was a job opening (soil conservationist) in my hometown that
      related to my field of study (wildlife biology). I knew a little
      about NRCS from a previous instructor, and my husband worked as a
      consultant through the local NRCS office.

3870. ENVIRONMENT

3871. GJ

3872. Mobility and the opportunity to utilize my college education.

3873. First job I was interested in after graduating from college.

3874. Regular hours, good pay, in a field I love, retirement/benefits,
      opportunity to grow

3875. ?

3876. I was born and grew up on a ranch in California. I was in FFA 4
      years and have an ag degree. Agriculture is in my blood. I wanted
      to work with others involved in agriculture as well, - and for
      quite a while I did enjoy assisting farmers and ranchers with
      their conservation needs. But today the agency has lost their
      focus, - or they are changing it (to CSP) and completely out of
      the focus they were in when I came to work for them.

3877. Wanted to work with producers in the outdoors.

3878. This agency works with agricultural producers.To assist them with
      managing their lands for production agriculture,and utilizing
      conservation practices is rewarding for both parties.

3879. Good people within the agency.

3880. The chance to work with agricultural producers.

3881. They gave me a job as a soil scientist. Jobs were hard to come by.

3882. Stability

3883. Working with the ag community in their office (outdoors) looking
      at the resources to resolve identified resource concerns.

3884. The first agency to offer me a position after filling out many
      applications.

3885. stability

3886. I needed a job with some security. I came from the private sector
      and there were constant lay-offs and downsizing.

3887. I was working at another USDA agency (tedious work and little
      advancement potential); and several of my peers had heard about
      SCS hiring. We all applied and all were hired. Although I was
      committed to conservation, I did not know much about SCS.
      Basically, I fell into the lap of SCS.

3888. I like the idea of natural resource conservation.

3889. They were the only agency hiring soil scientists at the time.

3890. I worked my way through college in the Department of Agronomy at
      my university. I believe in assisting agriculture on the land and
      maintaining agricultural land. Private land is an area that has
      been neglected in my line of work and NRCS seemed to be an avenue
      to adress this issue.

3891. At the time, SCS was hiring people in my discipline. However, I
      could have easily gone to the US Forest Service or BLM had they
      been hiring at that time.

3892. The training and working with people on their resource concerns.
      We have moved a long ways from this in Farm Bill due to necessity
      of task completions.

3893. I loved their work and the working environment. Their goals and
      mission allowed me to meet my personal goals and mission in life:
      To be happy.

3894. Potential advancement

3895. The SCS was a field oriented agency the NRCS is not

3896. Agriculture related

3897. Career Change

3898. THE POSITION WAS OPEN AND NEW.

3899. promotion; change of venue

3900. I was on the clerical registry and this was job I was selected
      for.

3901. needed a job

3902. I knew I could perform the duties as outlined in the position
      description. Prior to that I had never heard of NRCS.

3903. New job area I wanted to move into.

3904. .

3905. My background

3906. I already had an agricultural background and believed it is
      something I would be good at. Also not having to be IN(field work)
      an office day in and day out.

3907. I worked for the Conservation District for 30 years and felt I was
      always in the dark and wanted a change which I hope was for the
      better. I wanted to remain in the same office but to be able to go
      to the field, assist with contracting, designing etc. I am a farm
      kid so I love what I do. Besides, of all the years working for the
      District, I had no benifits and I hope to be able to receive some
      if I am ever hired on full time.

3908. To learn about conservation and more about ag.

3909. Federal benefits and great job

3910. Hoped it would allow me to work with agriculture producers to
      improve resource conservation and build rural communities.

3911. A great opportunity to learn and help agriculture producers and to
      help keep agriculture in America.

3912. I come from a farm/ranch background and I am interested in
      learning as much as I can about new conservation practices. I
      enjoy working with producers and working outdoors. I also am
      highly interested in agricultural and conservation policies.

3913. rural location

3914. Technical position in rural location

3915. NRCS was assisting producers to install needed practices on the
      land. It was interesting, hands on, outdoor work.

3916. The agricultural aspect of it and the opportunity to work with
      people out in the field.

3917. To be involved in private land conservation and to assitance
      agricultural producers.

3918. The primary reason I chose NRCS was that it is a non-regulatory
      agency working on private lands.

3919. I was ready to leave my previous other-agency position of 10 years
      and move to a new agency, a small town, and with my same salary.
      The fact that NRCS is a land-management agency had a bearing on my
      decision, although I was uncertain about the private-land aspect
      of it.

3920. For the diversity of the work and the benefits

3921. They were the first agency to offer me a job!

3922. raised on a farm

3923. I wanted a hands on in the field career, and I wanted to make a
      difference.

3924. To get conservation applied

3925. To remain active in agriculture and its future.

3926. The prospect of working with farmers, ranchers.

3927. Growing up in rural Oklahoma I new of some opportunities with the
      local office, therefore, I pursued that career.

3928. Federal Employment/Retirement

3929. Job was available

3930. lolo

3931. benefits

3932. The area of conservation work and then the benefits and job
      security

3933. Opportunity to use my educational background and what I was
      trained to do.

3934. I started over 17 years ago and agree with our prupose and
      mission. I still hold to the values of what our agency is suppose
      to do - Conservation planning with the client on the land. I like
      the challenges and being able to train field employees and help
      them develop.

3935. type of work

3936. I worked for a Conservation District as a part time employee while
      attending college and liked the type work SCS/NRCS does.

3937. I needed a full-time job. Former boss recommended I apply.

3938. I wanted to be in ag related work, and as a soil scientist, at the
      time, SCS was one of the few agencies hiring soil scientists.

3939. Opportunity and belief in the mission.

3940. Internship led me to NRCS

3941. Opportunity

3942. I wanted to help clients get their conservation goals
      accomplished.

3943. My education and background.

3944. I knew employees that worked for NRCS.

3945. My desire to work with local land users to conserve their natural
      resources.

3946. The type of work and the people I work with.

3947. Agricultural Background

3948. Good job, good pay and good benefits at the time.

3949. I had a degree in natural resources and found out they were hiring
      at the time

3950. The NRCS had a job I thought I could do and do well.

3951. It offered an increase of grade from the position I was in.

3952. was an upgrade from the position I had with another agency

3953. Wanted to return to federal service after staying home for 8 years
      with my children. Had previous ASCS/FSA experience

3954. college course work and preparation, job security

3955. I worked in research before and I like the idea of actually
      putting the technology in place in the field.

3956. Job stability, type of work being done and the work benefits.

3957. Location and goals of agency

3958. I like working with agricultural/natural systems.

3959. Benefits

3960. I was interested in agricultural, and the person I spoke to
      thought I could make a difference.

3961. I needed a job.

3962. Agricultural Work

3963. Locally available job, I was unable to move or commute very fair
      which limited my access to other jobs.

3964. The Stillwater state office had a GIS Section.

3965. I was an employment councler for the state. I was unsatisfied with
      present job and the way super visor acted tord disabled vetrans.

3966. Other employers were not hiring people who were about to be
      drafted.

3967. To work in personnel

3968. Number of local offices to choose to work at.

3969. For the location

3970. Stability and benefits

3971. I had worked for state government before, and realized that the
      federal government paid better and had more benefits.

3972. It was a lean market when I came out of college. I received the
      offer in 1 month prior to graduation. It was only a decision
      between pursuing my masters or going to work.

3973. I wanted to do the type of work that the NRCS is involved with.

3974. Good pay for a college student working part-time.

3975. Flexible hours and leave policy

3976. The possibility of receiving training (formal and on-the-job
      training). Salary and benefits were a big incentive.

3977. Long-term career opportunities

3978. They provided an internship, but it has been inconsistant. Each
      state shoul have a set amount of \$ to hire at least a few
      interns/students each year so there is no

3979. Job availability in my field of study

3980. The type of work I which I would be involved.

3981. good benefits and salary for someone without a college degree and
      my father-in-law who was a former employee encouraged to apply.

3982. I chose to apply to NRCS because of the benefits, location,
      reliable pay, level of pay, job description mirrored my career
      experience and goals, and because my Mother and Father enjoyed a
      life-long career with the Federal government and retired very
      well.

3983. Location

3984. NRCS is a good agency to work for.

3985. Variety of locations.

3986. I have a stong Agriculture background. I can work with producers,
      just like myself everyday to benefit Agriculture.

3987. Location and pay

3988. My desire to conserve out Natural Resources, and flexible working
      conditions.

3989. Accidental

3990. Internships

3991. Impact private lands in a positive way and educate private
      landowners about the best ways to care for their property.

3992. Fit my education to a tee and had a good benefit package.

3993. Background and need for salary

3994. It is a good paying Job with an opportunity to learn and maybe go
      on to a better level.

3995. locality, and pay

3996. I wanted to work in range and did not want to work for BLM or FS

3997. Rewarding job in the area that I wanted to be. Good pay and
      benefits also.

3998. The pay and benefits.

3999. The work is satisfying.

4000. My interest in agriculture

4001. I had always heard good things about working for the federal
      government. I was looking for a job when I saw the advertisement
      for this job and it listed qualities I felt I had to be a good
      candidate for the job.

4002. Enjoyed the work and people

4003. Combination of job description and civil service retirement
      system.

4004. Personal dedication to a career in natural resources conservation.

4005. I started with SCS and liked working with landowners and
      conserving our natural resources. ACP was so simple and effective.
      We got so much on the ground then.

4006. I needed a job at the time in an area that had limited job
      availablity.

4007. I enjoy working with landowners/producers and making contributions
      that sustian and/or improve our environment.

4008. At that time I needed a job with good job security and chance for
      increased pay. Previous job was leading nowhere.

4009. The opportunity presented itself and fit my major.

4010. I did not have the means to farm for myself, so NRCS provides an
      opportunity to work in agriculture. My grandfather worked for SCS,
      and turned me on to this career.

4011. Diversity of work and was in the field of my major

4012. I needed a job, and nrcs hired me.

4013. Work in a field I enjoy. Benefits.

4014. It was a job close to farming wihtout being able to farm. But now
      it seems to be a paper job not a serve job, we are program driven
      even if we are not suppose to be because of bugets.

4015. Benefits and working with the public

4016. I had an agriculture degree and wanted to get back on a farm or
      ranch. This position allowed me to be in a farming/ranching
      community and able to associate with farmers and ranchers. Pay,
      benefits, and job security were good.

4017. I came from a farm and wanted to return to one; working with
      farmers and ranchers is close enough. Pay, benefits, leave time,
      weekends and most evenings free.

4018. First of all I love the agriculural field - job was very diverse,
      not boring, got to work outside, good pay and benefits - however
      dental and eyes could be improved.

4019. Family Tradition

4020. NRCS used to be a good agency to work for.

4021. I like helping others.

4022. I have always wanted to work with and protect our natural
      resources and felt NRCS was the agency to do this.

4023. Basic agency mission.

4024. Job security\...

4025. Needed a job that was family friendly

4026. I am dedicated to promoting rangelands and I enjoy learning about
      ways to save and protect them. I also like working with people on
      a voluntary level to accomplish watershed goals.

4027. Technical assistance on private lands.

4028. I enjoy being outdoors and helping the environment.

4029. Working in the field with producers to solve land management
      problems.

4030. i love the outdoors

4031. Job stability.

4032. Benefits

4033. It is in the conservation field

4034. Began as a student trainee. I found out about NRCS through a
      fellow student who encouraged me to find out more about NRCS.
      Prior to that, I had no knowledge of NRCS.

4035. Type of work- land and water mgt.

4036. Interest in Conservation of Natural Resources.

4037. Saturday & Sunday\'s off

4038. To work outside of the office and assist landowners and farmers
      with protecting the natural resources.

4039. To work outside with people.

4040. Local farmers said they needed a good technician. I figured I
      could do that.

4041. I was interested in the field for a career and find the work
      challenging.

4042. At the time it gave me a chance to work with producers in putting
      quality conservation on the ground.

4043. Job stability.

4044. The right opportunity at the right time.

4045. love of the land

4046. Family history with the agency and the work sounded interesting.

4047. Job security in the agriculture sector.

4048. Provided many location options to work in for my field of
      knowledge.

4049. The kind and type of work.

4050. The satisifaction of using my college degree in the field of
      study. Their repation of espirt de corp.

4051. I chose NRCS because of job availability, the opportunity to
      advance upward in the agency and the opportunity to be
      geographically mobile while maintaining retirement and leave
      balances.

4052. Job Security

4053. The challenge it presented me at the time, as well as wanting to
      conserve our natural resources. Salary was not so hot at that
      time, but the benefits were adequate.

4054. A college roommate told me they were hiring and it allowed me to
      use my degree.

4055. I needed a job and at the time this job was open.

4056. I like working with a blend of agriculture and forestry.

4057. I was interested in the work the agency does.

4058. Wonderful pay and benefits for the locations.

4059. Flexibility in locality and position

4060. Diversity of workload.

4061. My love for the agriculture field.

4062. Because of the mission. An opputunity to make a difference.
      Passion for the environment,

4063. I was an intern with SCS in college and it fit my field of study
      and it was a good paying job with security and promotion potential

4064. I like agriculture, but did not have an opportunity to get into
      farming. This is as close a profession as I could find.

4065. was the best job I could find where I was living at the time

4066. place to work

4067. Stability

4068. Wanted a career that involved natural sciences.

4069. Happened onto an interview all by accident. Best accident I have
      ever had.

4070. I am committed to conservation, but not preservation.

4071. I knew its mission and agreed with it.

4072. I like agriculture and I enjoy people.

4073. competitive pay scale and advancement

4074. I grew up on a farm/ranch and have practiced conservation all of
      my life. My father was county and state soil conservation
      supervisor for many years. It was just the next logical step.

4075. Im a ranch kid that wants to help the environment. I was a student
      intern with the NRCS and its just a fit for me. Mobility isnt an
      issue for me yet and it is a great way to get to see some of the
      other areas of the state.

4076. I had not heard of NRCS (SCS) prior to applying for an open
      temporary (WAE) position in the community I was living in!

4077. Ability to live in a rural area and still be a professional.

4078. looking for job at the time

4079. location

4080. It is an agricultural and natural resource conservation related
      field which was of interest to me.

4081. enjoyed the role they have

4082. I came from a farming and ranching background. The NRCS offered me
      a chance to educate producers of more efficient conservation
      practices available to them while enabling them to implement these
      practices through free technical service and in some cases cost
      share. Through this job I am able to be closely associated with
      the occupation that I truly have a passion for; Agriculture

4083. The resource.

4084. Strong interest in conservation of natural resources, particularly
      range management. Enjoy working with the good people who are

4085. Three years ago when i came out of college the job market was very
      poor in the private sector

4086. I was looking for a job.

4087. I was in the military so I knew the benefits of working for the
      government.

4088. Good employer with good benefits.

4089. I was extremely interested in range management and enjoyed working
      outside.

4090. I love the agricultural field and it provides good benefits.

4091. Its a good agency.

4092. I enjoyed helping farmers identify and install conservation
      practices on the land.

4093. love to be outdoor and hope to work outside more.

4094. Working with the agricultural industry and student experience with
      the Soil Conservation District.

4095. Security, chance for advancement, working in ag industry

4096. Benefits/pay

4097. Good fit for my interests plus good wages.

4098. I enjoy working with farmers and ranchers and the rural lifestyle.

4099. I am able to work in the field and not have to sit at a desk all
      day. I have always been interested in agriculture and the
      environment and the NRCS provides a good way to work with
      conserving resources.

4100. I started as a volunteer and liked the technical aspects of the
      jobs I was assigned.

4101. I enjoy working in Agriculture and the benifits

4102. Opportunity to work with agriculture sector.

4103. I enjoy being outside and working to improve the enviroment.

4104. I was interested in the agriculture field and was given the
      opportunity to do a summer internship. I found that this job gave
      me the opportunity to do alot of things that I enjoy doing.

4105. Job security and a career with the Federal Government.

4106. Economic opportunity in rural area

4107. Acceptable pay, utilize my abilities to promote conservation

4108. I enjoy my job working with producers putting conservation on the
      land.

4109. A new employee started working in my home county. He asked if I
      would show him thee area and at that time they needed help with
      CRP so he hired me part time. I then was told I needed to move to
      become fulltime and he pushed me to do that. I did and the pay was
      NOT good but the people I worked with made it fun to work. Hats of
      to the District Employees. Now the pay has been better after 15
      years it could be better for now I know more and am expected to do
      more but not paid much more.

4110. Interest in agriculture with competitive pay

4111. I grew up on a ranch, and this was an opportunity for me to
      continue to work in agriculture.

4112. To work outdoors and with the natural resouces in conservation
      efforts and using my educations for the natural resources and the
      agricultural clients.

4113. It was a good job offer at a place that I enjoyed.

4114. The type of work that we do is of great value to me since I enjoy
      agriculture and its future

4115. My ranching background - wanted to work with farmers/ranchers.

4116. I chose NRCS(SCS) because I wanted to improve rural america and
      help the citizens understand the farm bill.

4117. work in the soils area

4118. stability

4119. A chance to work in my field and a pay grade. One of the two did
      happen.

4120. Because I felt that it was an agency that showed progress and
      completed items to address our natural resource concerns.

4121. The only employer at the time that needed people with natural
      resource degrees

4122. sustain and or enhance our natural resourcses for us and the
      future generations.

4123. It was the only opportunity to get on with the federal government
      in my area at the time.

4124. I like protecting Natural Resources

4125. liked to work outside

4126. The job interested me since I have a farming background and I
      enjoy working outdoors which happens less and less now.

4127. I was hired as a WAE and enjoyed the work assignments that I
      recieved and when the opportunity arose for a full time job I
      accepted it.

4128. I enjoy the variety of natural resource issues the agency is
      involved in. For example, in one day I can work on wetland issues,
      a tree planting, or an EQIP application involving no-till.

4129. The only place that had a part time opening and I needed a job to
      feed my 4 kids.

4130. Because I wanted to work in the Natural Resource field and thought
      that the Federal Goverment had good Benifits

4131. I believe in the mission and it seemed like a good opportunity.

4132. pay and opportunity

4133. The chance to work with a VARIETY of agriculture resource concerns
      which makes everyday different.

4134. The work they do with natural resources.

4135. Happened to be a job available when I was looking!

4136. They had jobs available in my area of interest/degree.

4137. Because NRCS helps me help others with the conservation issues all
      around us.

4138. I worked as a Co-op Ed student and was able to experience the work
      and the work environment. When I graduated with my B.S., I knew
      that NRCS would be a good fit for me and vice versa.

4139. It fit my goals

4140. To help conserve our natural resources.

4141. Stable, well-known agency working towards conservation and
      education about our natural resources. Opportunity to be involved
      in agriculture without being in a farm operation. Also flexibility
      in work environment and type of work completed.

4142. I knew the mission of soil and water conservation was important
      for the protection of our environment and food sources.

4143. To work with the public to put conservation on the land.

4144. I came from a Farm/Ranching Family, so I enjoy helping Landowners
      with their opperation.

4145. work with producers who want and appreciate what you have to
      offer,

4146. For a job and to work with producers in Agriculture

4147. I had a background in agriculture, and SCS came and interviewed
      for Student trainees at the college I was attending. I also wanted
      a career in agriculture, so I was looking for employers like SCS.

4148. Wanted to work with rangeland and rural people.

4149. I truly enjoy the rural people I work with and value their
      commitment to be good stewards of our lands.

4150. I wanted to be able to work outside in the water resources field
      of study.

4151. Opportunity to work on private lands

4152. At the time, there was less red tape with getting conservation on
      the land than the Forest Service had to go through. NRCS has since
      then caught up and exceeded them.

4153. Federal Agency serving the public; good pay; good benefits and
      retirement.

4154. Coming from a farm background, I wanted to continue to help
      farmers and ranchers achieve their conservation goals.

4155. The agency was willing to get me the additional training I needed
      to do my job.

4156. I chose NRCS as an employer primarily because I enjoy working with
      agricultural producers.

4157. The ability in assisting with sustainability and improve water
      quality for future generations. To build a gap between farmers and
      environmentalist.

4158. The agency\'s primary goal of conservation in agricuture. Also,
      the opportunity to travel through work.

4159. Interested in the type of work and very few other opportunities in
      my area.

4160. Job stability, retirement, pay, applicability to my education, and
      I was interested in this type of work.

4161. Job satisfaction

4162. reputation

4163. Good job working with people and environment.

4164. It seemed like a good transition from a state employee to a
      federal agency due to recruiting.

4165. needed a job

4166. It was an agency that worked with natural resources.

4167. Family friendly working hours.

4168. Other agencies were very political. NRCS was an agency that would
      allow me to use what I learned in college and make a difference. I
      chose federal service over the private sector because of the
      training provided and job security.

4169. A family member was emplyeed with NRCS

4170. I was impressed with the idea that I could work for a natural
      resource agency that has a field office in almost every county in
      every state. Also, I had worked for other federal agencies in
      temporary and career seasonal positions, and I was disappointed
      with the way the other agencies would keep employees at the
      non-status positions for many years before hiring them on
      permanent at very low pay scales. I was impressed with the way
      NRCS treated its employees after talking to a freind and college
      classmate who worked for NRCS.

4171. Enjoy working with landowners and conserving our natural
      resources, also an office in almost every county.

4172. My education background is in Ag Production/ Science and
      Technology. What better place to put this degree to work.

4173. I wanted to stay in the state & this agency provided me with a
      secure position with good benefits that allowed me to do so.

4174. I got to work with the farm community and help farmers and
      ranchers meet their goals.

4175. Stable employer

4176. Pay and benefits. Also thought it could be a life long career.

4177. I was very interested in natural resource field and SCS offered
      jobs in this field.

4178. I grew up on a farm, and I am an outdoorsmen. Also originally I
      thought I\'d be protecting our nations natural resouces, but the
      longer I work for the NRCS that definatly isn\'t true. I\'ve seen
      the loss of wetlands, the loss of soil, and I\'ve seen the prairie
      broke up an an unbeleivable pace. Soon big agriculture will have
      the entire United States either drained, plowed, or eroded.

4179. Interested in staying in the agricultural field and strong passion
      for conserving our natural resources

4180. Seemed like a good job, but theres a lot of politics involved that
      i did not know about

4181. Work with ag sector to provide environmental benefits.

4182. Field of work that I studied and was very interested in

4183. Fit well with my interestes and formal education.

4184. Offered me a job.

4185. Stability of a federal job. Believe in our mission.

4186. There was a job opening at the time I was looking. I believed in
      the conservation mission of the agency.

4187. Public service

4188. It best fit with my college degree.

4189. Liked the work

4190. Stability

4191. I wanted to get back to working in agriculture.

4192. NRCS is the premier agency for potential to improve wildlife
      habitat in North America

4193. location

4194. The Agency conservation goals mesh well with my personal beliefs
      regarding the protection and conservation of resources.

4195. A professional career that allowed me to stay in home area.

4196. I wanted too work in the natural resource conservation field.

4197. Location and a chance to diversify in my field of work.

4198. I was working for a Conservation District and decided the pay, job
      security, and benefits were a lot better.

4199. The location and pay

4200. Grew up on a ranch and wanted to continue working in that field.

4201. I have an deep interest and concern for the sustainable use of our
      Nations natural resources.

4202. I have an interest in natural resource work and the planning
      process, as well as working with and helping people improve their
      lives while caring for the resource.

4203. Helping put conservation on the land and letting producers know
      how we can help them

4204. Working with landowners with natural resource problems. Working
      outdoors;

4205. timing

4206. I Like working with people to improve their environment, and
      seeing the positive benefits come back to the producer and the
      animals/plants/people affected by the improvement.

4207. I believe in agriculture - not all of us can be farmers - through
      this agency we can assist farmers become more sucessful while
      protecting our nations soil and water resources!

4208. Benefits and interest in the position, an office with a real
      interest in the customers.

4209. Work with landowners and producers on natural resource related
      issues.

4210. Geographic location and pay.

4211. Worked for a SWCD, admired people in NRCS for their skills, wanted
      to join the team

4212. At the time I thought a federal government job had good pay and
      benefits.

4213. Wanted to be in the Federal System

4214. I could be a part of agriculture and be sure to get a steady pay
      check.

4215. Agricultral work that is advanced, pays well, challenging and is
      enjoyable.

4216. long term rewarding career, with good benifits and retirement

4217. Initial Pay rate. Federal job.

4218. working w/ landowners

4219. Working with farmers and rural landowners

4220. Want to work outdoors and with agricultural.

4221. they hired me

4222. Better pay and benefits versus my previous employer where I
      performed very similar duties in conjunction with NRCS.

4223. A position was open in the town I was living and I was qualified.
      I do enjoy working in agriculture.

4224. Ability to work both indoors and outdoors.

4225. I needed a job and they were hiring and could provide what I
      needed to provide for my children and myself.

4226. My first DC was also my baseball coach when I was in high school
      and I also grew up around conservation type work

4227. Belief in agency goals and job security.

4228. My parent\'s best friend works for NRCS and suggested I look into
      it.

4229. Benefits

4230. I was interested in conservation and wanted to work on the land
      with producers

4231. I had other family members working for the SCS and I was familiar
      with what the organization did.

4232. It was the best job I could find in the location I wanted.

4233. The type of work and the people I get to work with

4234. From a ranch background I had some knowledge what NRCS (SCS) did.
      I had an interest in conservation and grazing management.

4235. Benefits of a federal position

4236. I can work in agriculture in a stable organization.

4237. To remain in Agriculture and best chance to be close to home.

4238. So I could work in the Agricultural field.

4239. I tried it as a college student and enjoyed the job.

4240. Benefits, percieved job duties, relation with private sector

4241. Needed a job and liked the work

4242. In agriculuture field.

4243. I was living in area I wanted to stay and NRCS was a solid outfit
      to improve my financil outlook.

4244. I am interested in conservation

4245. At the time I started, this agency was farmer friendly and looked
      out the both the land and the producer.

4246. Enjoy working with farmers/ranchers and believe that the
      conservation practices we promote make ecomonic and
      operationtional sense for producers. I do believe that some of our
      practice standards are becoming to rigid and making to more
      difficult to sell to landowners/operators.

4247. Being raised on a farm, it was a way I could give back to the
      environment without being directly inputting the practices.

4248. I had an agricultural background and it was a way I could continue
      to give back to the land.

4249. Conservation work.

4250. Working in Agriculture

4251. The mission of the NRCS at the time I was hired followed along
      with the interest that I had in conservation at the time.

4252. stability, flexibility, at the time upward mobility. The agency
      used to have training positions. The past 5 years there have been
      limits.

4253. I believe that it is extremely important to work with private
      landowners to conserve our nations natural resources.

4254. Because the job was offered to me and I had a different idea of
      what NRCS was about.

4255. Benefits

4256. Area of study in college

4257. I was interested in what the agency does when I was introduced to
      the agency in college. I thouhgt that this could be a career that
      I could be happy with.

4258. Benefits

4259. I enjoy working with producers and enjoy the flexibility of my
      job.

4260. I was in the area, and needed a job, and was qualified as a
      technician.

4261. Personal satisfaction from the being part of conservation being
      applied to the land and the resulting relationships with ranch
      families. I view NRCS as a fair employer that allows and
      encourages it\'s employees to develop their tallents and skills.

4262. Stability and ability to work directly with private land
      owners/operators.

4263. It is the best vehicle to work with private land managers to do
      range related conservation activities

4264. It was the best vehicle by which a person can promote conservation
      to the private sector.

4265. Location

4266. Being able to make a positive difference in land issues.

4267. Started out in SCS. Field of interest

4268. Area of interest and employment security.

4269. I scored high on a civil service test and NRCS was looking for an
      administrative assistant.

4270. They would hire me.

4271. Opportunity to work with people to improve the resources on their
      land and help people meet their goals

4272. Challenge of the job

4273. Location

4274. Stability of working for the federal government

4275. I was able to come on as a SCEP or Coop Intern during college and
      I left my home state to gain new experiences. I knew I would have
      a permanent job after graduation based on my good work
      performances and mentors.

4276. The position duties, flexible work schedule, benefits, agency
      goals, able to work with a variety of people.

4277. Agriculturally related agency working with conservation and the
      environment.

4278. My college placement people encouraged me.

4279. Flexability

4280. I like helping people and not just helping a company/corporation
      earn or save money. I like the mission and the goals of the
      agency. It is a great place to work.

4281. job was one I qualified for and sounded interesting and
      challenging\--and it has been both

4282. I was selected from a federal register in 1975. I had no knowledge
      of the agency prior to that.

4283. I thought I could help make a difference in the enviroment by
      educating landowners and the general public. But I found out that
      landowners will only do good conservation practices as long as
      they are paid for it. As soon as the buck stops so does their
      conservation farming. They have been trained this way. They know
      if they wait the government will pay them again to do the same
      thing.This also goes for the SWCD\'s as long as you pay them to
      help, they do But as soon as the buck stops so does they help. So
      why don\'t we just pay them for everything they do for us and we
      won\'t have to argue with them all the time or wait until they are
      in a good mood!

4284. NRCS was the only employer for my position where I could work with
      private land owners.

4285. Enjoyed student trainee experience.

4286. Having worked for NRCS previously and the Conservation District
      for over 14 years, the new position worked well with my background

4287. Financial security

4288. They offered first.

4289. type of work

4290. I enjoyed soil survey work

4291. I liked the idea of helping producers protect the environment and
      their farms at the same time. I like meeting one on one at the
      farm and offering ideas to help their operations.

4292. I wanted to make a difference by serving my country.

4293. Looking for full-time position.

4294. enjoy the work

4295. What we do is important to the country and the environment.

4296. I like the type of work, and the opportunities and benefits that
      come with federal employment.

4297. My training

4298. The type of work I was to be doing and the environment I would be
      working in

4299. To work on engineering practices with conservation programs

4300. Great job opportunity

4301. Wide range of outdoor and indoor activities such as surveying,
      design and inspection.

4302. I choose to work after having a student coop so I could decide if
      I liked the work.

4303. wanting to be involved in natural resourses conservation and
      inventory

4304. Satisfaction of working for the public for a worthwhile cause.

4305. Opportunity to help private land owners with the management of
      their operations.

4306. I started in 10/1974 and back then jobs were tough to find. It was
      outside work with common people-one on one, paid twice a month,
      not much but steady work, and I didn\'t worry about a retirement
      account.

4307. Was offered a job

4308. Needed a job. But, it was a great choice.

4309. Worked for the Districts and WAE for 10 years to get on full time
      and benefits.

4310. Worked for District 10 years prior.

4311. benefits, location, mission

4312. Pay and Benefits

4313. Like the office setting, excellent work hours, excellent benefits,
      very family-friendly.

4314. Farming background -

4315. interest in natural resources

4316. I was a single parent looking for benefits

4317. Federal position - job security

4318. I liked the type of work it offered with a godd mixture of indoor
      and outdoor assignments.

4319. Wanted to work in conservation

4320. Job security, long term benefits

4321. I worked in the field of conservation on a soil conservation
      district level, and as a WAE; when this position opened I applied
      because I enjoyed the agency and the field of work.

4322. Like the job.

4323. I liked the idea of working with individual land users.

4324. The mission.

4325. Was interested in the engineering projects and watershed planning

4326. My qualifications fit nicely with those of the position;
      addtionaly, I knew the people I would be working with and the pay
      and benefits were an improvement.

4327. I saw the need for conservation on the ground and wanted to be a
      part of it.

4328. The security that was provided at the time. Retirement plan,
      health benifits, work schedule.

4329. 25 years ago? The pay.

4330. Although I knew nothing of the Agency at my time of hire, it was
      hiring, it offered outside work for individuals with a science
      background, and in the end provided opportunities I would never
      have imagined.

4331. Position was available at the time of my relocation to the state

4332. Family

4333. \$

4334. I felt it was a agency where i could excell.

4335. It sounded interesting to me

4336. I like the nature of the work

4337. Work in a natural resource field and kept me in contact with
      farmers.

4338. Wanted out of the Forest Service.

4339. The opportunity and benefits.

4340. Farm background and wanted to continue in the ag field

4341. An opportunity to use my education and excell in my fields of
      study.

4342. The mixture and complexity of the job and variation that the job
      involves every day while given the opportunity to work outdoors

4343. Work with ag producers

4344. I am able to utilze my college degree.

4345. My education is in natural resources and at the end of the day I
      can see that I have helped make a positive difference.

4346. good fit with my degree

4347. My University advisor led me in the NRCS direction.

4348. In early 1970\'s, the SCS was a agency farmer-rancher friendly,
      field work was the motivator, a secure career with good benefits,
      very rewarding , non political, job goals for funding just as
      critical as today, we were a job force of handy man capibilities,
      not over specialized that could restrict our assistance to the
      general public.

4349. how to produce a soil survey on a 1st time mapped county

4350. It was a related field to my degree and working in a similar field
      area of my masters project.

4351. Type of work I enjoy and education I recieved

4352. I grew up on a dairy farm, and was very passionate about
      conservation of our natural resources. I want to make a difference
      in the sustainability and functionability of our environment.

4353. It was a way to practice my soil survey abilities, at first. Then
      it became a trek to benefits and retirement benifits

4354. My love for working with natural resources, the environment, fish,
      and wildlife.

4355. Agency goals and job description fit my interests and skills.

4356. I chose it because it was a part-time position, close to my home.

4357. SCEP program

4358. Stable job opportunity.

4359. I have always been interested in conservation our natural
      resources.

4360. Conservation work

4361. When I started with the agency I enjoyed my job and the clients I
      was working with.

4362. Ranch went broke.

4363. job satisfaction

4364. Desire to work with natural resources.

4365. I worked for a conservation district one summer while in college
      and liked the type of work that I did. NRCS was also interviewing
      at my college, so I signed up, it was easy, they came to me.

4366. It was suppose to be helping the farms and landowners with
      conservation and helping the earth to last forever.

4367. Enjoy working one on one with producers to promote stewardship on
      the land. The fact that I have gotten assigned added
      responsibilities such as payments, that FSA did in the past.
      Additional programs added responsibility CSP ect. this is going to
      be very high maintenance program with mod\'s & tier transition
      ect. We are being asked to do more with less as USDA employees.
      With added responibilities our job discriptions should change to
      reflect what we are doing. I have not seen that happen.

4368. My dad has worked for NRCS for over 30 years. He got me into it
      and I really like the work that I am doing. I feel like I can help
      out producers while also protecting our natural resources for
      future generations.

4369. Offered a job in my field with a competitive salary and a stable
      funding base.

4370. job availablity, salary, and benefits

4371. Good Job Security and benefits.

4372. I enjoyed soil science in college and thought the NRCS would be a
      great place to put it into action.

4373. Security.

4374. It was the kind of work I wanted to do and the pay and benefits
      were good.

4375. Being able to work outdoors and for the benefits.

4376. job was open

4377. it enabled me to use my education to work with producers in the
      field

4378. Opportunity.

4379. enjoy working with agriculture and desire to encourage land
      stewardship

4380. salary, as compared to other Ag related jobs

4381. I was familiar with the SCS at the time and I wanted a career
      close to agriculture.

4382. Benefits and amount of leave time and flexibility

4383. Wanted to work in the field with farmers

4384. I liked the work.

4385. I wanted to stay in the State of ND as an Engineer.

4386. Stability

4387. work in the field

4388. 30 years in the NRCS - Civil Service employee locked in on
      retirement system. I like the work I and the variety.

4389. Was a student intern in college.

4390. Wanted to work in someway in a agriculture field.

4391. I liked the work and the flexilibity of relocating.

4392. Flexible work schedule

4393. I started in high school with the coopertive education program,
      and liked what I was doing and was able to get a permanent
      posistion.

4394. The job position that I was interested in and that matched my
      skills was offered

4395. 29 years ago, I believed in the mission of SCS. I enjoyed

4396. SCS was the leader in the environmental field.

4397. Believed in good stewardship and promotion of the conservation
      ethic

4398. Working with ag producers

4399. Prior experience with the Farm Service Agency, and the NRCS is a
      good emloyer

4400. I thought they wanted my work experience and skills.

4401. A opportunity to work with agricultural producers in a
      non-regulatory capacity.

4402. As a career conditional employee with another federal agency that
      was going contract, NRCS had available positions in my field of
      eduction at the time that I started doing for other employment

4403. Non-regulatory

4404. Location, employer stability, natural resource work.

4405. Economic depression 1982

4406. Actually, it was just by chance. A job opening at the right time
      in a good place.

4407. Economics and Job availability - 1971

4408. To do the job I currently have

4409. An opening was announced after transfer with husband in a position
      I have many years experience.

4410. Because the then SCS was hiring soil scientists

4411. Working type.

4412. CS gets involve in is diverse.

4413. An SCS employee persistence for me to apply to then SCS.

4414. I had just recently graduated with my Master\'s and was looking
      for a job. I stumpled into this one through family friends.

4415. As a volunteer I was introduced to the soils program and enjoyed
      the work.

4416. I love what we do \-- helping people help the land.

4417. First job offered and gain experience

4418. I wanted a federal job with retirement and vacation benefits.

4419. Challenging work assignments

4420. challeging work, working with farmers & ranchers on private land

4421. Technical reputation of agency in chosen profession

4422. For a promotion to an advertise position. Since then, I have come
      to realize that NRCS truly is a great agency to work for\--I think
      the agency truly cares about it\'s employees.

4423. I was seeking stable, diversely interesting employment with good
      benefits.

4424. offered career in Soil Science

4425. Good job and helped me through college.

4426. PREVIOUSLY WORKED FOR THE USFWS - NO OPENINGS AVAILABLE WHEN I
      MOVED TO RENO, NV

4427. (assumed) security as a government employee

4428. I chose the SCS (now NRCS) because it was (and still is) the
      federal agency with responsibility for the National Cooperative
      Soil Survey Program.

4429. Liked the kind of work

4430. Transferred from another downsizing Federal Agency

4431. I strongly believe in helping our enviroment and plus I enjoy
      working with other professionals who feel about the enviroment as
      I do.

4432. Interest in natural resources and environmental issues

4433. NRCS is a well-situated agency in my particular specialized field.

4434. They were hiring at a time I needed a job and I didn\'t have to
      move.

4435. Only federal agency hiring for my position at the time.

4436. Agency mission consistent with my interests, may have separated
      now.

4437. It\'s mission.

4438. I believe in NRCS\'s mission (conservation).

4439. I wanted to be in a scientific job related to agriculture.

4440. Offered coop position while in college; liked agency and its
      mission

4441. I THOUGHT it would be an opportunity to do what I do best.

4442. Federal with appropriate location

4443. Could work with natural resources in the field

4444. type of work

4445. Job security/benefits

4446. No major reason in particular.

4447. Education, conservation ethic for my home state where I started.

4448. I was asked to work for NRCS and I have liked the position I am
      in, so I stay.

4449. I physically didn\'t need to move to another town.

4450. I wanted to work for a conservation oriented government agency.

4451. In the 80\'s there was a recession and jobs were hard to come by,
      especially in the teaching field in which I was trained.

4452. At the time I was hired it was the best offer I had.

4453. Opportunity for advancement

4454. I thought it would be a great opportunity to work with
      conservation but my assumptions were incorrect we only push
      government regulated programs.

4455. Working with agricultural producers and conserving natural
      resources.

4456. Liked the mission of the agency and wanted a job where I wouldn\'t
      be stuck in an office all of the time.

4457. Because it allowed me to work with the land and the individuals
      who worked the land.

4458. Didn\'t get hired by the Forest Service.

4459. Based on parent\'s employment with SCS (former).

4460. Helping the environment, working outside\...\....

4461. Convenience

4462. Federal job with good benefits

4463. I knew more people who worked for NRCS than I did private
      companies. They kind of recruited me and convinced me that NRCS
      was the way to go.

4464. SCS had a job in my field of interest

4465. It was the top employer in my chosen profession.

4466. Chance to advance in my career field.

4467. Location

4468. Pay

4469. Pay and opportunity for advancement.

4470. Personal reasons having to do with location

4471. Federal Government Job - Did excellent on the Federal Clerical
      Exam.

4472. I wanted to return to South Dakota many years ago and this was the
      first job that opened. I believed in the idea of putting
      conservation on the land so that appealed to me and I stayed. Now
      I see the agency going away from some of our basic ideas but am
      too close to retirement to leave.

4473. Work closely with farmers/ranchers

4474. I have always enjoyed working with maps and also enjoy the nuances
      of GIS.

4475. position was available

4476. Job Security, Benefits

4477. The type of work NRCS does is interesting and challenging.

4478. It is an everyday learning experience.

4479. Afriend had been working for NRCS and highly recomended working
      for them and a liked the idea of having no desinated lands we took
      care of whice gave greater possiblities to work on different
      things.

4480. position/ salary

4481. yes

4482. Offered an internship during college, work turned out to be
      satisfying and challenging. Good mix, at the time, of indoor and
      outdoor activity and

4483. opportunity to work locally on a good and necessary program

4484. NRCS is the soil scientist\'s agency and my degree was in soil
      science.

4485. Came from the RCD, know the job.

4486. Expand my career experience

4487. They were the first ones to reply to the multitude of jobs I
      applied for. If not I might be working for the USFS

4488. I thought it had good health benefit. But I am satisfied with the
      leave and sick leave given. It\'s a good place to work.

4489. The only job available at that particular time\....

4490. NRCS provided opportunity for me to be with my kids as they
      grew-up.

4491. Working with farmers and with conservation related programs has
      always been what I have wanted to do.

4492. to work with conservation issues

4493. Protecting and preserving natural resources, helping producers.

4494. good benefits and dependable wrok hours

4495. I felt it fulfill my career needs and would really enjoy
      supporting others to accomplish thier jobs.

4496. I was offered the job in the area I wanted to live. Location is
      the primary reason.

4497. I will use the undergraduate degree I worked so hard for, I will
      get to meet a lot of different people and it has great benefits.

4498. I formerly worked for a SWCD and saw this as a opportunity to
      advance.

4499. To reconnect with agriculture roots

4500. Potential for career development.

4501. I did research on Federal, State, and private companies. I was
      impressed with NRCS the most.

4502. Positions meshed with my formal education and farm backround.

4503. it fit my job goals.

4504. The ability to work on the farm but not farming.

4505. I was already working for a Conservation District and the
      opportunity presented itself. Also I knew the people I would be
      working with.

4506. When I began working there were few alternatives if you were
      interested in working in the conservation field. NRCS provided the
      best opportunity.

4507. I was not aware that it was a government agency. I was looking for
      a part-time secretarial job in a 30 mile radius of my home. I have
      a agricultural background through marriage and NRCS has been the
      perfect match.

4508. I liked the technical aspects of the position.

4509. I have been an employee for nearly 30 years and I appreciated the
      conservation field work, one-on-one with landowners. Even though
      the agency is a bureaucracy and there are many rules and
      regulations to follow, I thought we had sufficient latitude to
      deal with individual issues.

4510. I was interested in a career after being a student trainee

4511. I like the kind of work we do.

4512. stong interest in conserving 7 developing natural resources

4513. I wanted a job that would allow me to be mobile and see the
      nation. I also liked the benefits.

4514. The availability of a position at the time I was looking for one.

4515. The agency deals with conserving our natural resources.

4516. I enjoyed working with landowners on resource concerns.

4517. I had just graduated from college with a geography degree and have
      a farming background so it seemed like a good fit.

4518. It fit the description of the career I would most like to have.

4519. Thought there was potential to achieve my life goals.

4520. Make a difference in the quality of our natural resources.

4521. THIS WAS THE FIELD OF WORK I WAS INTERESTED IN.

4522. Good pay and hours.

4523. The agency was primarily geared for what I was looking for in a
      career.

4524. I enjoy the opportunity to work with our natural resources.

4525. n/a

4526. Liked the challenges and love to help people.

4527. Flexible work schedule.

4528. To work in the resource management field and the oppertunity to
      help conserve our resources.

4529. No other choice.

4530. The love for working with farmers and incorperating saving our
      soil and water resources.

4531. My personal background and the mission of the agency made the job
      a perfect fit for me.

4532. They do the type of work that I am interested in doing.

4533. I was interested in working in conservation.

4534. I wanted to help farmers.

4535. Loved the job components and helping others.

4536. Work with Natural Resources on the land.

4537. I wanted to work for the Federal gov. to receive the benefits.

4538. reputation of advancing employees

4539. I chose this position because it was closer to my home. I was
      offered a State governement position (with better pay and
      benefits) but chose this position because of travel time and
      expense. I did assume that I would be granted future pay raises
      rather quickly to off-set the differnce, but found out the
      opposite.

4540. I interned with NRCS during my undergraduate studies and my major
      was Plant and Soil Science. My college courses were an exact match
      for working with NRCS.

4541. upward mobility flexible schedule

4542. Its leadership in natural resources.

4543. I wanted to get back into my field of training, and my college
      professor called me about the opportunity.

4544. Field work and small community locations

4545. Employment stability

4546. Interested in PL566 earthen dam design and construction.

4547. Enjoy applying conservation practices on the land.

4548. They offered the best wage, most hours that were flexible for my
      family, and allowed me to use my schooling.

4549. Working with conservation

4550. able to make a difference to water quality

4551. They offered me a job out of college that was in sync with my
      major.

4552. enjoy the work and believe the agency is doing well; pay & benfits

4553. i grew up on a farm and choose nrcs because the career included
      both conservation and farming

4554. To put conservation on the land

4555. Working in the natural resources arena.

4556. Opportunity to work outside

4557. benifits and security

4558. Conservation/Wildlife Ethic.

4559. Federal Benefits and studied agriculture, career goal.

4560. Natural resouce protection and working outside with the
      landowners.

4561. type of work and benefits

4562. I get to work outside.

4563. The opportunity to make a difference working with farmers and
      landowners to improve ag production while conserving our natural
      resources and our environment with the chance of being promoted
      and moving up in the organization.

4564. good job and benefits

4565. Outside work with farmers and ranchers.

4566. Looking for employment in Natural Resources

4567. Funding was more stable than conservation district.

4568. I wanted a career the environmental and conservation career field,
      and NRCS has some very good programs.

4569. Compassion for helping farmers help the land.

4570. enjoy working ourside with landowners who have an interest in
      improving there resource concerns

4571. the type of work

4572. right timing when hired

4573. 30 years ago it was an agency committed to truly helping
      landowners/managers wisely utilize natural resources. That does
      not exist today.

4574. type of work-conservation

4575. Benefits and the job.

4576. The job match was perfect with scheduled hours and work interests

4577. to do the work I am trained to complete and serve people

4578. The work fit with my education.

4579. NRCS offer a job dealing with soils mapping and conservation work.

4580. for the type of work involving natural resouces and to try to
      improve our enviroment

4581. I have intrest with responsible agriculture.

4582. I was informed about NRCS through the 2 year school I went to the
      instructer was married ti someone that worked for NRCS

4583. I did an intership with the NRCS and I enjoyed the work that I was
      able to do.

4584. pay and benefits

4585. Benefits, job secureness, technical agency with natural resources.

4586. Job security

4587. I farmed for 30 years prior to joining NRCS. I am able to continue
      farming and work because of the location of my job. I feel that
      been an agricultural producer helps me understand what landowners
      want from our agency. I don\'t however feel that NRCS gives any
      credit to the lessons learned by employees with production
      agriculture experience.

4588. I originally submitted my application to the U.S. Fish and
      Wildlife Service. They weren

4589. Better long term job health. Better pay after a couple years.
      Stability.

4590. working with natural resource concerns

4591. Health Insurance

4592. I liked what NRCS worked on

4593. The feeling of accomplishment through improving and protecting our
      natural resources.

4594. concerned about natural resources

4595. I had worked as a WAE

4596. i chose SCS as an employer

4597. I went to work for the SCS

4598. A chance occurence

4599. To stay close to production agriculture.

4600. Came from farm background and feel this helps with
      producer/working relationship.

4601. I love being able to work with producers, as well as other
      entities, to improve either a producers\' operation or to make a
      difference for people on certain subjects we deal with on a
      regualr basis.

4602. Interesting work

4603. Believe in protecting resources for the future.

4604. I believe in the NRCS mission. I felt the agency was a good match
      with my career goals.

4605. I want to help ranchers and farmers to be recognized for the good
      they do for the land.

4606. Flexiable days off and health care.

4607. Good reputatioin and purpose.

4608. Job satisfaction, stability, competitive pay, good intern program.

4609. I like farming and it fit into what I know.

4610. the straf,job title,and work that needs to be preformed.

4611. Conservation of our Natural resources not a program implementation
      specialist

4612. It was a job in my field of study in college that I felt I could
      contribute to.

4613. Due to prior experiences, I realized I would like working to
      conserve soil.

4614. I wanted to be involved in the conservation our natural resources.

4615. To be able to assist Farmers and ranchers with their concerns, The
      pay is good, the benfits are good.

4616. Student trainee program

4617. More time for family and better schedule.

4618. I enjoy the work and mission of the agency.

4619. I am a conservation minded person and love working outside, as
      well as planning for producers. It is the best of both worlds.

4620. I had an interest in conservation. I had enrolled in some NRCS
      programs as a producer and this allows me to work in an area I am
      interested in. A federal job is one of the best paying jobs in a
      small town.

4621. luck, had a employee ask if I would be intrested in temp help and
      I have been here for 18 years.

4622. I was looking for employment in a business I could feel proud to
      be a part of, with decent pay and benefits, and the opportunity to
      advance, a job with variety. NRCS fit the bill.

4623. looking to get back to work in the federal government, and applied
      for an opening.

4624. It chose me.

4625. Permanent employment.

4626. Working with farmers and ranchers

4627. It was the first Federal agency to interview me and I thought the
      job would be interesting. I hadn\'t worked for USDA before so
      didn\'t know much about the agency.

4628. the job was available

4629. I was working for BLM which was going through downsizing. I was
      looking at all federal agencies for vacant positions

4630. I was encouraged by relatives to apply.

4631. Snow Survey

4632. Referred

4633. Reputation

4634. Change of position

4635. To work in agriculture

4636. Thought it would be an interesting job

4637. 30 years ago they were a good alternative

4638. The NRCS offered me a permanent job while the USFS continued to
      only offer TEMP and TERM positions.

4639. job offer in my field of study

4640. Opportunity to finish my career by serving the farmers and
      contributing to the protection of our valued

4641. The primary reason is to give a practical experience side to the
      gov\'t programs.

4642. Was able to get a job in my degree.

4643. I could make a difference - assisting landowners to acheive true
      conservation

4644. wanted to work with a natural resource agency

4645. Natural resource conservation

4646. Retirement at 55 years of age and at the time, competitive wages

4647. Legacy from SWCD\'s from Father and Grandfather. Believe in the
      Mission of assisting Private landowners.

4648. When I went to work for SCS, staff were recognized as authorities
      in soil and water conservation. Staff had the background, training
      and expertise to plan and apply sound conservation measures. I
      wanted to work with an agency that I felt would have a positive
      influence on American agriculture. I strongly feel that is not the
      case today with NRCS. Our goal is to spend money.

4649. opportunity to do on-the-ground conservation

4650. Stability, fun work, good benefits, excellent people.

4651. An excellent in-house, informal mentoring program (the 30+ year
      technician). People who prided themselves primarily in technical
      competency, not \'proper-speak\', or fad-based management.

4652. Interesting, varied work.

4653. I took a job with SCS while I was attending college and wound up
      growing with the job. I started as a SCT GS4 and worked through to
      GS12 State Office Technical specialist (Toolkit/PRS). I really
      enjoyed the work once I found out what the agency did and what it
      stood for.

4654. NRCS allows soil scientists to work extensively in the field and
      offers many opportunities to move around the country.

4655. Wanted to work in the range management discipline and believe in
      the agency goals and misssion. Feel the agency makes a great
      effort to make a difference and to be effective in the
      agricultural sector. NRCS in my opinion has done a great job and
      has a good reputation with the agricultural community especially
      when compared to other federal and state agencies and university
      related organizations.

4656. working with people and natural resources

4657. needed a job. For my discipline, it is the best.

4658. I argee with the mission and appreciate that we are a
      non-regulatory agency. I love the diversity of tasks and the
      opportunity to learn in the field.

4659. Chance was there to make a positive impact in the area I grew up
      in.

4660. I believed in NRCS goals and mission + I liked the work diversity.

4661. I wanted a job that would utilize my college training.

4662. Belief in the mission of the agency and desire to work with
      natural resources

4663. NRCS does work that was compatable with my education and training
      (engineering).

4664. Good benefits and decent pay.

4665. they offered me a job

4666. Interned three years as a college student.

4667. A friend worked for NRCS and invited me to volunteer with her and
      encouraged me to apply for a position.

4668. At the time, we spent most of our time in the field, working with
      producers and other agencies to put conservation on the land.
      Today, its all rankings and applications and payment paperwork.
      Little to no time for fieldwork.

4669. federal government

4670. I like conservation work and working with producers. I\'m a big
      believer in agriculture and its value to our communities and
      families.

4671. Job security/pay (that was 29 years ago)

4672. local job

4673. Allows me to do something with my range major.

4674. Excellent opportunity coming right out of college to get a job in
      my field of study.

4675. Work with and thru people to apply conservation practices on the
      landscape and improve their natural resources and quality of life
      for future generations.

4676. I really didn\'t choose NRCS. I needed a job, answered an ad and
      got the job for the NRD and was assigned to NRCS.

4677. NRCS job came open when I was let go at FSA due to 9/11. I was
      familiar with the software programs and they needed those
      capabilities.

4678. I liked the conservation orientation, and worked with people who
      worked the land.

4679. By far it was the practicality of the service NRCS provided. We
      used to be in the field more than we are, helping all people, we
      even did follow up to see if they we satisfied and understood what
      they ere to do and how to use their conservation pracitces. Now if
      we can\'t find a program to fit them, we don\'t help. The PR of
      the agency is going down and we used to be the \'SCS, Secret
      Conservation Service\'. Because of the \'program only\' driven
      workload, we are becoming more obscure in the public eye. We have
      become a broker for program payments for producers and landowners.
      We are still not the agency to go to for technical help. The
      education of the value of conservation as sterwardship is part of
      the PR we have stopped.

4680. Job responsibilities/duties matched my educational background

4681. Desire to work in conservation.

4682. I needed a job coming out of college with a Biology degree and I
      knew I wanted to work in Natural Resources for the Federal
      Government. It was the first thing I could find in my area,
      however only as a WAE.

4683. My previous work background was directed to conservation work.

4684. agriculture

4685. I love natural resources, my lifelong goal was to try to protect
      and enhance natural resources.

4686. The type of work was of interest to me

4687. It offered an opportunity to work in a field I was interested in.

4688. Get conservation on the land, now there is too much computer and
      management work, not enough conservation work being completed on
      the land.

4689. The benefits

4690. federal benefits

4691. THE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION

4692. I enjoyed the thought of helping people take care of their
      resources. Rural people are some of the best you can meet and work
      with.

4693. I believed in the work and felt I made a difference.

4694. Field of study and able to work with agricultural producers.

4695. I felt the work was worthwhile plus NRCS had better benefits than
      my State Agency job provided.

4696. To have a career that I could work outside a lot and to help
      improve our natural resources.

4697. There was an office in every county

4698. Ag. knowledge

4699. Allowed me to work directly with farmers in the field.

4700. So I could be in the field, helping ranchers/farmers do good
      things on the land so that I could help create the environment I
      need in order to help my family achieve our goal.

4701. SCS offered me a position in a favorable location and I was
      interested in managing a federal office.

4702. Pay and benefits

4703. working with ag.

4704. I like to help people and be able to make a difference.

4705. To help preserve our natural resources.

4706. I wanted to work in the natural resource conservation field.

4707. I Chose NRCS because I was looking for a rewarding job.

4708. Permanent employment,above average pay posibilities, outside work,

4709. To help develop a better understanding in Agriculture and other
      areas of Conservation.

4710. The pay scale is competitive, the benefits, the work environment,
      and the may focus of the work

4711. The line of work NRCS is involved in and the benefits(Health and
      life insurance)

4712. Fell in line with my interests

4713. Because I truly wanted to work for my boss and the benefits.

4714. I farmed for 15 years and as prices declined and costs went up I
      needed an alternative income. NRCS is involved in a lot of
      programs I feel I can relate to. I was also in the right place at
      the right time.

4715. I thought I could accomplish some good for the environment.

4716. In my case a steady job.

4717. Enjoy type of work when I took position. Fair wages and close to
      home.

4718. It was a good fit for me and the pay and benefits were inviting.

4719. When I was hired, SCS was known as an agency that placed a high
      value on it\'s employees.

4720. I have a background in ag and enjoy working with landowners
      putting conservation on the land.

4721. The agency used to be functional and I was able to accomplish
      conservation. I stay because of the benefits and pay is more than
      I can make in the small town of 700 that I farm by.

4722. I wanted to work with landowners and have always been conservation
      minded. I wanted to work outside an office and with different
      situations.

4723. it fit me well

4724. Reputation of Government jobs

4725. Good Benefits.

4726. Salary, timing, location of the job vacancy

4727. Needed Money, DUH!!

4728. The opportunity was there, with excellent benefits, pay and work
      environment

4729. Experience with the agency as a high school student through vo-ag
      program and work done on our own farm operation

4730. Pay and benefits exceed most other occupations that are available
      in rural areas.

4731. A career with benefits and retirement where I can work outside
      much of the time.

4732. At that time, we actually got to get out & put conservation work
      on the field. No it seems like we are tied to the computer &
      programs.

4733. Started out as a good part-time job while in college.

4734. Job

4735. I believe in the conservation of Natural Resources.

4736. Good wages, close to where I live, I liked the work and working
      with producers.

4737. It was something related to what I went to school for.

4738. Once I finished my Student Career Experience Program, I realized
      that the agency needed employees who had a strong agricultural
      backround and the desire to help the agency achieve its mission
      and vision.

4739. Working with agriculture related programs and people.

4740. When I choose NRCS as an employer 34 years ago we actually got to
      go to the field and help landowners, we were connected to the
      land. Now we run computers and try to figure out how software
      works. Also, back then the pay and benefits seem to be better than
      the private sector.

4741. Advancement, on job training, job diversity

4742. Privately did the same work, joined for the benefits

4743. Wanted to work with conservation activities, and help agriculture
      become more sustainable. Ability to work with people and work both
      outdoors and indoors

4744. With a farming backround, I wanted to be involved in agriculture
      and have always had an interest in conservation and public
      service.

4745. I have an agriculture background and I believe in the work we are
      trying to accomplish. I love my job!!!

4746. They were hiring at the time. Come from an Ag background

4747. The good people I met through the NRCS when working as a student

4748. Interest in natural resources management. Good pay for the
      responsibilities (at the time). Ability to see the impact of your
      work.

4749. benefits

4750. Gave me the power to do something for the land and maintain the
      land.

4751. Wanted to serve those involved in agriculture and conserve our
      resources for the future

4752. Benefits

4753. benefits

4754. Help Protect Natural Resources

4755. Working closesly with ag producers.

4756. Opportunity to work in a agriculture/natural resource related
      field. Also, the opportunity to work in the

4757. There was a need and I felt I could meet the need for my
      producers - I was lucky to have this kind of job available to my
      this close to my home

4758. I like to work outdoors and enjoy conservation and wildlife
      although I don\'t get to work in either field much anymore.

4759. Needed a Job

4760. I like to work with producers.

4761. Like the benefits package.

4762. The job duties required by agency were in line with what i have a
      great deal of interest in. Also opportunity to work with
      conservation programs

4763. Being able to work on the land.

4764. It seemed like a good job.

4765. Federal benefits

4766. At the time, it was a job, but as I started working, I wish I knew
      about NRCS when I was in high school or early college to try for
      the position.

4767. Type of work, pay, benefits

4768. I stumbled into the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) office while
      looking for a job with wildlife conservation work. I had grown up
      on a farm, but had never heard of the SCS because my father never
      utilized their services. While working toward my college degree I
      also never heard of the SCS. After working for the SCS and now
      NRCS for 18 years, I feel that my work benefits wildlife in a much
      larger way than working for a state game agency because we impact
      so many more acres than they can.

4769. I like to work outsidee and make a difference

4770. Outdoor work.

4771. The job responsiblities are what I enjoy doing.

4772. I liked being able to help landowners on a voluntary basis (if
      they want help, they come to us).

4773. I wanted a challenging job that allowed me to work outdoors in my
      college speciality.

4774. Wanted to work outside.

4775. The job fit my goals.

4776. I wanted to stay in the state of Nebraska. This job allowed me to
      practice my proffession in state.

4777. They offered me a position when I was looking for a job.

4778. I was friends with a soil conservationist that talked me into
      applying for a summer job as an engineer while still in college.

4779. To help heal the land

4780. Benefits

4781. Benifits

4782. Benefits, job availability

4783. Student trainee program - ag field.

4784. Agiculture was my degree in college and had an interest in
      conservation and working with people.

4785. rural placement

4786. The satisfaction of getting to work in the environment.

4787. Personal contact with HR staff as part of college careers class.
      After a practice interview with NRCS (then SCS) the HR
      representative invited me to make an appointment to apply for a
      student trainee position.

4788. Challenging assignments in a socially vital field

4789. I was the best option I had at that time.

4790. I came from an agricultural background so it was an agency that
      has a mission I appreciate.

4791. It was a better job than I had 30 years ago.

4792. Mission.

4793. Limited job opportunities.

4794. Wanted to work with agriculture

4795. At a point in life where I wanted security of Government job, but
      still wanted to work with agriculture, especially the conservation
      of natural resources.

4796. The job provided a stable income verses what was available at the
      time.

4797. I started out as a part time employee, and was eventually
      questioned about going on to further education or become fulltime,
      and decided on going fulltime.

4798. I agree with the agency\'s goals and find it a comfortable place
      to work.

4799. Relatively good pay and benefits with mobility potential.

4800. Location

4801. It was an agency which provided the public a real return for it\'s
      tax dollar.

4802. environmentally oriented

4803. The Pay and the benefits.

4804. I applied for a job with SCS/NRCS in 1970 and it was the primarily
      the pay and benefits.

4805. I wanted a federal position in Administration, NRCS had a vacancy.
      I used to be proud to work for NRCS, and was proud of its
      leadership, mission, and accomplishments. That\'s no longer true.
      NHQ Admin leadership lacks knowledge, expertise, and desire to
      improve. When performing customer service to employees, I am often
      embarrassed and ashamed that I can\'t be more responsive because I
      can\'t get correct answers or assistance from NHQ. I feel worse
      when I can\'t help outside customers, such as landowners,
      partners, and TSPs.

4806. Believed in the agency\'s mission. Enjoyed the work, people
      benefits and opportunities available.

4807. Interest in conservation due to farm background and conservation
      applied on farm

4808. mission of the agency

4809. pay and work in chosen field of interest

4810. Wanted to continue to work for the Federal Government and
      promotion opportunity. Transferred from other agency.

4811. mission

4812. Mainly is that I got the job. Being here for 18 years it has given
      me a lot of opportunities. Great benefits, co-workers are
      wonderful. I also have a great admiration for famers and etc.

4813. To be able to work outside. 5 day work week. Benefits.

4814. Like working on the land

4815. Specific technical position opened in good location.

4816. I wanted to continue to work in the agricultural field, but
      returning to the family farm was not an economical option. After
      attending career fairs and talking to both private companies and
      public agencies, I felt NRCS was the best fit for me personally.

4817. I like working with private landowners to conserve natural
      resourcse in the U.S. I like the mix of on-site visitations and
      office work. I benefit from a flexible time schedule that allows
      time to focus on family and not make work the #1 priority.

4818. It appeared to offer the opportunity for the type of work that I
      was interested in.

4819. I believe in the Mission of the agency.

4820. I was attracted to the agency because of its grass roots work with
      private landowners.

4821. After working for a public land agency, I decided NRCS better
      suited my interests and abilities. In the past, NRCS was a leader
      in technical natural resource information development and
      education. I wanted to be part of that movement.

4822. promotion from another agency

4823. NRCS (SCS-MNTC at that time) contacted my College looking for
      employees.

4824. Work in a field to protect our natural resoures for future
      generations to enjoy.

4825. Because I liked my job description and the pay seems to be fare.

4826. My boss Mary Reece, and the other employees in this office. North
      Platte, NE.

4827. I was looking for a job.

4828. Enjoy working with farmers & ranchers. Believe in the concept of
      conserving our natural resources.

4829. Needed a job, not a position and I enjoy engineering and working
      with farmers and ranchers.

4830. LOVE OF SOILS

4831. I swithched from working for a State agency to the NRCS because
      there was more opportunity for advancement and the pay was much
      better.

4832. Like working in a Natural Resources Field

4833. Interest in natural resources

4834. Job stability and worthwhile mission.

4835. Type of work the agency did. Security of employment.

4836. I wanted to stay with the Government.

4837. the government retirement benefit package

4838. I thought there would be more demand for my discipline than
      alternatives and I believed in what the agency was doing.

4839. Wanted to be involved in agriculture and a strong conservation
      ethic

4840. Type of work NRCS does!

4841. Affiliation with agriculture.

4842. I had several Plant Material Center seed increase plots and
      testing plots. This lead to my interest in agronomy, reasonable
      pay and relatively good working conditions.

4843. I enjoyed working outdoors, with agriculture and with producers.

4844. Te type of work we do and job security.

4845. stability and available locations

4846. I thought I would be able to advance my career.

4847. Didn\'t have a clue about who NRCS was. I just wanted to get my
      foot in the door and get some engineering experience somewhere.

4848. The mission of the agency; SCEP experience

4849. Better employee grade level and better employee recognition than
      the USDA agency that I worked for before.

4850. I like helping people, we provide a service.

4851. Married, had a baby and was broke when the SCS called and offered
      me a job. I accepted and then asked what state and what town.

4852. First one to offer a job

4853. NRCS took the time to recruit and showed me how I can make a
      difference with my skills and abilities.

4854. security, not many jobs available in early 80\'s

4855. I find what the agency does is invigorating for the people,
      economy, and the land.

4856. location

4857. I like the job itself, I want to help farmers conserve our
      environment and want to see the succeed in thier busniness as well
      as conserve our natural resources.

4858. I applied for several jobs and NRCS is the one that offered me a
      job.

4859. Because I came from a farming background, I thought I could bridge
      the gap between farmin and government red tape. Boy was I wrong!!!

4860. Locality of position, pay and benefits

4861. I enjoy working with producers to help them understand that
      conservation can really work for them and not against them. It
      neat to learn different areas, and how the farming practices can
      vary. Overall, it\'s is a joy knowing that at a days end, I in
      some way have helped a producer, and will be here tomorrow to help
      more!

4862. Work in a rural area and in a conservatin field.

4863. Pride in serving the public in agriculture/job stability/benefits/

4864. Location and income.

4865. NRCS provides an excellent opportunity for people without a 4 year
      college degree.

4866. Can\'t make a living starting out farming

4867. Needed a job, and wanted to work outdoors.

4868. family background from grandpa, saying you need to leave the farm
      in better condition than you recieved it, control erosion and soil
      health and you will benefit and so will future generations.

4869. I\'m interested in assisting landowners/operators with natural
      resource and agricultural issues.

4870. location,pay,hours

4871. I have always have been around agriculture, and this allows me to
      be as close to agriculture without farming.

4872. Good benefits and a chance to work outside when weather permits.

4873. Conservation ethic, love of the outdoors and the earth, desire to
      improve our natural resources, desire to assist rural landusers.

4874. Long term stability

4875. enjoy working with farmers. enjoy engineer work

4876. Looking for a long term career. Had a degree in suveying. Benefits
      of the job, such as annual leave, sick leave, flexible times. Type
      of work I would be doing.

4877. The opportunity to work with landowners and operators apply
      conservation on the land. The annual & sick leave and having the
      opportunity of getting paid for holidays appealed to me also.

4878. Diverse working conditions, lots of people to meet, great pay.

4879. To be able to work with our customers in the field in order to
      provide excellent conservation products in the field and to
      complete quality follow-ups.

4880. I wanted to work outdoors (now I am tethered to a computer in an
      offoce)and idealistically, working hand in hand with landowners to
      implement needed conservation practices on the land appealed to
      me. The prospect of a wholesome rural lifestyle appealed to me. At
      first glance, SCS appeared to be a whole lot less political than
      National Park Service employment appeared to be.

4881. Had an interest in conservation/wildlife related field

4882. I can make a positive difference on the environment and receive a
      fair wage doing it.

4883. I had a farm background and I wanted to be involved with
      conservation.

4884. Wanted to conserve resources and work in the outdoors.

4885. It was a local job that used my education.

4886. I have always been interested in the conservation of our natural
      resources and enjoy working in the outdoors. The pay and the
      personal benefits are a major plus too, at least in our rural
      area!

4887. The steady hours and benefits, the people I would be able to work
      with and the customers I could not only help but learn from.

4888. Wanted to work in the agriculture sector in an outdoors setting
      and direct contact with producers.

4889. The field of work was basically unique to the NRCS.

4890. Benefits

4891. Great opportunity in our small rural area.

4892. To be a benefit to agricultural in the U. S.

4893. It was in the same town I live in. And I believed I could advance
      throughout the years.

4894. the love of the outdoors and the land

4895. Job satisfaction and professional recognition.

4896. Neighbor was employed by them.

4897. Student trainee program.

4898. Potential advancement.

4899. BEING ABLE TO WORK WITH AGRICULTURE AND THE GOV. BENEFITS.

4900. Good Benefits

4901. I\'m an NRD employee that works out of the NRCS office.

4902. allows me to be connected to the Agricultural community

4903. I am interested in agriculture and natural resources and the first
      people I met made me feel like I could do this job and were very
      positive, and the more field office staff, and landowners I meet
      and work with the more I like my job.

4904. To help solve local natural resource problems together with
      landowners and other partners, using my educational background.

4905. Agreed with and wanted to support the agency\'s mission

4906. I was qualified for the job and at that time was looking.

4907. I worked for a Conservation District in an NRCS office. This led
      to my employment with NRCS. I really enjoyed the work.

4908. My desire to make a difference with the proper use of our
      resources. That and the benefits.

4909. 25 years ago we spent most of our time on producers land working
      with them.

4910. Opportunity

4911. when growing up I worked on terraces and loved it.

4912. Benefits

4913. Job availablitily and agriculture based

4914. We were not looked at as the regulatory agency. This has changed
      somewhat and we are also now viewed as the program \$\$\$ agency
      without the real technical planning we once had as a reputation.
      Fortunately and Unfortunately because of the amount of
      conservation cost share funds available and the limited amount of
      personnel we get in these binds. We as an agency lose some
      credibility but gain exposure with these dollars. I have
      personally tried to find the folks that want technical and/or
      financial help and concentrated my efforts with them; the rest
      that just want financial help with out any imput from our office
      we do what we have to then move on with our efforts to those that
      really want our advice. It is a balancing act to follow the rules
      but yet try to get some job satisfaction to stay the course.

4915. I wanted a job in the Ag field.

4916. Because I have a love for agriculture and the environemnt. I have
      always seen these two as one. I wanted the opportunity to satisfy
      myself and to help those on the land.

4917. I gave me an oportunity to stay in the area I wanted to live while
      utilizing my degree.

4918. enjoy my job and co-workers, preserving the land and wildlife is a
      great concern and to make it a reality

4919. WITH A DEGREE IN SOIL SCIENCE, NRCS WAS ONE OF THE FEW WHO
      EMPLOYED PEOPLE WITH THAT BACKGROUND

4920. Opportunity to grow in knowledge in an field of work that is
      important to me.

4921. Conservation

4922. Pay and location.

4923. Type of work, good retirement, contact with the land owners,
      helping take care of our natural resources, like working outdoors,
      able to feel good about what you do for a living

4924. Pay.

4925. Best paying job and benefits in the area for my qualifications.

4926. Student internship\--liked working outdoors with people in
      agriculture.

4927. Like working outdoors with natural resources

4928. For the benefits and also job satisfaction

4929. retirement system

4930. Location/good job in a small town.

4931. I am conservative and believed it was important to conserve soil
      and thereby have a positive impact on other resources (hired in
      1979)

4932. I was a student intern and was give a job right out of college. I
      like the kind of work I do with this agency and it would be hard
      to find another job in my area of expertise.

4933. I enjoy working with landowners and the technical part.

4934. work on private lands with private land owners who have control
      over implementing conservation practices\-\--not the government

4935. office and field work.

4936. it was a job

4937. Personal contact made by NRCS employee.

4938. I wanted to stay in an agricultural related field.

4939. I enjoy surveying and designing conservation projects both
      structural and vegetative. I also enjoy the opportunity to educate
      and promote conservation to all interested persons to conserve and
      improve our natural resources. Being a member of a team and
      working with all the great people make it rewarding.

4940. Enjoy the job.

4941. It fit my current job.

4942. Because of the diverse work and the opportunity to help conserve
      our natural resources in the field with close contact with the
      land users. (NOT ANYMORE THOUGH)

4943. Because we used to assist landowners manage their natural
      resources, soil, water, wildlife, grazing, VOLUNTARILY!

4944. to stay in the ag sector and help protect the environment

4945. Interest in natural resources.

4946. Because the job I\'m in will allow me to stay here for the rest of
      my career. I also really enjoy working with agricultural people.

4947. Better working hours than what I had.

4948. Private lands conservation planning

4949. I have a farm and ranch background and enjoy the company of the
      farmers and ranchers that I work with. I get great satisfaction by
      helping them solve problems\...

4950. NRCS was hiring when other federal agencies were not. Better
      chance of advancement with my BS degree.

4951. Benefits

4952. work one on one with production agriculture people

4953. My family worked with NRCS when I was at home. Also wanted a
      steady job where I could work with landowners in a non-regulatory
      situation.

4954. I like that we are not a regulatory agency like BLM, Forest
      Service, and the State

4955. I began work with SCS; I enjoyed spending time out of the office,
      working with landowners to see and learn what their resource
      concerns were and helping them participate in a program that would
      help defer some of their installation costs\...\...anymore I am
      losing touch with reality, can\'t spend enough time in the field
      to see and evaluate their resource concerns, I am sacraficing
      quality work for quantity work and now just pushing programs at
      the landowners.

4956. I liked working for the Government and working with the public and
      natural resources.

4957. I wanted to work in the Natural Resources after completing my
      education in that field.

4958. I like the people, type of work, wage, perks. We need to remember
      that today we are hiring family units. One wage earner can\'t
      raise a family like the old days

4959. Good pay and benifits

4960. decent pay and benefits

4961. wanted to stay working in agriculture after college

4962. I went to work for the Soil Conservation Service!

4963. To assist farmers and ranchers maintain sustainabilty on their
      operations and the outdoor work.

4964. I was able to work in an engineering field and remain in rural
      environment.

4965. personal knowledge of misssion and work activities

4966. As a whole, NRCS is a great agency to work for. NRCS provides good
      pay, benefits and I knew that I would have the opportunity to
      advance if I worked for it.

4967. I feel strong about our mission

4968. No other engineering jobs in my area.

4969. agrictural backround

4970. I\'m a conservationist at heart, where else could I be? Also, the
      pay and benefits are very good and I enjoy working on private
      lands.

4971. NRCS fits my background, knowledge, and skills I received in
      college.

4972. to assit landowners with the protection of the nations natural
      resources and to stay involved with ag at some level

4973. I had the education to start straight out of college where I could
      make a competitive wage and have opportunity for advancement with
      experience.

4974. Duty Station

4975. the end of the day has value

4976. It was the only agency that had the type of job I wanted to do.

4977. Family Friendly and Conservation Oriented

4978. I enjoy the agriculture field

4979. The careers that I had found while looking for a position post
      college were in the area that I wanted to have a career.

4980. Opportunity to work outdoors, availability of employment
      opportunity.

4981. My college courses made me qualified to apply for work with the
      NRCS.

4982. I believe in the mission of the NRCS.

4983. I believe in the mission of the agency.

4984. To work in agriculture.

4985. I chose it 20 years ago because I was laid off from private sector
      and needed a job. I ended up taking the job for 40% of what I was
      earning in private sector. I had a mortgage and medical problems
      that would not allow me to wait for a private sector job.

4986. Worked previously for an Ag College and LOVE working and
      interacting with Agriculture related people and activities.

4987. Change of carrers and pay

4988. Promotion potential and ability to work directly with public

4989. \# of offices in U.S. Flexibility in location choices.

4990. To work with producers on the conservation of natural resources.

4991. I enjoy working with private landowners on the ground to address
      any resource concerns they might have.

4992. i was raised on a family farm & believe that what we do is
      important in supporting & assisting american agriculture in
      providing high quality products with low environmental
      consequences. we are not regulatory & we provide both technical &
      financial assistance. nrcs is a smaller agency & takes better care
      of it\'s employees than other agencies.

4993. Good benefits

4994. Natural Resources Conservation

4995. Enjoy applying

4996. I

4997. live in ag community

4998. They offered me a job while still in college

4999. Their mission.

5000. I wanted to help private land owners reach their management goals
      and objectives

5001. Some on told me there was job available. Had never heard of
      SCS/NRCS bofore that time.

5002. Job stability, better pay and benefits.

5003. Opportunity to help landusers achieve tangible resource
      improvements.

5004. The opportunity to work in a variety of natural resource
      disciplines and the

5005. I was hired while still in college under the COOP program\--money,
      benefits, and stability was attractive while my classmates were
      struggling to find work

5006. I could see that the work that is completed acutally benefits not
      only the individual but the whole community.

5007. great opportunity for a career.

5008. Offered the field of work I wanted, good job security.

5009. I wanted to remain in the agriculture industry and I believe in
      our mission, we are doing good things and I have pride in that.

5010. It was the first offer I had in my area of expertise and I was
      broke. At the time it was exactly what I was looking for.

5011. Ability to work outdoors with natural resources

5012. I wanted to assist people with natural resource planning

5013. I started working for SCS when I was in highschool. Back then we
      were looked upon as being helpful and getting conservation
      practices implemented. Now all we do is sit and stare at a
      computer screen and learn computer programs. I\'m not a computer
      person, I\'m a field person. Computers were supposed to help us,
      not create more of workload.

5014. I have worked for other Federal agencies as well as NRCS, NRCS has
      a tendency to hire better technical competent people than other
      agencies. The work I do for NRCS is challenging and requires me to
      learn and grow. Land Management agencies have the mentality than
      you are a body and just do the work. NRCS treats people like they
      are somebody.

5015. It is less stressful working for the NRCS than federal agencies
      that manage the land.

5016. As an Alaska state employee (State 303d/305b Coordinator) I worked
      with an NRCS Assistant State Conservationist on the Unified
      Watershed Assessment project. I learned about NRCS and the RC&D
      program because of that individual. When the Southeast Alaska RC&D
      Coordinator position became available I applied and got the job.
      It was a great career move even though the State of Alaska has a
      great benefit program.

5017. I enjoy working with the producers to put conservation on the
      graound. I like to help others in conservation and with the
      challenges that agriculture faces on a daily basis.

5018. To conserve natural resources

5019. The CO-OP Ed program gave me a look at what SCS(at that time) was
      doing and I liked what I saw. The student programs for hiring are
      the best thing the agency could do.

5020. I liked the abiliy to go out into the field and see the projects
      that I helped to complete.

5021. benefits and the work

5022. Right place and the right time. I did not realize that the NRCS
      existed, even though I grew up in an ag-based community. But I
      believe in the theory that conservation can benefit both the
      environment and the agriculture producer.

5023. working outside

5024. I wanted to be in an agricultural related field without the risk
      of managing a farm. I liked the conservation ethic. I liked the
      job stability, pay and benefits.

5025. ag background and experience with SCS

5026. It ended up a career following high school where I didn\'t put a
      financial burden on my parents to help pay for continuing
      education. My chance for furthering my education was available
      early in my career but I did not pursue it. I have relied on
      training within the agency to continue the job I enjoy. I had a
      immediate interest in the agency having grown up on the farm and
      with plans to farm at the time employment came available. My
      knowledge of what the agency was wanting to accomplish helped me
      progress.

5027. The opportunity to contribute to the overall improvement of the
      environment. Also, the opportunity to work one on one with
      landowners.

5028. I worked for a soil conservation district and loved the job.

5029. benefits

5030. Working in the field of natural resources and agriculture gives me
      a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing that what we
      do can make a difference.

5031. A Federal Agency devoted to Natural Resources pertaining to
      conservation and development to impove the economic quality of
      life.

5032. agency most suited for professional and technical abilities

5033. Non regulatory, private lands agency. All voluntary!

5034. Benefits

5035. Pay and benefits.

5036. To assist private landowners conserve soil and water

5037. I really enjoy helping folks take care of our natural resources.

5038. NRCS offered me a job in the area I wanted to live. I was already
      a Fed. Gov. employee and wanted to continue with the USDA.

5039. Work directly with landowners on resource problems

5040. Working on private lands through a voluntarty approach.

5041. I wanted to work with agriculture and help producers become more
      efficient and better stewards of the land

5042. Liked public service and the ability to work in a field that
      really makes a difference with the land and people.

5043. Stability and a chance to use existing and expand new educational
      opportunities.

5044. NRCS has the experts in my field.

5045. SCS was and still is the national leader in field application of
      my choosen profession of soil science.

5046. Offered student program.

5047. I loved the mission and working with private landowners.

5048. The opportunity to learn technical skills from experienced
      employees.

5049. Working with farmers and ranchers in getting conservation on the
      ground

5050. back in the day\....SCS was an agency that achieved real
      conservation without the huge amount of \'planning process\' and
      documentation that is now required

5051. Steady employment.

5052. Working in the field of conservation of our natural resources, the
      pay and advancement opportunities, and the benefits.

5053. I am an outdoorsman and very interested in the
      environmental/natural resource conservation field and really liked
      the leave flexibility and job benefits.

5054. steady pay

5055. Lots of opportunities for advancement

5056. They recruited me at college to enroll in SCEP.

5057. I knew it was a steady job with great benefits and retirement, I
      also get to enjoy my work

5058. Better pay than other jobs in the agriculture sector.

5059. The type of work they do in conserving our resources.

5060. I have a natural resource degree, and the oppurtunity of being
      trained to help people in there operations of ranching.

5061. I wanted to work where the human element is considered in
      conservation. I didn\'t want to be part of a presevation agency

5062. Best job offer I had 33 1/2 years ago.

5063. happenstance no jobs in my county took a chance and got hired.

5064. Outdoor work with relatively secure job.

5065. Job security

5066. Recommendation of SCS student trainee program by SCSer father.

5067. Wanted to work with local alndowners to conserve resources. I
      wanted to do field work and NOT just work on a computer and report
      or write plans!

5068. Voluntary education of private landowners.

5069. I own a farming operation that has been in the family for 4
      generations now. Want to keep it going however farming it alone I
      wouldn\'t make a living. I love the life style and helping people
      especially when they see conservation benefits work for them. I
      don\'t want to see US agriculture take a back seat to other parts
      of the worls when it comes to marketing commodities. I want to
      keep people keep their operations viable.

5070. Wanted to be involved with the implementation of conservation on
      the ground.

5071. I like the work and feel that I am contributing to improve
      agriculture.

5072. It was the only offer I had and I needed a the money. It is what
      happens when you get suckered into getting a worthless animal
      science degree.

5073. Knew of the agency, and liked the work that was going on

5074. I have seen a lot of farming practices that lowered water quality
      and encouraged soil erosion. I have always wanted to work with
      land owners to help them improve their land. That is what the NRCS
      does.

5075. Able to work with conservation issues.

5076. Health benefits

5077. I chose SCS. 1) it was a job that involved working outdoors 2) it
      was in a location I really wanted to live in 3) the pay and
      benefits are really good

5078. Design work and opportunity to do outdoor work.

5079. I was looking for permanent employment. I was offered a job with
      the SCS. I had heard of the SCS but was not very familiar with the
      agency. At the time I would have preferred the BLM or USFS because
      of my Range Management education. In hindsight I am glad I chose
      the SCS. However, I feel we are losing sight of what our mission
      should be.

5080. To be able to work in the Agriculture field with out being a
      reulator.

5081. I work at a Plant Materials Center and that is the only capacity
      at which I would work for this agency.

5082. Plant Materials Program

5083. The cause

5084. The location of the work in my field.

5085. It was the best job offer I received when I graduated from
      college.

5086. locality and grade.

5087. A position was open in my field and in my location.

5088. An interest in Soil Science, rural employment in early years, high
      job satisfaction/accomplishment opportunities, quality dedicated
      co-workers.

5089. Needed employement, and I just graduated from college.

5090. At the time it was the first job offer I had. I wasn\'t
      necessarily going to stay because I didn\'t know very much about
      them at that time.

5091. Carrier Opportunites and being able to work with Agriculture

5092. work with natural resources on private farms and ranches

5093. My interest in saving the environment for future generations.

5094. It was the agency hiring at the time I moved to follow my spouse.

5095. I believe in sustainable agriculture and chose to assist producers
      in achieving their conservation and agricultural objectives in
      which we all benefit.

5096. location

5097. Joined in 1971 and stayed

5098. Available jobs at the time

5099. Chance to get full time job in my field

5100. It was a good job to get directly out of college. It\'s in close
      proximity to my family, good pay for the area, good benefits, and
      good hours.

5101. I wanted to work for a federal agency, as I have in the past. NRCS
      is a small agency with a good reputation. I wanted to provide
      assistance to the working farmer.

5102. Have worked for a federal agency in the past and wanted to
      continue to receive my retirement.

5103. Fits with my training

5104. I was hired on as a CO-OP, the agency fit into my studies.

5105. In the city I live in, the average pay is very low, so my current
      position is considered a very good paying job for what I do. I
      also love the benfits and the annual leave and sick leave that we
      are able to earn. As a working mom this agency has been so
      accomodating to me to be able to take care of my children when
      they are sick. I also love my supervisor and the people I work
      with. I feel very lucky to have this job!!!

5106. Started as a student\--not many jobs out of high school offer
      competitive pay with benefits. Need to take advantage of SCEP
      program more aggressively nationwide.

5107. wanted to be in federal service

5108. Strongly believe in our mission.

5109. In Gallatin County, at the time, working for the Federal
      Government was good. My parents told me that when the country was
      in a depression, that the only people working were government
      employees. Second, I\'m the granddaughter of dairy farmers from my
      dad\'s side from Wisconsin and a granddaughter on my mom\'s side
      who farmed/ranched in NW part of Montana. So, I am the first
      generation removed from Agriculture, but I still was very active
      in Agriculture (4-H, etc.) as a young girl. If I had my way, I
      would be out of this office and on a farm/ranch somewhere, but I
      have to work to make a living. This is the closest thing I can get
      to being around Agriculture.

5110. Opportunity to work in a desirable rural environment and to feel a
      direct connection with putting conservation on the ground.

5111. Location

5112. I have a background in finance

5113. Federal employment and benefits

5114. stability and benefits

5115. Health Insurance Coverage

5116. I was trained by an NRCS employee in school

5117. i was a temporary employee for 6 months prior to being hired.

5118. Opportunity and pay

5119. inspiring and worthwhile mission

5120. Natural resources.

5121. Decent pay and hours.

5122. Federal pay, benefits, and job security.

5123. My Dad had the SCS office in our hometown do some work for him.
      They were real professionals and they didn\'t cost anything. The
      thing that really attracted me to go to work for the gov\'t was
      the civil service retirement. Along with my Mom and Dad\'s help, I
      started planning for retirement when I was about 16.

5124. The ability to help the agricultural community while benefiting
      the environment.

5125. interest and background in agriculture

5126. I liked working outdoors with farmers and ranchers

5127. I wanted a natural resource job where I could work with people in
      the field to get conservation on the ground.

5128. I believe in protecting our resources and enjoy working with our
      customers.

5129. I was extremely interested in the SCEP program. I was able to
      organize my college classes to fit the requirements for this
      position

5130. opportunity to work on soil survey projects;
      professional/equitable work environment; health/retirement
      benefits

5131. Upward mobility and long term benefits.

5132. That was the job available.

5133. Opportunity to become a student trainee while in college.

5134. Relates to Agriculture

5135. It is one of the few employers that allows me to work with private
      landowners on conservation. I had two options when I graduated,
      research or NRCS. I strongly feel that conservation on the ground
      needs to catch up with research and wanted to spend my time trying
      to achieve that.

5136. The job position was partly in the bachelor\'s degree I received
      and in an area I know.

5137. I like the type of work.

5138. I really like the locations I\'ve been and the type of work I
      perform.

5139. best pay and opportunities in my field

5140. The opportunity to work in agriculture and work with landowners in
      developing viable conservation measures. Hands on work that
      includes field work.

5141. Technical quality and conservation mission

5142. Outdoor work and the conservation goals of agency

5143. (SCS at that time) provided an opportunity to utilize my college
      coursework and happened to be hiring when I was in the job market.

5144. I worked as a volunteer and my skills were recognized by my
      supervisor, who took it upon himself to get me hired as a full
      time employee.

5145. It was an accident but turned out to be a very good career choice
      for me.

5146. Timing. Only agency with entry level job that was open to
      civilians.

5147. Working with private landowners on a voluntary basis

5148. Great work environment

5149. career related

5150. Career change

5151. Agency mission

5152. Stability and working with good people.

5153. Opportunity to work with agricultural producers in planning and
      implementation of conservation.

5154. My dad worked for them.

5155. Started working summers for NRCS after high school, and liked the
      prospects of working for SCS

5156. The agency\'s mission.

5157. Benefits

5158. I choose SCS because it put me into a position to be with farmers
      and ranchers but not have to do the manual labor.

5159. I wanted to work for an agency that was non-regulatory, and I knew
      a lot of people who worked for NRCS who really enjoyed it.

5160. I needed a summer job to be able to return to college in the fall.
      SCS(now NRCS) hired me as a student trainee the summer of 1960,
      that helped me return to college with a knowledge of how the
      classes(subjects) related to real job related projects, and fall
      tution funds.

5161. When I first started I would spend half of the year in the field.
      I got to see conservation being done! Now I spend it in front of
      the computer filling out forms!!

5162. I like to help improve the land and make Agriculture more positive

5163. I felt that conservation work was important to the welfare of the
      nation.

5164. To do conservation work outdoors. However, it\'s mostly on the
      computer now.

5165. Opportunity to serve private landowners in addressing consevation
      of our natural resources. Teaching and informaing private land
      owners is the greatest way to reach more people and cover the most
      land.

5166. Was applying for anything I was qualified for. Took the job to get
      my foot in the government door. I chose to stay because of agency
      mission and promotion potential.

5167. Carreer development

5168. I liked the perceived goal of the agency

5169. Job in my field

5170. Working with conservation practices on the land.

5171. The agencies mission statement

5172. My interest in conservation of naural resources

5173. Wanted to work for Federal Government and wanted to work on
      Rangeland related issues. Wanted to work one on one with Ranching
      Community.

5174. I wanted a career in agriculture and I was told I would spend my
      time working with farmers and ranchers. When I actually spend my
      time filling folders with tons of paper (conservation planning),
      which means nothing to farmers and I have actually seen it turn
      farmers away from NRCS, which is terrible. We should be be a
      friend and/or support to agriculture producers, not another enemy.
      They already have enough.

5175. It related to my education and I thought it was something I would
      enjoy doing.

5176. I enjoy working with the farmers.

5177. It actually was a fluke..I hired on as a clerk for a HUA project
      that was supposed to last for 5 years..that was 14 years ago.

5178. I worked for what was then SCS while in high school and liked
      working with landowners and also i bought in to the mission and
      have been here ever since and still love the job i do and the work
      involved other then i feel underpaid for what i do.

5179. One professor said it was a pretty good agency to start out with.
      I saw an anouncement on a bulletin board, and was tired of
      seasonal jobs.

5180. They employed Range Conservationists which i had prepared to
      become and offered me a job

5181. I like the type of work I do.

5182. I LOVE the idea that it\'s a voluntary program, and that local
      producers can receive financial and technical assistance applying
      conservation practices on their propery.

5183. Benifits and somewhat more job securty as a federal employee.

5184. Field work, people work, resource conservation. Out in the field
      accomplishing conservation, working with people. You know, pretty
      much the opposite of what I do now\...

5185. environmental conservation

5186. There was a job opening when I was looking for a job.

5187. It was a way to keep close to farming and help landowners to do a
      better job with the natural resources.

5188. Better pay and benefits that my previous job did not have.

5189. there was an advertised position that I was uniquely qualified for

5190. Conservation

5191. I chose SCS as a career because I was able to be involved hands on
      with agriculture and help people make positive changes to their
      land. The

5192. Working with the agricultural community and being able to keep
      grounded with my background and history.

5193. Was familiar with the agency and believed in the mission. Of
      course, that has changed somewhat.

5194. My dad had a 30+ year career with NRCS. For some reason, I thought
      I would get to spend a substantial amount of time in the field
      getting things done with landowners. Couldn\'t have been more
      wrong\....

5195. NRCS provided an avenue for me to stay involved in agriculture
      since I could not stay on the farm.

5196. love the work: good pay& benefits as well.

5197. NRCS met my needs as a soil scientist wanting to do field and
      office work and not be tied to only indoor work.

5198. My family ranch can not support more than one family, so my career
      with the NRCS enables me to stay involved in production
      agriculture.

5199. Works on private lands, benefits

5200. The almost certain guarantee of a job upon graduation from school.

5201. my desire to work outside

5202. Type of work I wanted to do and the benefits.

5203. I needed a summer job in high school and it sounded like a field I
      would like to learn. Then had a child in college and needed a
      stable income to provide for my child. I was forced to move my
      family, somewhere that I did not feel safe for us for personal
      reasons, and now it\'s just a job where I do not receive the
      assistance needed from area office or state office to achieve the
      results needed for me on a personal level.

5204. I like working outdoors and I very much enjoy working with farmers
      and ranchers

5205. The NRCS would allow me to use my surveying skills, and work
      outdoors with the farmers and ranchers of the most beautiful place
      in the United States (Montana)

5206. To be able to work with the private sector of agriculture.

5207. participated in student cooperative education program

5208. They offered me a job.

5209. The challenge of working with private landowners and to try & make
      our natural resources better for eveyone.

5210. There was an opening in my town and it is a field I enjoy.

5211. I like working with producers

5212. I was interested in a career in range management and was given the
      opportunity to participate in the student trainee program.

5213. It is the best agency to practice the art and science of range
      ecology/management.

5214. Natural Resources Conservation work

5215. It afforded me with the opportunity to work with natural resources
      and agriculture in a setting that was as close to owning my own
      property, but not be able to afford to be in it.

5216. I have always been interested in working outdoors in a natural
      resource field - I have an AA degree in Forestry. I believe
      resource conservation is vital for our existance and country.

5217. Job security in a time when most college graduates in my field
      were having a hard time finding jobs but I also believed in NRCS\'
      purpose.

5218. It was one of the few available federal agencies in my town.

5219. Opportunity to work in-state right out of college.

5220. Decent pay, good work enviornment, security

5221. NRCS offers much better salaries for engineers than did the state
      agency I formerly worked for. (Sadly, the federal benefits are not
      very good).

5222. Conservation work fits my degree area.

5223. Ag related job because I had an ag related background.

5224. Ability to work with land users to preserve and enhance the
      natural resource base.

5225. The NRCS was the first Gov agency to offer me a permanate
      position.

5226. I was interested in working in a agricultural setting and NRCS
      provides technical assitance to many farmers and ranchers. My
      goals for our natural resources are consistent with those of NRCS.

5227. Type of work

5228. I worked part-time for FSA and enjoyed working with Ag and
      Conservationists.

5229. Opportunity to work with agricultural producers.

5230. In 1978 the SCS had a reputation as the best place to work in soil
      science.

5231. CSRS, Outdoor, Non-regulatory

5232. to have opportunities to work with private land conservation after
      17 years working with public land conservation.

5233. Job were pretty lean - SCS was a good employer and the job was
      directly benefitting the natural resources.

5234. I wanted to get into the Federal system for retirement purposes in
      20 yrs.

5235. It was the only agency that offered me a job.

5236. Liked the job and the location

5237. I was working for the conservation districts and saw the good work
      NRCS did- prior to programs running the agency!!!

5238. I came on as a student, I loved the people we worked with and
      being able to do all parts of engineering projects and not stuck
      behind a desk not seeing where projects started and finished.

5239. 100% of my background since birth was agriculture, so I was
      looking for a job that dealt with agriculture.

5240. The NRCS (old SCS) gave me an opportunity to use my range degree,
      my experience from being born and raised on a ranch,working in the
      outdoors and saving our natural resources.

5241. I have been associated with agriculture all my life. I was a
      farmer/rancher, and a SCD supervisor previous to my employment
      with NRCS. Conserving natural resources is critical to the
      survival of the human race.

5242. Nature of the work. Helping agriculture. Benefits.

5243. My skills and abilities matched up with what NRCS required. It was
      a good paying job with benefits in a rural area. I had never heard
      of NRCS (SCS) before working for them.

5244. To work in an outdoors and conservation environment. Our over
      reliance on computers and current organizational structure is a
      detriment to that. Hiring computer data entry people could allow
      for techncial people to spend time on tehcnical activities. Being
      a

5245. return to federal employment (limited fed jobs in the area I
      choose to live), low wages in private sector

5246. to work in the occupation I was educated for

5247. Federal-Ag related employer

5248. I was looking for an agency that worked on the ground with the
      general population dealing with conservation and restoration
      issues.

5249. I worked for the conservation district one summerr between college
      classes. I applied for a position with the agency and was
      accepted.

5250. benefits

5251. Was a district employee before. So getting my foot in the door was
      fairly simple with a supportive District Conservationist

5252. mission is what I believe in.

5253. Small towns offer little choice. I was lucky that an NRCS opening
      existed when I was looking for a job that fit in with my academic
      background.

5254. location

5255. It is decent pay and has offered me good career oportunities after
      I graduate college.

5256. NRCS is the only government agency that puts conservation into a
      landowner\'s hands and on the ground faster and more efficiently
      than any other land management agency!

5257. The values that were instilled in me growing up on a ranch. If you
      do not take care of the land it will not take care of you, and
      they do not make anymore of it.

5258. Able to stay in rural Montana and work on family ranch!

5259. The opportunity to work with producers and receive a good pay.

5260. Allows me to use my engineering degree with my agricultural
      background to do a job in conservation of resources which are of a
      great concern to me.

5261. Conservation and reducing our impact on the land.

5262. As a highschool student, my mentor was a SCS Range Conservationist
      who conducted field classes & taught soil, range judging to our
      FFA classes.

5263. In my field, have ag degree, able to live in a small town/rural
      area.

5264. To help Ag producers

5265. Chosen for Tribal Scholars Program

5266. Job satisfaction

5267. Started a long time ago, was a job at the time,1972, liked the
      work, stayed.

5268. To work with environmental issues and help make positive changes
      for the future.

5269. Working with private landowners to address resource problems.

5270. I believed in conservation.

5271. Passion for agriculture way of life

5272. Opportunity to do work that I enjoy and am good at

5273. Work with/in rural agriculture

5274. Wished to work with private lands.

5275. Was the only one that had offered a job to me.

5276. I like to work with private landowners.

5277. It seemed like a good fit for my interests and education at the
      time.

5278. Provided experience to be able to map soils.

5279. The benefits

5280. Good pay

5281. I enjoy working with private landowners on conservation related
      projects.

5282. I have an ag background.

5283. fair pay rate for my profession in a state where pay scales are
      quite low

5284. Natural resource degree and was hired from the Federal register

5285. It was a way for me to get ahead and use my knowledge in my
      administrative abilities.

5286. It gave me opportunity to do the type of work for which I went to
      college. I was able to live in the location my family lives.

5287. First job out of college that would hire me.

5288. Was young, married, with small child. Looked like a good career
      with benefits and promotion potential.

5289. Wanted to work for another federal agency. Liked the idea of
      working one on one with ranchers.

5290. Great experience, able to help local producers and be in the
      agricultural industry

5291. Believe in mission of agency.

5292. I primarily chose NRCS because I had heard that the agency allowed
      a range specialist to provide knowledgeable input to producers. I
      also chose NRCS because there was a position open in an area that
      I wanted to move.

5293. I believe in the work that the agency does, I enjoy working with
      the producers on an individual basis.

5294. To work with and assist local land owners.

5295. I believe in the Mission and I wanted a career that was tied to
      improving our natural resources and the agricultural community

5296. I was born and raised on a farm/ranch operation and wanted to help
      fellow farmers and ranchers

5297. I love to work with private landowners to help them achieve their
      goals to better the landscape. NRCS doesn\'t have as much red tape
      as the BLM or the USFS.

5298. opportunity to assist the largest land managers in the nation,
      private producers.

5299. intrested in wise use of natural resources/sustainability
      especially when it isn\'t directly profitable so private sector
      will not do the work or farmer can\'t afford to.

5300. Concerned with environment

5301. Job availability in my area, assist ag. producers, I always liked
      building things so technical stuff came easily to me.

5302. The Agency was hiring and it involved working with producers and
      being out in the field.

5303. Long term, full time employment and relatively good pay/benefits.
      Ability to apply my interest and education on the job.

5304. An excellent agency to work for\--good fit for my education and an
      easy transition from an internship during college to full time
      career employment.

5305. Convinced by relative that works for agency

5306. My father was a Civil Engineer for NRCS for 27 years so I was
      familiar w/the agency and the fact that NRCS mainly works
      w/private landowners. I grew up around agriculture and strongly
      believe in and support agriculture so I felt a career that works
      with and promotes agriculture would be exactly what I would want
      to spend my life doing.

5307. The NRCS offered the opportunity for me to showcase my abilities
      in developing meaningful conservation plans, and work with people
      who share my desire to manage natural resources.

5308. It is the only

5309. A job opened up when I needed one. I stay becouse I believe in the
      mission.

5310. Recruited by several Deputy State Conservationists attending MRA
      programs at my university. I liked them and their attitude toward
      their work.

5311. It was to only agency/employer in which I could use my specialized
      skills/education to provide more information to improve
      conservation of natural resources rather than continuing to over
      exploit them.

5312. The NRCS mission.

5313. I chose to work for the NRCS because they are the main agency that
      does soil survey work and hires soil scientists. I wanted to work
      in soil survey.

5314. I liked the idea of working outdoors with agriculture producers
      helping them become better stewards of the land.

5315. Working with people to help resource conservation.

5316. I had an agricultural background and education in natural
      resources and was picked off the federal register

5317. like it\'s mission

5318. Save the Planet

5319. To help landowners improve their land management skills and to be
      informative to them of what benefits that are available to them.

5320. Three words: Student Career Experience. The NRCS was willing to
      train me during the summers when I was in college and they
      converted me directly after graduation

5321. Job satifaction, having a positive impact on natural resource
      conservation.

5322. I grew up with Agriculture, and have always wanted to stay with
      it.

5323. I really wanted to work outside and interact with farmers and
      ranchers, this job is one of the few in the nation that lets me do
      that.

5324. Wanted to do all facits of soil and water conservation

5325. I really like working with people, working outside and computers.

5326. great opportunity for the rural area that i am in

5327. I was raised with farming and ranching and loved the agricultural
      field and the type of individuals that I knew I would get to work
      with.

5328. Type of work combined with salary potential.

5329. I like everything of and about soil.

5330. I wanted to make a difference in conservation.

5331. I hoped it to be a stable position with room for advancement.

5332. 20 years ago, I felt good about my job. I had a sence of
      accomplishment, doing something good for the land as well as the
      landowner. I was proud of what I did. It certainly was not the pay
      or benefits

5333. NRCS is one of only a few (1-2) organizations (public or private)
      in which I could apply the knowledge and skills I actually went to
      college to acquire.

5334. The student coop program was available and would provide the
      experience I needed to be competitive in the job market. That was
      15 years ago and I\'m still with NRCS.

5335. I believed in the mission and it allowed me to use my Biology
      background in a useful way.

5336. ?

5337. I started out as a summer COOP student. What started out as a
      great summer job turned into a fun career opportunity.

5338. I believed in the NRCS Mission and felt that we really could make
      a difference in the conservation of our Natural Resources.

5339. pay, interested in the field of work, good job

5340. Opportunity!

5341. It isn\'t a regulatory agency. We work alongside the producer to
      get consevation on the ground.

5342. I was expecting to be able to spend alot of time in the field
      working with ag operators and there natural resources. This does
      not seem to happen as the organization seems to want employees to
      be professional desk jockeys sitting behind a computer which tends
      to cause depression and major eye strain.

5343. Type of work performed.

5344. I was born and raised on a ranch. I like to work with farmers and
      ranchers. My greatest job satisfaction is when a farmer or rancher
      tanks me for a job well done.

5345. I like what they do for our natural resources, I am proud to work
      for the agency(but I am starting to question it), they have good
      benefits and the maxiflex work shedule.

5346. The chance to work outside helping people accomplish projects.

5347. I like working with people and ag.

5348. Flexible hours for employee desires

5349. The mission of helping people help the land and being able to
      complete this mission with our technical expertise. This agency is
      known for excellence in conservation planning and technical
      assistance.

5350. The position of a RC&D Coordinator

5351. Not a regulatory agency.

5352. Because I feel the technical assistance we are able to provide to
      our agricultural producers creates a strong nation for production
      of food and fiber for USA and our future generations. This agency
      contributes to Agriculture communities of America.

5353. It was the the best fit in my field of interest.

5354. Conservation and enhancement of natural resources and to assist ag
      producers.

5355. Job security through student trainee program.

5356. The job was open in the area I lived in, and I had the
      qualifications, and the benefits and insurance is good.

5357. Enjoy working with the public and agriculture related work.

5358. The job, it\'s my idea job.

5359. the mission is somewhat aligned with my interests

5360. It was a field that I was interested in\...Due to RED TAPE our
      mission is being jepordized because we are tied to a computer and
      not working in the field with the producers!!!

5361. My boss\' boss approached me about the job.

5362. NRCS is the only agency accomplishing conservation on the ground
      in measureable quantities.

5363. Job locataion.

5364. The Soil Conservation Service chose me, I had no other job
      opportunities with the Federal Government.

5365. the mission of the agency and the association with real-time
      agriculture and conservation resouce management

5366. Chance to work in a variety of technical situations with good
      benefits and little regulatory responsibility

5367. I have worked with the BLM and US Forest Service in the past. I
      began when NEPA was in it infancy, my supervisors were constantly
      writing compliance papers and almost never out in the field. I
      knew I did not want to spend my career writing

5368. I was raised in agriculiture and was hungry.

5369. Job became available near my home.

5370. The nature of the work performed on a day to day basis. Both field
      and office time spent in a rural setting. I was educated
      (agriculture/natural resources) to do this kind of work.

5371. SO that I would be able to work with producers

5372. believed in the mission

5373. The opportunity to assist ag producers

5374. Best benefits for my area and enjoy working with farmers and
      ranchers. I like the ability to work both indoors and outdoors.

5375. I was selected off the federal register for a job opening. Even
      though my position is clerical, I was sold on the agency. Our
      family ranch had benefited from technical assistance since THE
      DROUGHT and we have just redone some of those initial practices. I
      like what this agency can and has done!

5376. the belief that the agency does actually put conservation on the
      ground

5377. I am interested in Agriculture

5378. Job security and type of work

5379. Co-0p student in college.

5380. Wanted to work with farming in some way and my college degree
      allowed me to work with NRCS. Also was a SEEP employee.

5381. I had worked with NRCS while farming.

5382. After getting a degree in my field, they were the first to offer a
      job opportunity.

5383. Interested in outdoor work, impressed with government benefits.

5384. job security

5385. It allows me to have a feeling of worth, improving life for
      clients and having a positive impact on the environment.

5386. Better work place. Great people.

5387. The type of work that complemented by education and background.

5388. Was hired as an co-op student.

5389. I have always loved the natural resource field and enjoy the study
      of interactions between people, animals, plants, and the
      environment.

5390. The agency once had a clear vision on the ground conservation
      grass roots but it no longer seems to be that way.

5391. Family tradition.

5392. I like the type of work.Helping people to improve their farms and
      ranches and resources is great.

5393. Presentation at career day.

5394. Interested in agriculture

5395. I enjoy working with clients on their land

5396. working with producer to make their operation more effective

5397. Working with farmers and ranchers

5398. 1974, I needed a job.

5399. I believe in its mission and I have always been an advocate for
      soil and water conservation.

5400. Have been involved in agriculture all my life. Enjoy working with
      farmers and getting conservation on the ground.

5401. I grew up on a dairy farm and knew about USDA programs from a very
      early age. After receiving a degree in conservation science and
      environment, NRCS just seemed to be the

5402. Their the only agency that offered me a position.

5403. Agriculture

5404. Its work with private ranchers and farmers

5405. opportunity to help producers, fair pay and benefits

5406. So that I could remain in state and work in ag related field.

5407. I knew about the agency and what the did

5408. I like the opportunity to have an office job and be able to work
      in the field, I get the best of both worlds.

5409. Mission for Conservation

5410. NRCS gives you the opportunity to conserve and preserve our
      Natural Resources based on the Conservation Practices.

5411. Conveniance

5412. Opportunity to work in the Natural Resources field

5413. Meaningful conservation action program.

5414. Good career choice after 30 yr as prof in higher ed. Allows me to
      work in engineering practice while operating in a

5415. I love working in the Plant Materials Program.

5416. the specific job was attractive

5417. It was the best offer that I had at the time.

5418. College background, atmosphere of advisor/consultant to farmers
      rather than enforcement.

5419. To protect the environment, work outside, work with stewards of
      the land to help them accomplish their goals

5420. I enjoy working with agricultural producers and I believe in
      conservation.

5421. Luck, came in to apply for a temp job advertised in the local
      newspaper. NRCS chose me!

5422. I was interested and motivated in working with private landowners
      to provide them with knowledge of conservation practices that they
      could be using

5423. Was hired by SCS, way back when.

5424. I like the small, tight knit agency and the way I am treated as an
      employee. I also think our mission is very important and there
      must be someone to look out for agriculture since we depend on it
      so highly as a country.

5425. Job availability during a recession in Montana in 1987.

5426. Job opening.

5427. It had my field of interest and education.

5428. Because I like the job.

5429. The only agency or company hiring at the time, had to take a huge
      pay cut to get this job and have had a constant battle to get
      raised in grade. Been taken advantage of because of my skills that
      the state needs.

5430. Needed a job and there was an opening, I did not look for NRCS,
      SCS found me.

5431. Life style of job (75%field, 25%office)

5432. Worked in the Service Center building for Soil and Water
      Conservation District that included assisting NRCS.

5433. The type of work with the agricultural community and its outside
      activities/duties.

5434. I needed a job at the time

5435. Flexible work schedule and satisfying work.

5436. Desire to stay closely associated with agriculture

5437. I was taught to believe the benefits were good.

5438. I enjoyed working with farmers/ranchers when the agency was known
      as the SCS. I understand things change, but I feel we have become
      more political and less technical as time goes on.

5439. Wanted to live and work in a rural setting.

5440. I was working for a Conservation district and needed a little bit
      more job security.

5441. the job is part itme and that fits with my schedule.

5442. Ability to work with the landowners.

5443. NRCS is the best agency to be a soil scientist in

5444. beacuse i want to help farmera and ranchers find solutions to
      enviromental problems.

5445. Wanted to move back to my home county.

5446. The job was available and I did not have one. I am very fortunate
      in life to have been selected for my job.

5447. The opportunity to work in natural resources conservation and in
      the field of my educational specialization.

5448. It was in my field of interest.

5449. I like the mission and goals of the agency

5450. Technical work and a rural location.

5451. location

5452. My interest in conservation and it provided full time employment
      with benefits.

5453. the job itself that was offered, not the agency. Non-competitive
      hiring status with federal govt.

5454. Technical leadership in soil science and more soils positions
      available than other agencies.

5455. I want to work with Ag producers to create a sustainable future
      for the environment and farm/ ranch land.

5456. Like working with people to improve conservation efforts

5457. voluntary nature of our conservation efforts.

5458. I moved here from out of state, and they were the first people
      that offered me a job.

5459. I believe in the mission of NRCS. I appreciate the opportunity to
      work for a non-regulatory agency that provide assistance on
      private lands, to landowners who voluntarily chose to participate
      in our programs. This makes for a very positive working
      environment.

5460. MRCS is voluntary, not regulatory, and people come to us for
      technical assistance. I feel good about having the opportunity to
      educate and to get conservation on the ground. What is becoming
      increasing frustrating to me is, as the workload is increasing and
      our staffing (planners) is decreasing, we are more and more asking
      the producer or landowners to do more and more of the field
      inventory work,and we are to provide assistance based on the
      producers interpretation of their resource concerns and condition
      of their land.

5461. I started with the NRCS as a Career Intern and looked forward to
      the opportunity to receive the

5462. New job opportunity

5463. With a family background and education in agriculture, NRCS was
      the best agency for continuing to work with private landowners.

5464. The ability to work with agricultural producers. Non-regulatory
      roles unlike other Federal agencies.

5465. I want to help improve conservation by working with people who
      volunteer rather than regulating the work that they do.

5466. I really liked the flexible schedule and the fact that I had the
      opportunity to move anywhere in the country I wanted to. That
      isn\'t the case for a lot of people many people with Ag
      backgrounds are somewhat locked into a specific location.

5467. I like to work outdoors and I like the benefits.

5468. Good job at the appropiate time in life.

5469. I chose SCS, not the politically corect NRCS.

5470. It was so long ago, I don\'t remember

5471. I heard the NRCS was a good place to work. I tried it for a summer
      and I loved it.

5472. It was a good fit for my personal and educational background and
      interests.

5473. I enjoyed working in the field helping producers implement
      conservation.

5474. Exactly the type of work I wanted to do on leaving college.

5475. It was an agency that fit the career goals I had when I graduated
      from college.

5476. I love conservation and natural resources. I thought this agency
      would be helpful to the environment, farmers, ranchers, wildlife,
      etc. All I do now is work with contracts.

5477. I like to work with private landowners

5478. I transfered from FSA. They needed someone and i was able to fill
      the role.

5479. Working with agriculture in a positive way with conservation as
      the primary goal

5480. wildlife habitat creation

5481. It followed my course of studies and I found it very intresting
      and potentially rewarding work.

5482. To work outdoors with people on natural resource issues. To help
      conserve soil and related resources.

5483. .My father worked and retired from the agency. He told me he would
      of tried to talk me out of working for the agency after the last 7
      years before his retirement. He didn\'t like the way the agency
      was going. Now I no what he was talking about. By this time I had
      to many years in to quit and it has become a means to and end.

5484. I was the first woman to apply to SCS in my state as a field
      person. It was my first offer. The question should be why did you
      stay with the agency or why are you leaving.

5485. Career opportunity, fun/helpful work, ability to assist producers
      with problem solving.

5486. belief in the value of conservation

5487. I enjoy serving the rural public.

5488. Able to walk to work

5489. Because it is agricultural oriented. I grew up on a farm. Since I
      would not get the farm, I wanted to work in agriculture.

5490. I got an internship with them in college, they offered me more
      benefits than other companies when I graduated. They also offered
      me a job in a place I wanted to work and I had the potential to
      move all over the country and stay with the same outfit.

5491. Enjoy working with farmers and help them to protect their
      resources.

5492. Location

5493. The ability to work and continue my education towards a career.

5494. The Well rounded employees

5495. Fit career desires

5496. The position was what I wanted to do, it was permanent and it was
      someplace I wanted to live.

5497. The ability to be able to help people. I love Field work, and
      working on private property bersus being requlated.

5498. I liked the people and the mission.

5499. Pay and Benefits

5500. I like working with private landowners.

5501. opportunity, life style fit, what I like to do

5502. I wanted to make a decent living while remaining in a rural ag
      setting, which is how I grew up. I wanted to assist farmers and
      ranchers and felt I would be in a good position since I had had
      experience with the NRCS as a farm kid. I felt I could relate to
      the producers side of things, which would help me be a more
      productive worker.

5503. Fresh out of college and needed a job.

5504. The NRCS seemed like a good marriage of science, educational
      outreach, and technical implementation of conservation goals. I
      wanted to work with people that were interested in learning how to
      do things that preserved our natural resources and provided
      innovative ideas that accomplished positive results.

5505. Wanted to work in conservation

5506. Agricultural engineering/technical work environment.

5507. Was looking for a job and could draft (draw).

5508. I personally new the position and the other employees.

5509. I fell into the position - luck

5510. Was offered a permanent full time position in 1978

5511. NRCS offered me a part-time schedule, which I greatly desired. I
      left a full-time, career position, to be with family more. I also
      took a large grade/pay reduction.

5512. To provide technical assistance on private lands. However our core
      role is now changing to contractual assistance on private lands.
      At the field level we need new administrative employees so our
      trained technical staff does not have to spend 50% of their time
      on contracts and payments. This will also help us retain good
      employees.

5513. I wanted to work in the natural resources field, and for a federal
      agency. The NRCS fit with what I wanted.

5514. I wanted to work outside with agriculture and people who are
      involved in managing the land.

5515. When I started it was the best agency and the best place to work
      that I found.

5516. NRCS is the lead agency for what I desired to do for my career.

5517. The stability of the federal government and the opportunity to
      make a difference in a long term range for the land

5518. I was interested in a professional position in agriculture that
      would allow me to take over operation of the family farm

5519. I wanted to work in the natural resource management field.

5520. So I could get back to working with the Agriculture sector

5521. Good pay good retirement benefits and non-regulator agency.

5522. Allowed me to work in my field of study while finishing college.

5523. I applied at a summer camp and was hired, and I didn\'t have any
      other job opportunities. I accepted because NRCS works with my
      schedule better than other jobs made for college students.

5524. Flexible schedule

5525. College instructor was a former SCS employer, suggested I apply
      for a job as an enginner.

5526. To work in natural resource conservation.

5527. Providing technical assistance regarding natural resources to
      people on private lands.

5528. Security

5529. Flexibile working schedule for a working mom

5530. Job duties and benefits.

5531. When I started NRCS was technological leaders in many disciplines
      including engineering, agronomy, range, soils etc. The workforce
      we had in the late 70\'s were really experienced and dedicated
      conservationists, they knew what conservation was about, because
      they were the driving force for changing the face of agriculture
      and resource management across the country. Now most employee\'s
      only know programs and computer software and don\'t know or
      appreciate the amount of thought and understanding went into
      getting the information that goes into the technical references.

5532. I like the type of work i am able to do under the S.T.E.P.
      program. This is the type of work I would like to continue to do.

5533. They said they would be flexible with me finishing my schooling.

5534. Location that I was living and location of the Job. intrest in
      working with the agricultural producers.

5535. Worked as a Graduate Student Intern for the agency. They offered a
      competitive wage after college in my field.

5536. The type of work and the type of client

5537. I had friends in school who knew about SCS and one whose father
      worked for SCS. And I liked what SCS did.

5538. To assist our farming community in preserving the landscape and
      its natural inhabitants.

5539. I belived in the mission, and I enjoyed and respected the NRCS
      employees that I had met

5540. Good pay and hours through College. Can help give real world
      understanding to help me fulfill my career goals.

5541. Interest in the Agriculture field.

5542. Type of work and working with agriculture professions.

5543. To persue vocation in soil science.

5544. Assistin land owners with Natrual Resource desisions

5545. It gave me an opprtunity to practice cultural resource management
      in a rural environment with a strong preservation ethic.

5546. few full time jobs available in my field

5547. Desire to have secure employment and benefits.

5548. The type of work.

5549. They had a job opening commensurate with my abilities at a time
      that I was looking for a job.

5550. They offered me a job

5551. For a federal agency, NRCS in the early 80\'s offered the kind of
      work that suited me, with good benefits, and the kind of creative
      freedom that didn\'t exist with other federal land management
      agencies

5552. Recruited by employee

5553. Interesting work

5554. working outdoors

5555. Work in the natural resource field

5556. I wanted to conserve natural resourses and help farmers.

5557. The challenge of managing a national program and working with a
      broad spectrum of users.

5558. Advice of a friend.

5559. I wanted to stay close to agriculture.

5560. My boss at the Corps of Engineers recommended it (SCS) almost 25
      years ago.

5561. Its mission.

5562. NRCS has the best career path for soil scientists of any of the
      federal agencies.

5563. Work in my degree and

5564. They were hiring for a position that fit my skills and interests
      when I completed college.

5565. Conservation ethic

5566. I was hired in 1974. The primary reason for choosing SCS was the
      opportunity to work outdoors in resource management.

5567. Natural Resource Profession

5568. accidental

5569. Helping farmers and ranchers problem solve.

5570. Working with farmers & ranchers, 50% Desk 50% Outdoor job.

5571. Needed to move on in current job and NRCS had a position that met
      my qualifications.

5572. Born and raised on a ranch and agency allowed me to have regular
      job but maintain my

5573. Good comments from field offices

5574. Job offered(s) satisfaction of doing something of value - not just
      dollar oriented \-- this is/has changed

5575. I was working for another agency and NRCS (SCS then) had an
      opening that I was qualified for that was a promotion.

5576. Location

5577. A job was available when I needed one

5578. The Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program is way

5579. They had the type of job I wanted and the location of the job was
      ideal.

5580. I wanted Federal employment, and they offered me a job.

5581. wanted to be in agriculture, but not on the farm

5582. The mission of conservation and not conversation.

5583. I needed a job and started out as an editor for soil surveys, but
      the reason I stayed was I believed the overall mission of the
      agency was a good one. Since I got a position working in my field
      of expertise (2 years after I was hired), I had a very satisfying
      career in helping to achieve the agencies mission.

5584. Ability to work more directly with agriculture.

5585. Altruistic Mission

5586. My specific job is rewarding.

5587. I liked Agriculture related work and it was avialable at the time
      I was looking for a job

5588. the apparent prestige of a specialty program within NRCS

5589. A job I knew I would love and be proud of everyday.

5590. went with my degree of Ag Eng Technology - gave me a chance to
      work in the office and the field - could see work being done
      on-the-ground

5591. Needed a job to feed family.

5592. The job offered to me matched my education, experience, and career
      goals.

5593. Quality of job, and mission of agency.

5594. I love being outside and planning Natural Resources

5595. natural resource based field work with farmers and ranchers

5596. To work in providing conservation to the land; provide for a
      sustainable natural resource base; to work with people.

5597. SCS chose me!

5598. It was job and was secure when I began\...not necessarily the case
      anymore.

5599. In 1977 it was recognized as a leader in conservation.

5600. Conservation mission; cooperative approach to conservation

5601. Interesting position, good location

5602. Mission, goals, related to a balanced use of our nation\'s natural
      resources. The impact these uses will have on our children. Aldo
      Leopold ethic.

5603. I am soil scientist and the SCS was the place to go back in the
      80\'s

5604. I enjoy working for an agency involved in conservation.

5605. I choose SCS in 1973 becaue of the opportunity to work with soil
      and water conservation in partnership with stewards of the land.

5606. Soil survey opportunity.

5607. To voluntarily work with agricultural producers solving natural
      resource problems.

5608. Protect natural resources, environmental stewardship, technical
      work

5609. Staff reputation very high.

5610. I was looking for a job with the federal government because I felt
      it would offer a more stable environment than I could find in the
      private sector.

5611. Good opportunity in my field of college study

5612. Presented an opportunity for advancement in a town that does not
      have much federal employment.

5613. Location.

5614. Work in soils

5615. Offered a job

5616. The type of work that NRCS performs and I liked the state
      conservationist and his staff when I interviewed.

5617. The job made use of my creative scientific and engineering
      abilities.

5618. Needed work.

5619. My father worked for SCS

5620. The opportunity to work at different federal agency

5621. I liked the mission and felt Federal employment was a good choice.

5622. working with natural resources and the people that manage those
      resources. The ability to get out and do the inventory and assess
      the health of the resources.

5623. Was looking for a job in the area

5624. seems like a good job fit for my skills

5625. The Forest Service was downsizing my position and NRCS had an
      opening.

5626. CHANCE HAPPENING, THEN APPEAL OF THE SPECIFICE PROGRAM

5627. The specific project I\'m working on

5628. Always interested in learning new things and was ready to take
      that next leap into something new.

5629. Potential to have funding behind me to do some good things for
      land, wildlife and plant conservation.

5630. they offered me a job.

5631. I was a contract employee. When I was asked if I was interested in
      being a federal employee, I was very excited, because of job
      security and my future retirement. Besides, I really liked my
      co-workers in NRCS and really like the job.

5632. When I hire on with SCS, they were the only agency or private
      employer that were hiring natural resource or agricultural trained
      college students.

5633. Great benefits and I can work in agriculture.

5634. Needed a job.

5635. Jobs were tight and there was no other choice

5636. I like agriculture, and NRCS gives me an opportunity to be
      involved in agriculture, but since I have been with the agency, I
      more fully understand the need for conservation.

5637. I am a temp at this time but because of many of the reasons stated
      in last question I am having a hard time getting a full time job.

5638. opertunity at the time

5639. Location and pay.

5640. Good fit with my skills

5641. I thought I would be working on restoration projects I have an
      interest in and abilties to contribute.

5642. The location of my current job.

5643. I am interested in a competeive, challenging carreer in the
      conservation field.

5644. The impact/satisfaction of work that makes a difference.

5645. It was an opening close to my home and I had heard good things
      about the people in the office.

5646. Because I have a strong belief in what they stand for and the
      service they provide, if only I could spend more time on that part
      of the job.

5647. Job description and pay scale

5648. Work with people in improving Natural Resources.

5649. job flexibility and nature of work

5650. Offices are located in rural areas\--life style choice. This
      trumps, by far, the appeal of job related duties (in comparison
      with similar duties/career track options in other agencies)

5651. As a soil scientist it is the best agency to learn how to be an
      effective soil scientist. You really learn how to use a soil
      survey manuscript and what the different interps within the
      manuscript mean. You don\'t get the same training with the Forest
      Service and BLM, as you do as a soil mapper with the NRCS

5652. I love to help people help the land. However I am tired of
      trianing temp. employees, student interns, career interns and then
      have them leave me and another new

5653. I thought it would be the next best thing to being a
      farmer/rancher. I was raised on a farm and I love the people and I
      wanted to serve those people and make their jobs easier.

5654. I have a temporary, full-time job. I wanted to get back into the
      government - I have 7 years prior experience.

5655. I was a student and grew to love the job.

5656. Type of work

5657. It is the only place I can work to help farmers rather than sell
      them things.

5658. Life style and job security

5659. Desire to work in Natural Resource field and it appeared that the
      agency philosophy at the time was the best fit to my own.

5660. Ability to use skills learned in college and location of first
      duty station.

5661. The NRCS is an agency that works directly with the largest
      landowners to help improve the quality of the environment, and
      also improve the bottom line of those agri-producers.

5662. Did not know anything about the agency. Needed a job and a friend
      in a sister agency said there was an opening and I applied for it.

5663. snow survey

5664. Out door work and live in rual area

5665. I ranked high on the list and the job was available.

5666. To work in an agricultural field.

5667. Good job and benefits, with a good goal

5668. Field work. I like working in the field with farmers and ranchers.

5669. Conservation Ethic

5670. Security

5671. I could contrbute to a resourse and community that needed
      attention.

5672. Being able to work with farmers and ranchers on resource related
      issues.

5673. Came from a farm/ranch background. It was one of the better jobs
      in the area I was living at the time. Dad was on the SCD board and
      encouraged me to apply.

5674. RC&D program is appealing as a grassroots program,

5675. I was able to work part-time in the RC&D program, continue to
      develop my professional skills, while staying at home with my
      children part-time.

5676. The job offerred better pay and hours than the job that I was
      doing for the previous 15 years. I needed the change.

5677. It was the best opportunity t work in my major field of study

5678. A good job using my degrees and schooling with such benefits as to
      support my family and have insurance, I love the people and
      projects we work on.

5679. I liked the concept of doing positive things every day that helped
      the environment and supported agriculture.

5680. I wanted to work with ranchers more closesly and wanted the
      feeling of accomplishment when practices were installed

5681. I wanted a Federal job, that I knew I could do the job. I felt
      working for the government, I would have an opportunity to even
      excel.

5682. Work with conservation without the private industry motivators.

5683. helping people\'s lifes improve on the land with the land

5684. like agricultural work

5685. couldn\'t get on with Forest Service

5686. I wanted to work in a field that worked to benefit the
      environment.

5687. Benefits-Vacation

5688. Like this type work

5689. Agency with an opening at time I was looking

5690. Desire to work with producers, rather than another management
      agency which merely limits use of public lands.

5691. Interest in conservation in agriculture

5692. It was a job at the time but it has been the work that has kept me
      on.

5693. experience and pay

5694. Agriculture background.

5695. government benefits

      1.  they offered me a job. 2) I had heard about he agency while in
          high school and college. 3) the worked with landusers and
          tried to make a difference in the world.

5696. Working with private landowners and communities to improve their
      natural resources and quality of life

5697. working hours

5698. stability

5699. Agency\'s positive attitude toward employee development

5700. I had a good experience while doing an internship with NRCS.

5701. job location

5702. Job availability that reflected my background

5703. I like the work they do, and I want to give back to the Agency
      because they provided me with a great internship.

5704. I wanted to work with agriculture

5705. Back when I started, it was lots of field work and face time with
      land owners, working on their resource problems.

5706. Benefits.

5707. Back when I learned of the agency they were the premier USDA
      employer. Other agencies wanted our employees because of their
      training, abilities and dedication. I wanted to be a part of the
      legacy. We still have dedicated employees, but the training and
      skills have not been able to keep up with the increasing
      complexity of the job.

5708. Believed in its mission (that was 1979!); loved working outdoors
      and with the public getting real practices established and
      installed through a non-regulatory agency.

5709. conservation

5710. I was in the Student Career Experience Program.

5711. I like working outside and not being tied to a desk.

5712. It offered an oportunity to work with natural resources and
      landowners in rurual areas, without requiring the advanced degrees
      necessary for most of the natural resources positions available in
      other federal agencies.

5713. Loked working outdoors

5714. I happened upon it through the SCEP program in college.

5715. to be on the ground with landowners and operators applying varying
      conservation measures

5716. termperary position open to test the job.

5717. I wanted to work in natural resources and with people.

5718. stability, voluntary assistance, customer service

5719. First agency to offer me a job opportunity.

5720. I am from a family that has always worked for the federal
      government and I wanted a job that put me outside, not in an
      office.

5721. Because it best related to the degree I recieved in college

5722. Field Work driven

5723. I was recruited by an AC who saw my work with Forest Service.

5724. Working with private landowners to actually get conservation on
      the ground

5725. Opportunity to relocat

5726. work that I like to do conservation practices on the ground

5727. I beleived in the mission of NRCS, and liked the type of work.

5728. believed in the mission, liked the resources avaiable

5729. P0sitive, technical thrust rather than enforcemant, legal or
      administrative.

5730. I chose this position because it was in the same area, better pay,
      and a little bit better job security.

5731. Conservation-minded agency addresses multitude of resource
      concerns, is secure as an employer, and has relatively good
      benefits

5732. To work in the field of rangeland management.

5733. It offered me a chance to work in natural resources.

5734. Came on as a intern

5735. type of work

5736. Opportunity to experience agriculuture in a part of the US I have
      limited knowledge of. Additionally, I thought I was hired to do
      what my job title explained. Far from the reality, heavy
      contracting and computer clicking.

5737. working with land owners to do something good for the enviroment,
      and I grew up farming.

5738. The work is interesting and challenging. Plus, I can feel good
      about the end results\--healthier environment. The pay was
      adequate and the benefits are reasonable.

5739. Too long ago to remember.

5740. Having grown up on a farm and loving it. I wanted to work at a job
      that related to agriculture.

5741. i enjoy the work and believe in conservation and working to assist
      agricultural producers.

5742. interest in agriculture, conservation and the fact i canmove to
      other states and work,

5743. I used to be an agency that worked to get things done.

5744. Good opportunity to stay in the state where I lived and I had
      worked as a student trainee and enjoyed the job and people I had
      worked with.

5745. Type of work and mission

5746. Secure salary & noble cause.

5747. non-regulatory agency working

5748. The mission.

5749. I enjoyed the type of work, I had previously worked for FSA, USFS
      so was familar with the work

5750. None regulatory agency, in line with the type of work I like to
      do.

5751. assisting ranchers with developing their outfits and help them
      stay in business.

5752. We are non regulatory so landowners are willing to work with us
      and to get conservation on the ground.

5753. As an NRCS employee, I will make a positive impact to the world.

5754. Closer to home

5755. Diversified work responsibilities within agriculture; indoor and
      field; technical and personal.

5756. I strongly believe in the conservation of soil and related
      resources.

5757. I wanted a position that involved natural sciences and the
      outdoors.

5758. to work with local producers to put conservation on the ground.

5759. Working with natural resources for farmers and ranchers.

5760. to do soil survey

5761. One of few agencies that hired my profession.

5762. Liked the job duties.

5763. It was avaible at the time

5764. Job satisfaction and the opportunity to still work in the field.

5765. To continue working in Agriculture after being a farmer.

5766. Opportunity to work in environmental field and \'give back\' to
      community

5767. NRCS funded my gradate research, came on as an intern

5768. job location

5769. filed work

5770. Dual career and conservation

5771. Had the opportunity to work in several different fields of
      interest (forestry, agriculture, dairies) & came on board with the
      Student Trainee Program Junior year of college.

5772. Enjoy working with co-operators and helping the environment.

5773. Work Stability & benefits

5774. conservation-related work

5775. I was excited about the mission and work the agency does.

5776. NRCS is the home of the National Cooperative Soil Survey which I
      like, so there really is not many other places!

5777. Work in a rural location

5778. Closer to my home. Smaller agency.

5779. college professor recomendation

5780. I worked for the USN for about 12 years, switched to the USAF for
      another 8 years and decided to go with someone other than DOD. I
      am a contracting officer.

5781. Promotion and perceived job stability over DOD where I had been
      employed

5782. NRCS is the leader in soil mapping and sets the standard for the
      nation. I wanted to have the experiance that comes from working
      with a leader.

5783. NRCS (SCS) was hiring when I graduated from college. No one else
      was hiring at that time.

5784. Interst in Natural Resouce Conservation

5785. Idnetification with the mission. I started not long after the
      first Earth Day. SCS/NRCS has given me the opportunity to work for
      an agency that makes a difference on the landscape and
      environment. I can drive across the country observing things the
      agency has participated in and know that as an administrative
      staff member I have been a part of the accomplishments on the
      ground.

5786. Work directly with Soil Science.

5787. Good benefits. Flexible hours. Great mission.

5788. Only federal job at the grade I needed available in the area at
      the time.

5789. Excellent agency that accomplished alot of conservation on the
      ground.

5790. As a soil scientist, NRCS is the best place to hone soil survey
      skills.

5791. Field work opportunities with farmers and ranchers

5792. The challenge and the variety of task opportunities to apply my
      kSA set.

5793. I needed a job

5794. Good pay and potential for benefits.

5795. Because it was a federal agency which had an opening that fit my
      work experience.

5796. security of job

5797. Job type

5798. BACK THEN I BELIEVED IN OUR TECHNICAL REPUTATION

5799. The opportunity to work with people and to work towards a
      retirement.

5800. I like working outdoors and conserving our natural resources.

5801. It gave me an offer I couldn\'t refuse.

5802. The work performed by NRCS should promote resource conservation
      not resource exploitation found in most for porfit organization.

5803. to work with natural resources

5804. Student Trainee opportunity during college

5805. Direct assistance to the customer

5806. It was the largest federal agency in my area and the possibility
      for promotions were higher.

5807. I was unemployed and needed a job.

5808. random luck but glad I did

5809. I believe in conservation and want to help better the environment.

5810. Stable job

5811. I have been involved with environmental issues and research since
      1980 when I acquired my BS degree. After serving in the Peace
      Corps and working overseas with agriculture and watershed
      management, I had acquired field expertise in
      natural-resource-related engineering. I found no other work that
      was meaningful and gave relatively adequate compensation.

5812. I believe in the Agency Mission

5813. Opportunity to use my college degree, rural work environment,
      opportunities to move, promotion potential, lack of

5814. Being able to have a positive working relationship with
      Agricultural landowners and assiting them with issues they may
      face

5815. Though I hadn\'t heard of it, I like the complexity and diversity
      of natural resources. give the right supervision, you\'re always
      learning.

5816. I like to work with people & enjoy them. NRCS has a lot of
      challenges.

5817. Was promised professional advancement which did not occur, now
      value what I\'m able to accomplish for environment

5818. Offered a stable job in the town I was living in, so did not need
      to move to find a new job. Pay and benefits were acceptable.

5819. The benefits and potential for doing engineering work under the
      supervision of a P.E.

5820. Wanted to work with farmers in the natural resource industry.

5821. Health and retirement benefits, good pay, good hours.

5822. I wanted to work with farmers, food production and conservation of
      natural resources. I didn\'t know it would turn into mostly
      writing contracts and not be on the ground application.

5823. I feel that the NRCS offers the best method for increasing the
      conservation of natural resources.

5824. Permanent job, health benefits, soil conservation minded.

5825. The voluntary cooperative process of achieving land stewardship on
      private lands. The local autonomy of Field Staffs.

5826. I believe in the cause.

5827. Specialized positions

5828. It is a non-regulatory agency.

5829. The

5830. Promotion opportunities

5831. Was approached by a DC and encouraged to apply.

5832. Have an impact on preservation of Natural Resources.

5833. I knew someone who worked for SCS and heard about a job

5834. I thought I could make a difference. I hoped that this job would
      be the best of both worlds, field work and continued learning.

5835. I needed a job at the time. I grew to love the work and the
      results of my efforts, when we were still focused on conservation.

5836. I liked working in natural resource management.

5837. They offered me the first full time job.

5838. opportunity to engage in a diversity of resource issues

5839. Stability of a public service career involving conservation of
      natural resources.

5840. I believe in the agency mission and want to play a role in
      promoting the conservation ethic within my sphere of influence.

5841. Oppurtunity to work in my home town.

5842. Less stress in the line of work, and the work used my current
      skill set, and the NRCS could pay me accordingly.

5843. Work outdoors helping people.

5844. Opportunity to work with agricultural producers.

5845. A NRCS office was located in the building with my previous agency.
      It afforded me a promotion.

5846. I like the work, and working with producers.

5847. A great place to start my career. I do not know if I will finish
      my career with them.

5848. Years ago we mentored, nurished and brougt our employees on and
      developed them as profesionals. Today there are to few staff left
      to take the time to do this. It use to feel like a family.

5849. I was applying for several positions fresh out of college and NRCS
      was the first offer. I was very concerned about the starting pay
      and made a pact with myself that if I could not go up the ladder I
      was out. I did and I am thankful for all that NRCS has done for
      me. I still feel I fell in to a good thing. It is just that we are
      having some problems right now.

5850. Diversity of work opportunities within the agency and a sense of
      value for the mission

5851. Because of the Agency Mission and the fact that we work with the
      landowners on a voluntary basis. They appreciate our help and are
      a pleasure to work with.

5852. Providing technical assistance to landowners. The reputation of
      the agency.

5853. I had a strong desire to work with and in natural resources.

5854. Agency does what i love to do.

5855. Interesting job description.

5856. Fit well with education

5857. I had worked with agency employees before. I liked their
      cooperative attitude.

5858. They were there when I needed a job and the job was within my
      field of expertise.

5859. An opportunity to improve wildlife habitat on private land.

5860. I chose NRCS to get involved with something I enjoy while
      providing an income for my family.

5861. Job opening available.

5862. seemed interesting

5863. Conservation projects on the ground, especially RC&D.

5864. More time with Family and I was suppose to do similar ag
      consulting as I did in the private sector.

5865. I do love my job. I do care very much about how we use and treat
      our land.

5866. Provides a good mix of technical responsibilities.

5867. Outdoor work helping the natural resources

5868. The ability to work with farmers and ranchers in the field.

5869. I like the mission of the agency and enjoy the satisfaction
      received in getting conservation on the ground. I also enjoy being
      able to help people with technical issues.

5870. Use my skills for the betterment of Natural Resources

5871. It allowed me to continue to live in my home town. It allowed me
      to more closely do what I wanted for a living. I grew up on a farm
      and my retired father found it a source of pride that his
      offspring chose to work for an agriculture-related employer. Pay,
      benefits, and working conditions are not as good as the private
      sector but my spouse\'s job helps compensate for some of that.

5872. Opportunity to work within a field not only that is interesting
      and relevant, but also is pertainent to my farming operation

5873. I wanted to work on soil survey projects as a soil scientist.

5874. I am a clerical worker who found out of the job through a friend.
      I had worked for the government for ten years and wanted to stay
      with the government.

5875. Timing and opportunity. I needed a job, the job was offered, I
      took it!

5876. Opportunity to add to job skills, job stability, health benefits,
      retirement

5877. Non-regulatory agency thus able to work with clients in a
      cooperative/voluntary environment.

5878. Exciting career assisting dedicated land stewards, professional
      career enhancement, positive feedback from my supervisor, the
      agencies mission is mine

5879. I am a SCEP student, and the primary reason I chose the NRCS was
      that it was the only business that would help me get into the
      workforce once I graduated at a payscale that is equitable.

5880. I believe in the mission of the agency.

5881. Work with landowners to install conservation on their properties

5882. My position with NRCS allows me to live in the town I want. There
      are not many other comprable employment opportunities here
      (natural resource work, security, etc)

5883. An employment opportunity within my local commuting area,
      rewarding work and dealing with people of my same lifestyle.

5884. Offer of a career in natural resources.

5885. The historical foundation of resource concerns for our country is
      my greatest passion and reason and to instal resource concerns for
      sustained agriculture into the future.

5886. I believe the enviroment is a precious resource and needs to be
      protected.

5887. I was interested in a career in extension. I want to help provide
      growers with answers to their technical questions. University
      extension programs are under tight budgets and not competative on
      pay scales. NRCS was a better fit to start my career.

5888. When I started in the late 1970\'s there was a lot of field work
      and interaction with producers unrelated to program activities.

5889. Interest in the work

5890. I worked for a conservation district previously.

5891. Stabile job.

5892. I like working in Conservation Work and worked for the RCD for 5
      years before NRCS.

5893. I was ready for a change and see what this agency was all about. I
      think the agency as a whole does great things, but it is an
      unknown agency for most of the public. We really need to do more
      media outreach, tell our stories, etc., not just signs on our
      trucks\...that means nothing.

5894. Nature of work

5895. Interest in the work and potential for career.

5896. Job security, Mission goal

5897. Temp job converted to full time

5898. I would be assisting people with their resource issues on their
      private property (as opposed to public lands) on a voluntary
      basis.

5899. NRCS owns international leadership in soils.

5900. The real field work.

5901. Security of the job.

5902. Belief in the RC&D program and what it can do in our rural
      communities.

5903. to help people in the farm and rural environment

5904. I get to work with the ag community.

5905. I was excited about the research SCS was doing at the time, and
      being surrounded by the diciplines conducting the research.

5906. career in natural resource management

5907. I choose SCS and did so because I believe in the mission of the
      agency and support keeping agriculture alive and well in the USA

5908. Security,location and working outdoors.

5909. Conservation is a good cause and I have interest in technology.

5910. At the time I was hired, the position that I am in fit well with
      my knowledge and skills, and was located in my home county.

5911. I enjoyed the internship experience I had in college and decided
      to return to the agency.

5912. I have several reasons for choosing NRCS as my employer. First, I
      prefer to work outside in the environment with landowners and
      managers who are the primary decision makers. NRCS is a respected
      federal agency who are NOT on the regulatory side of business.
      NRCS has shown it is a CAN DO agency that at one time had more
      employees

5913. The work is sound and responsible, related to my education
      non-regulatory and relatively low stress.

5914. I initially mapped soil with NRCS and we are the preeminant
      authority on the matter.

5915. Type of work

5916. primary mission / location

5917. More secure than the private sector and don\'t have to deal with
      the red tape that most of the private sector has.

5918. job stability

5919. benefits

5920. Job security and good pay.

5921. The type of work fit my advanced degrees and personal interest.
      The pay was well below the private sectors for similar work.

5922. Good working environment.

5923. My father was a range con for 30 years, though he was frustrated
      at times, the agency took care of him. I liked the job security
      and the opportunity for advancement and placement around the U.S.
      I also like the fact that this job is an inside/outside job, and
      that I am getting a chance to help our ag. producers become better
      stewards of the land. Any time agriculture can shine, it make it
      worth it.

5924. Field orientated job that benefits conservation on the ground.

5925. Job security

5926. Fringe benefits and job security not subject to local politics.
      Back in 1981 this was the only agency willing to hire me as a
      white male class enemy, so I was happy to take it.

5927. First Job out of College. Referred by dean of undergraduate
      studies as a solid technical agency.

5928. Type of field work and secure long range benefits

5929. Interest in conservation work.

5930. resource agency with best reputation for supporting landowners,
      non-regulatory

5931. The type of work and securiry of Federal service.

5932. I believed in the mission and liked the people in the agency

5933. Student trainee program.

5934. I wanted to work for the agency that

5935. The opportunity to work with farmers and ranchers.

5936. It was a chance meeting with a recruiter.

5937. being at the right place at the right time; the idea of
      conservation is important to me.

5938. It had (in CA at least) a strong watershed program at the time. I
      came from the Bureau of reclamation after a RIF as a civil
      engineering tech., with experience in construction, surveying, and
      design.

5939. the job description was just was I wanted to do as a soil
      scientist

5940. The job description. I wanted to work outdoors in an
      agriculturally related field, with no(or minimal) regulatory role.

5941. I wanted to work for a non-requlartory environmental federal
      agency with secure benefits and where I could practice and expand
      my natural resource mgt knowledge and experience.

5942. Wanted to work for a federal agency that is doing something
      worthwhile and that is not regulatory.

5943. NRCS is non-regulatory.

5944. As a Range Management Major in College I wanted to work in a
      technical setting that allowed me to work in the field to
      accomplish conservation activities. NRCS was a good fit for the
      type of work I wanted to do with private landowners.

5945. advance

5946. NRCS was the first to offer me a job.

5947. required job skills fit with my life experience

5948. Local employment.

5949. Not many options in agriculture in this area

5950. I have a Natural Resource and Agricultural Production background
      and was looking to continue in that field while obtaining a just
      wage and retirement

5951. needed a job

5952. Agriculture

5953. I want to help other people in their conservation efforts and feel
      good about the work I\'m doing

5954. Working in conservation to matches my college major.

5955. Being hired by NRCS was an opportunity to work outdoors in an
      agricultural field and be employed by the Federal Government.

5956. Agency\'s effort on conservation issues

5957. They offered me a job.

5958. Partnership with local Districts for public service to improve
      health and management of natural resources.

5959. Frankly, it was a Federal agency within commuting that needed the
      skills and knowledge that I possess.

5960. was very drawn to misssion and description of work and life inside
      the agency- it was all very nicely promoted. also, in the end, it
      is wrothwhile and we do make a difference.

5961. Location

5962. assisting clients

5963. I kind of fell into it from working with the Resource Conservation
      District.

5964. Career growth potential

5965. I wanted to work in the Agricultural field.

5966. I NEEDED A JOB, IT TURNED OUT TO BE A GREAT JOB.

5967. Job satisfaction, career stability.

5968. I wanted to work in the field of natural resources for a
      non-regulatory organization.

5969. I\'ve been with USDA since 1987, prior to NRCS I worked for FSA. I
      thought what a great organiztion to work for, that you can get out
      and work with producers(clients) outside, and not be stuck in
      side. I like the creativity of brain storming with co-workers and
      getting outside to get the job done. I love watching a project go
      from creative idea to start to the accomplishment. I transfered
      over in 2000.

5970. Because I like working with the farmers, and I love the outdoors.

5971. They offered me a job.

5972. To promote wise use of natural resources as a life long goal.

5973. proactive conservation

5974. Going through college I always envisioned myself as a technical
      agronomist (I have an MS in agronomy), working with farmers to
      help them improve their farming practices in an environmentally
      sustainable way, while maintaining economic yields. I thought NRCS
      would be the ideal place for me to fulfill that career aspiration.

5975. I had a degree in agronomy and wanted to help farmers conserve
      those resources on their land.

5976. I needed a change. I could see that the agency got me back or
      closer to what I like and the lifestyle I like to be around that
      is working with ranches and farmers. Also coming from a ranching
      back ground and knowing where we went wrong and being able to use
      that in helping others. I also liked the family friendly lifestyle
      I seen the agency offered.

5977. To work in my field of expertise

5978. To work in the engineering field and the retirement..

5979. Benifits and the flexible work schedule that allowed me to
      continue with in ag related field

5980. The security of the job

5981. Enjoy helping people and love agriculture.

5982. The position is the reason I chose NRCS, but I also like what we
      are doing to conserve our natural resources, it makes me feel good
      everyday I come to work that we are providing resources to make
      good things happen to our environment.

5983. My Grandpa got me the job.

5984. breadth of job duties(possibilities)in the RC&D program allows for
      high level of project success and personal satisfaction, as well
      as visible gains in local communities.

5985. They offered me a full time permanent job.

5986. The NRCS has a better reputation with the public and employees
      than the USFS or the BLM.

5987. My personal interest and committment to natural resource
      conservation and opportunities for public involvement.

5988. internship arranged by Thesis advisor

5989. I love working with the farmers

5990. Location

5991. To help people put conservation on the land

5992. To have the opportunity to deploy conservation initiatives on
      private agricultural lands.

5993. Job opportunity as a student trainee.

5994. Oppurtunity to work for the NRCS as an intern

5995. They offered me a job out of college in a career where I could
      utilize my degree. I felt that I could make a difference helping
      people conserve their natural resources, that feeling is changing
      quickly

5996. Because the State Conservationist took a personal interest and
      recruited me uh hum stole me from another agency.

5997. The oppertunity to work with the land owners and to get
      conservation on the ground. I felt and feel that the NRCS goes
      beyond the call to assist land owners and to conserve our
      resources. I am very proud to be a small part to of this agency.

5998. The agency meet my passion for conservation.

5999. Initially, the primary reason was to work on the land with people
      to solve natural resources related problems. Today we spend the
      majority of our time in the office staring at a a computer
      screen - you can be a conservationist from your desk.

6000. only job available in small town at the time

6001. It was a job intially. It developed into an obsession - very
      satisifying work, the right mix of office/field work. But that was
      when we had an adequate staff - now if we loose a staff person, we
      are told to \'buck it up\', and \'fairure is not an option\'.
      Where did these quotes come from? We are expected to complete
      whatever workload is thrown our way, with no consideration as to
      how many staff hours or years are actually needed to complete the
      job correctly. We cannot complete the job at hand without
      shortcutting the Design Standards and NRCS Engineering Policy.

6002. variety of work

6003. I come from an agricultural background and I felt that I would
      enjoy working for the NRCS and the public

6004. To work in the field of natural resources.

6005. Location

6006. to help with the proper use of natural resources

6007. Location.

6008. Pay and type of work

6009. I think the overall mission of NRCS is good

6010. I had an internship and liked what the agency has to offer.

6011. Good job in a great area

6012. To give me an opportunity to work in the Federal Government, but
      not necessarily with NRCS.

6013. In college NRCS was known for being on the leading edge of
      technology with producers with less red tape than other agencies.

6014. Working with Ag producers who are the lifeblood of this country.

6015. Worked for fed. gov\'t but at request of individuals we serve.

6016. NRCS gave me a chance as a SCEP

6017. Needed a job. Federal pay was better than state.

6018. They chose me

6019. I came from private industry I thought if would be chalenging and
      rewarding to do the work described

6020. Viet Nam - so I would have a job to comeback to in my home state.
      Now reason, I\'m invited by a producer to give assistance and can
      be told to leave.

6021. i have always liked working in the field with producers and with
      the land and veg so it was a really good fit for me.

6022. They offered a permanent full-time professional series.

6023. Grass Roots type of agency, grew up on a farm and ranch which
      utilized the SCS on a regular basis, felt it was what was best for
      me.

6024. The ability to give technical ecological assistance to private
      landowners.

6025. I enjoyed working on conservation projects on a voluntary basis
      with producers.

6026. I thought I was going to get to help farmers and ranchers.

6027. At the time I was employed, I wanted to be involved in the
      resource conservation field and the SCS was the leading agency in
      the field and the mission, goals and employees were the elite
      class.

6028. The opportunity to work with different types of farmers and
      ranchers.

6029. I wanted to work for the government.

6030. Job requirements matched my ksa\'s in ag

6031. At the time I was hired, over 25 years ago, pay and benefits were
      way better than I could get in private sector. Stayed on because I
      really believe in and like what I do.

6032. As government agencies are concerned NRCS has the best reputation
      among private landowners. Although the pay may not be as good as
      the private sector, benefits and retirement are better.

6033. I wanted to work with soils and I think NRCS is the leader on
      providing soils information in the country.

6034. I was a former district employee, and I wanted to work for NRCS.

6035. To work with agriculture producers by providing technical
      assistance and being able to work with private agriculture
      operations.

6036. Gave me the opportunity to work outdoors, talk with people,
      teach/learn from people, travel, good benefits, and a steady job
      that I can enjoy.

6037. I liked the scope of work that I would be doing.

6038. looking for a job

6039. They offered me a co-op position before US Fish and Wildlife
      responded.

6040. satisfied with the work environment.

6041. Wanted to help further the mission of obtaining data. Good repport
      within the university I attended.

6042. Soil Survey

6043. The only agency that was looking for Soil Scientists at the time.

6044. I wanted to work in natural resources, and this was the first
      employer to call me back.

6045. Was my plan B.

6046. NRCS is one of the better fdereal agencies to establish a career.

6047. I like the mission and the people we serve.

6048. Best offer at the time.

6049. Due to my intrest in agriculture.

6050. Natural resource management

6051. Provided an opportunity to do the type work I like to do

6052. It was the only Job offered to me upon graduation.

6053. Work and benifits

6054. Needed a job

6055. My father has had a rewarding career in the NRCS (SCS)

6056. Working in field of choice.

6057. I feel passionate about the mission and vision and I enjoy working
      with agricultural producers

6058. I had been introduced to SCS through a conservation corp program
      in high school. The people enjoyed their job and it showed through
      their willingness to teach a bunch of high school kids off the
      clock. When I graduated from college, I had a choice of Corp of
      Engineers and SCS at the same time. I chose SCS because of the
      work hours.

6059. availble work

6060. Indoor and Outdoor Job with benefits

6061. family

6062. The nature of the job - working out in the field a lot, etc.

6063. I like the work that the agency was doing.

6064. Interest in Agriculture.

6065. I enjoy working with landowners/operators to improve and conserve
      thier natural resources.

6066. The actual service we provided at the time-working WITH and
      HELPING producers. The pay and benefits helped.

6067. Enjoyed the type of work associated with it.

6068. Outdoor work and personal interest in protecting agriculture.

6069. I knew the mission and was devoted to it. I still am but it is sad
      to see applicants being interviewed that do not even know what our
      agency does.

6070. NRCS allows me to do the type of work I enjoy and to be a part of
      the agricultural community.

6071. Just got lucky after attending Jr. College. Decided a federal job
      in agriculture would make a good carreer.

6072. I was raised on a farm and worked as a trainee and enjoyed the
      work so I chose a career with the SCS because I also believed in
      continuing conservation.

6073. Pension & job security.

6074. needed a job

6075. I was qualified to work for this agency.

6076. job security and federal benefits

6077. Good agency reputation

6078. Mission of the agency was something that I was interested in.

6079. Employment stability., Liked the work.

6080. When I started, I believed that SCS/NRCS was a real expert in the
      field of soil conservation, sadly it seems we have lost our
      leadership place.

6081. interested in type of work

6082. I chose to work for the NRCS for the type of work I would be
      doing, and the pay and benifits are competitive.

6083. The ability to offer a free service back to the public that
      benefits them and the resources we depend upon. Getting something
      back for the taxes we pay\....

6084. stability and retirement

6085. Needed job that had good benefits and security.

6086. Working with farmers and ranchers was what I wanted to do. Now all
      we do is service cost share programs and the computer.

6087. Opportunity

6088. Stability

6089. I thought the job would be enjoyable. I enjoy working outside and
      with people involved in agriculture.

6090. My background in agriculture.

6091. My father\'s farming involvement with SCS

6092. None

6093. Stability.

6094. Good job with good benifits

6095. I completed two internships with the agency before being hired
      permanently and felt that it was an agency, that showed at the
      time, a lot of concern for its employees. When you weigh this type
      of quality versus optimum pay, most of the time, true concern will
      win.

6096. Money

6097. Working with ranchers and farmers to protect the land

6098. The opportunity for long-term work as an engineer designing
      conservation practices.

6099. The agency was a agricultuaal based agency that worked o the land
      with it clientele. Now we push papers and programs instad of being
      on the land working side by side.

6100. I like working with agriculture.

6101. enjoy working with people in the field

6102. Raised around agriculture and it has been a source of income for
      my family and I.

6103. Liked the idea of working out-of-doors with landusers.

6104. Seemed a natural extension for someone who comes from a family
      where agriculture was the primary source of income.

6105. The type of work and the Pay.

6106. I really like the technical end of the job and working with rural
      folks.

6107. I liked agriculture and working with people

6108. Conservation minded since living on and working on the farm/ranch.

6109. I wanted to work out in the country with farmers and ranchers.

6110. Reliable employment and job satisfaction.

6111. I like working with farmers and ranchers.

6112. With only a bachelor\'s degree, the salary is great.

6113. Government benefits and retiremnet

6114. I grew up on a farm and I like to be out in the country.

6115. Stability

6116. Job satisfaction

6117. Enjoy on the ground conservation.

6118. the job had more interaction with people than my other job.

6119. Best job offer available at the time

6120. Was closely related to my college degree, and offered good pay,
      benefits, vacation, retirement.

6121. I truely believe it is important to conserve natural resources. I
      believe NRCS works toward that goal.

6122. General job security.

6123. For me, it was conversion from State employment doing basically
      the same work with much less travel and nights away from home.

6124. As a student trainee, I grew to love the potential of the job and
      the varied/rewarding work.

6125. Interest in agriculture.

6126. So that I could relocate back to my home state.

6127. I was very enthusiastic about conservation in general and wanted
      an outdoor job.

6128. Like to work with farmers and ranchers

6129. I ENJOYED WORKING ONE ON ONE WITH THE PRODUCER. I FELT PROUD WHEN
      A PROJECT THAT I HELPED DESIGN AND INSTALL WAS STILL WORKING YEARS
      LATER.

6130. I enjoy working with farmers and ranchers and the health benefits.

6131. If seemed like an exciting job at the time.

6132. Here around permin basin the oil field pays good so the NRCS
      competiveness is below theirs.

6133. Enjoy the type of work do and people work with.

6134. Type of work

6135. working with landusers on their problems

6136. When I came to work in 1983, this was a professional organization
      from the clerks to the state conservationist. It was the best
      agency in all of USDA.

6137. Interest in agricultue, possibility of working in an office near
      desired place of residence, desire to improve agency, and work
      with agricultural producers.

6138. I am friends with Employees that encouraged me to look at the
      agency upon college graduation.

6139. benefits and pay

6140. m

6141. Interest in resource mgmt/imprmt and the security of a government
      job

6142. I was an Ag major and was a student trainee with the SCS.

6143. It was the first orgainization to offer me a job when I got out of
      college.

6144. Worked as a summer intern and offered employment when I graduated

6145. Job duties and benefits.

6146. worked with district first

6147. needed a job

6148. mainly the cause, also the benefits and time off

6149. It was the type of work I wanted to do. I turned down a better
      paying job right after graduating from college.

6150. I enjoyed working with farmer & ranchers.

6151. I wanted a career with a future, Close to home, with benifits.

6152. To be able to study and apply range science.

6153. I enjoy the line of work and think this job offers a good benefits
      package.

6154. It was a chosen profession as indicated by college degree.

6155. Nrcs was closest to what I was trained to do in my college major.

6156. Working with farmers and ranchers to help them help themselves.

6157. I was not sure where i could go with the degree I received.

6158. Benefits, type of work

6159. Wanted to become skilled in planning in all resources and broaden
      my ability in working with different land managers.

6160. Interested in agriculture and natural resources.

6161. I wanted a job in agriculture and this job allows me to help
      people and the land.

6162. good training and pay

6163. i like the stability

6164. I was able to continue in agriculture at a wage better than
      farming and yet have the benefits of an office/field atmosphere.
      At the time it was also the only hiring entity.

6165. I enjoy the work I\'m doing!

6166. job security

6167. To work in my degree field.

6168. federal job and I passed the civil service test with good results

6169. my background

6170. I wanted to help agricultural producers and get paid well while
      doing it.

6171. I am interested in sustaining our natural resources for the
      future.

6172. I wanted to be part of an Agency in USDA that was affiliated with
      farmers and ranchers so that I could do something beneficial for
      our soils.

6173. Because it is a good agency to work for.

6174. The primary reason I chose NRCS was study employeement and good
      benefits.

6175. I just started out as a SWCD employee. I was offered the
      opportunity to join NRCS because of the OJT I had received from
      F.O. personnel.

6176. To work directly with people on their land.

6177. With all the material that I read and the current employees that I
      had visited with, I thought I was going to be spending 80% of the
      time in the field. In reality it is the other way around. To
      answer the question. I wanted to be able to do alot of hands on
      work out in the field.

6178. the type of work

6179. I understand the importance of our natural resources and the need
      for conservation and education to local land owners and operators.

6180. Loyalty of the Federal Government to it\'s employees or the lack
      of loyalty by the private sector to it\'s employees.

6181. ability to work outside with individuals

6182. Government job equals job security.

6183. I enjoy working in the field of agriculture

6184. I liked the aspect of working with Farmers and Ranchers

6185. retirement system, benefits, working with country people,
      oppurtunity for promotion, helping producers solve resource
      problems, originally not being tied to the computer to get work
      done. Make computer programs easier to understand and learn and
      you will keep your older more experienced employees for a longer
      time.

6186. Agency works with farmers on the land.

6187. Better pay and stable job conditions.

6188. I was a farm boy that didn\'t have a farm. I wanted to work with
      agriculture and ag producers. The SCS gave me that opportunity.

6189. I truely enjoy working on the land and making a difference for the
      future.

6190. Benefits

6191. I was interested in natural resource conservation as a career.

6192. Benefits, pay and ability to work with land owners.

6193. Ag. background and the importance of the NRCS to landowners and
      producers.

6194. Love for agriculture and the outdoors.

6195. One on One conservation Planning of Natural Resources

6196. I started working one summer while attending college. I enjoyed
      the technician work and never went back to school. When I started
      I felt I was making a difference, improving ag., and helping
      people.

6197. Nature of the work\...I like working with people and educating
      them about conservation. Getting results on the ground is the most
      rewarding.

6198. started in college

6199. To work in a field related to my major.

6200. It was the job avaliable at the time. I liked the agency and its
      work so I have made it a career

6201. Enjoyed working with Agric. related individuals.

6202. I did not want to be unemployed right out of college.

6203. I enjoyed my student internship with the NRCS as a SEEP. The gov
      has great benefits as far as health insurance and retirement but
      lacks in start off pay.

6204. Experience

6205. To work in agricultural field.

6206. My education is in agriculture and that\'s what I\'ve lived around
      my entire life.

6207. Ability to work in rural America, and ability to persue other
      interest such as farming and ranching.

6208. To work with landowners in protecting our natural resources

6209. I knew I would enjoy the work.

6210. To work with Producers.

6211. I like the type of work, getting conservation applied on the
      ground, working in the field.

6212. Former employee suggestion, and to help people with there land
      management. (To Make a difference!!!!!)

6213. It allowed me to use my college training and be employed local to
      my early childhood.

6214. i like doing what we do, working with farmers and ranchers to
      improve the land

6215. This job gives me the chance to help farmers and ranchers and
      keeps me in the agricultural field.

6216. Big picture planning that can make a difference. To preseve our
      agricultural heritage.

6217. Involved in agriculture all my life and wanted to be a part of an
      agency that worked with farmers and ranchers.

6218. Job availiability

6219. I enjoy my job and have since I hired with SCS. The work we do is
      second to none and those clients that use us concurr with that
      thought.

6220. Conservation goals and pay

6221. To do soil surveys and work in God\'s creation!

6222. Its mission met my skills and passions

6223. The type of work done.

6224. Liked what the agency was doing and the opportunities available in
      my field.

6225. It provides a great opportunity to work with Agriculture, utilize
      my skills, work with some fantastic people, and make a difference
      for the future of my children.

6226. Type of work.

6227. When I needed a job, they offered my one.

6228. To be able to do a job in the field providing a service to
      landowners.

6229. I believe that conservation of our natural resources is as
      important as any profession in our society. It is a noble
      profession that requires a love and desire for the type of work an
      individual is doing.

6230. to help the enviorment - now my job is to give out fed \$ for not
      helping the enviroment

6231. Wanted a job working in agriculture industry

6232. seemed like that is what I wanted to do

6233. Didn\'t even know I was applying with a federal agency

6234. Good benefits and wanted to assist farmers and ranchers help the
      land.

6235. I was young, impressionable, and wanted to save the environment. I
      also wanted to be able to climb a career ladder based on team
      building- not vicious competativeness I\'d heard about in the
      private sector.

6236. recruiting incentives, job relates to personal lifestyle.

6237. I took a Civil Service test and NRCS was the agency that hired me.

6238. The line of work (the agency\'s mission)

6239. location

6240. I felt SCS was an organization that was very beneficial to private
      landowners.

6241. Offfered a job opportunity at a time of unemployment

6242. I needed work and SCS was Hireing.

6243. it was a promotion for me

6244. I wanted conserve our natural resources and I wanted to work
      outdoors with landowners. I like nature, art, math and science. I
      can help conserve our resources using the interests and talents I
      have. In addition, I continue to work with NRCS because I like my
      job, but also because the flexible work schedule and the benefits
      allow me flexibility when I need it.

6245. The mission of the agency.

6246. Interested in conservation in agriculture.

6247. Location

6248. To work with Natural Resource Conservation.

6249. Job security.

6250. I fell in love with the discipline of Soil Science while in
      college. I was convinced soil science promised a very bright
      future. The NRCS, responsible for the Soil Survey of the United
      States, was the primary employer of soil scientists. I worked as a
      student trainee for two summers and determined the NRCS was a good
      career choice for me. The NRCS position promised job stability and
      a good retirement system. The quality of the NRCS employees I
      worked with during my summer jobs convinced me I could fulfill my
      career goals and be happy working for the NRCS.

6251. I felt that I had an opportunity to make a contribution and a
      difference.

6252. I started into a

6253. Position available for which I qualified for after relocating with
      my spouse.

6254. My return to NRCS was the type of work I would be doing.

6255. Love of the land and involvement regarding shaping of the
      landscape ensuring a healthy environment for the future relative
      to production agriculture.

6256. I had a strong desire to help in the mission to conserve natural
      resources and the pay and benefits of the job were adequate.

6257. Stability & benefits

6258. I am interested in compiling and learning about NRCS. I thought if
      I proved how dependable, reliable, and hard working an employee I
      was that I would get hired on permantly and have benifits.

6259. I enjoy conservation work.

6260. putting conservation onto the ground

6261. Stability.

6262. Employment in my field of study.

6263. I like to help people and this job allows to do that with my
      knowledge.

6264. For the job and the great Civil Service Retirement.

6265. Competitive pay, benefits, promotions, and desire to conserve
      natural resources. A general enjoyment of the outdoors led me to
      this field.

6266. Working for an agriculture orietated agency, helping farmers and
      ranchers, being a soil scientist and the rewards of that
      speciality in the field.

6267. Interest in agriculture from high school and college advisor.

6268. Pay, benefits, ag-realted work.

6269. Wanted to work in Agriculture, I really like the idea of providing
      technical assistance to landowners and managers.

6270. I had a good friend who worked for NRCS, and he convinced me that
      the agency was a good place to work.

6271. I like working with landowners and conserving our land.

6272. Job security. It was the first federal agency to offer me a full
      time, permanent appointment.

6273. Opportunity, mobility, and the mission of the agency.

6274. To work with agriculture.

6275. Working conditions was better than farming. And you are not easily
      fired by your supervisor on a whim or feelings.

6276. Job duties, Federal pay and benefits

6277. Benefits

6278. The recruiter came to the university I attended. I did not know
      about the SCS until I interviewed with him.

6279. For a profession and benefits. Question 20 is bias because you
      have to choose 5 areas. We have the expertise in every field
      without partners.

6280. Enjoy working with farmers and ranchers.

6281. the only thing avaible in my area

6282. Wanting to help farmers and ranchers of America maintain and
      improve the natural resources of this country.

6283. I chose to work for the NRCS because I enjoy working in the
      conservation field.

6284. Liked the work involved in working to conserve our natural
      resources.

6285. Wanted to stay in agriculture but did not want to farm and ranch.

6286. To work in an atmosphere that would benefit landowners in
      agriculture.

6287. I was impressed by the people and mission of the agency-of course
      this was over 30 yrs ago-it is not the same today.

6288. Government benefits, retirement.

6289. to have a career with benefits after retiring

6290. Enjoyed the work we did in the past. Now we only work to serve our
      agency.

6291. I love agriculture & working with People and the NRCS had descent
      benefits.

6292. wanted to help landowners preserve the lands and preserve our
      traditions of farming and ranching. Specifically rangeland issues.

6293. I thought that working with farmers and ranchers on a daily basis
      would be challenging.

6294. Only job offer in my field of work.

6295. Production agriculture could not support family life any longer.

6296. It was in the field in which I got a degree

6297. I needed a job.

6298. I come from a farming back ground, third generation family farm
      and knew that I would never be able to own 100,000 acres. But as
      an employee I could provide technical assistance to other
      landowners involving millions of acres. I wanted to help correct
      conservation problems created by previous generation and improve
      the resource base for future generation.

6299. My family has had long history in the Agricultural Community.

6300. Offered a good job when no one else was hiring.

6301. I wanted to help farmer and ranchers make informed decisions on
      how to best use their natural resources.

6302. kinf of work I would be doing

6303. To make a diffence how Hispanic were informed in UDSA Programs.

6304. Job security

6305. I needed a job

6306. I thought it would be an excellant career.

6307. Work on the land to assist farmers and ranchers take better care
      of the land.

6308. Job secuirty and benefits are good. Work is challenging and
      interesting.

6309. Agriculture based job in my field. Did not want to work for a bank
      or something like that.

6310. I have always wanted to work for NRCS. NRCS has always been my

6311. College campus recruiting.

6312. Stability in agriculture

6313. Stability and work enviroment work inside and outside

6314. I needed a job.

6315. Conservation of natural resourses is important for the future.

6316. Type of job available

6317. I knew about Conservation Districts and they introduced me to NRCS

6318. Close to production agriculture and love for the land.

6319. 1.Working with NRCS gives me the chance to work with producers, to
      be a part of nature,being outdoors as well as indoors, it gets no
      better than that.

6320. To help protect the nations resources.

6321. I had relatives working for the NRCS and they encouraged me to
      apply.

6322. Job of working outdoors with ag.

6323. Set goal to see conservation on the ground.

6324. The benefits, and being able to go to the field.

6325. It is a good job and is something I wanted to do.

6326. Good field. Good working conditions. Good people.

6327. I am a conservationist at heart and the SCS offered a job to put
      that goal to work.

6328. Combination of working with farmers and ranchers

6329. Work environment.

6330. The mission of the agency.

6331. lack of other options

6332. Best paying job at the time in agriculture

6333. Because I have a farming/ranching background and want to live in
      rural America.

6334. I was hired 30+ years ago. The agency was an agressive employeer
      at my university at that time. The job offered me what I wanted.

6335. Stability and a job in my field

6336. job availability in my chosen field

6337. Field work

6338. The job description was what I desired.

6339. Type of work matched my degree.

6340. I grew up in Agriculture and I am very comfortable doing the job I
      do. I enjoy working with farmers and ranchers.

6341. It allows me to wrok in the field as well as with good technology.

6342. job satisfaction

6343. Recommended by friends

6344. I wanted to be in Agriculture.

6345. 20 years ago this was a different job and the work was closer to
      what I wanted for a lifetime career.

6346. I have an agricultural background and enjoy assisting landowners.

6347. To increase my knowledge in my field and also learn about other
      jobs.

6348. This was the only job available at the time of hire.

6349. I based working for the agency on the past reputation of SCSers I
      knew.

6350. employment and agency reputation

6351. Father was employee, benefits

6352. Interested working in agriculture

6353. I like most of what I do.

6354. I like workimg outdoors and helping producers with conservation on
      their land.

6355. Agriculture based and Benefits

6356. Excellent pay and benefits and a general concern for agriculture.

6357. Benefits and working with people for conservation.

6358. It kept me close to my farming background.

6359. very concerned about the world environment

6360. part time job

6361. Second generation SCS/NRCS - like the work.

6362. I enjoy working with people conserning natural resources
      opportunities in the field.

6363. Recommended to me by a friend of another USDA agency.

6364. Was interested in working in Agriculture, and I needed a job.

6365. Word of mouth that position was open.

6366. It was quick job that came without a long drawn out hiring
      process.

6367. Worked as a SEEP and really enjoyed it.

6368. work in agriculture

6369. The lack of productivity expected from employees.

6370. Being able to help farmens and ranchers do a better job and MAKE
      MONEY.

6371. job

6372. Wanted to be able to work outside alot.

6373. I live in the Co. that needed a technician

6374. It was an agricultural agency that worked with people on a
      voluntary basis.

6375. To work with farmers and ranchers on private lands adressing
      natural resource concerns.

6376. I thought it would be a noble profession to be envolved in and I
      would be able to earn a good and dependable income.

6377. Working outside. Like to help solve problem and treat the land.

6378. To be involved in agriculture professionally and to be able to
      work with primarily agricultural people which is declining
      rapidly.

6379. Utilizing my degree after graduating college!

6380. I needed a job, living in a small town and having been raised on a
      ranch/farm, there wasn\'t many options. My concern about
      conservation of our soil, water, and the engineering practices
      were of special interest to me.

6381. I like working with farmer and ranchers on their farmlnad to help
      improve their natural resources.

6382. Work with producers to help conserve natural resources

6383. I felt the NRCS was an agency that was trying to accomplish a goal
      similar to what I wanted to do in life.

6384. To work with fellow farmers.

6385. I have worked with the NRCS my entire life growing up on a farm. I
      have seen the assistance the NRCS can provide and I want to assist
      producers so they can be successful but conserve resources at the
      same time.

6386. Security in career and benefits package.

6387. Enjoy this type of work.

6388. Mission of NRCS and method used to apply it fit very well with my
      personal and professional life goals

6389. Was a great agricultural related field at the time.

6390. Working with private land owners on a voluntary basis to protect
      the natural resources of the United States.

6391. Ability to

6392. NRCS IS THE NATION\'S FIRST TEAM OF CONSERVATION AND DAD WAS AN
      ENPLOYEE.

6393. FOR THE 1ST 20 YEARS I PERFORMED DUTIES I WAS EDUCATED FOR. NOW
      WITH COMPUTERS ITS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT WORLD.

6394. I came to NRCS to work in conservation.

6395. Mix of working lands and wildlife habitat.

6396. I\'d been unemployed for six months and was desperate.

6397. Learn and know more about agriculture and conservation.

6398. Always wanted to work with the Soil Conservation Service. SCS/NRCS
      helped to improve our family farm in Wisconsin.

6399. Promotion.

6400. I was unemployed, NRCS offered me an opportunity that I needed at
      the time.

6401. Promotion potential.

6402. Working for SCS was my goal. I\'d volunteered in H.S, in order to
      be competitive for the FFA State Farmer award. I have enjoyed
      working with producers, and fellow staff.

6403. NRCS is the main employer of soil scientists and I like the kind
      of work we do as opposed to consulting work.

6404. The idea of helping agricultural producers with installing
      conservation on the ground so that they could continue to have
      sustainable and maybe increased production on their fields.

6405. The learning potential and the opportunity to serve a larger
      clientele.

6406. My work is my vocation

6407. I have a job that is also my vocation

6408. big pay raise

6409. Location,pay,benefits.

6410. To be able to work on the land with farmers, ranchers, and other
      land users.

6411. I believed I could make a difference in conserving the natural
      resources of this country.

6412. Location

6413. I like the stability it offers compared to private industry and my
      salary was competitive with other private agencies. I was offered
      two positions performing the same tasks with in the system. I was
      offered a GS-9 salary and my moving expenses covered with the
      first offer. The other offered a GS-7 salary and no moving
      expenses. I had 5 years of formal training working with a
      university in my field and a masters degree. I think this example
      shows that it is imperative to offer competitive salaries and
      hiring incentives to those individuals that have the necessary
      training and experience to aid the organization.

6414. My skills fit the position

6415. It is the type of work I like and the benefits are very good.

6416. They were the first agency that offered a job after I took the
      federal test.

6417. Promotion potential

6418. I grew up on a farm and ranch and think our natural resources need
      to be protected.

6419. At that time, it was only job offer received.

6420. It was one of a very few jobs open in my profession in the state I
      was living after college. I had never heard of the agency prior to
      receiving the vacancy announcement for the job from my supervisor
      in a state agency at the time. Even as I applied, I was not sure
      what the agency did.

6421. NRCS was hiring when I needed work.

6422. relocated due to husband employment and agency posed opportunity

6423. I was an adminsitrator and the NRCS allowed me to return to
      research and field activities related to soil survey.

6424. Job was open in my career field \-- I knew nothing about the SCS
      (at that time).

6425. The job I had was a die cast operater, I was not useing my college
      degree, it was hot, dirty, dangerous without a chance of
      advacement. I took a wage cut to become a lab. Aid. When I got my
      MS I had to wait for 2 years to become a soil scientist, but I
      finaly changed titles and was able to advance. After 30 years some
      days are as repetitive as running a die cast machine and some days
      I actualy develope a creative solution to a problem some one has.

6426. Promotion potential

6427. Benefits & pay

6428. Was told this agency was good to work for and was seeking fulltime
      employment.

6429. I needed a job.

6430. Great opportunity to apply skills in a good office.

6431. Good job that was available

6432. they hired me

6433. they hired me

6434. 40 years ago I was stupid!

6435. Pay and benefits

6436. People in the agency.

6437. It is the largest national employer of soil scientists.

6438. Had soils career

6439. Was a student when I started, I liked to people and the job and
      when I graduated I was offerd a job. This should happen more
      often. Training while in school is important and will tell you if
      you like this type of work.

6440. I came here as a student,liked the work and stayed, it\'s NOT
      because of the pay. The work I do is technical and even through we
      have people that show up sometimes and do the minmum of work they
      get paid by how long they have been here not the quality of work
      or the extra time put in to accomlish their work.

6441. Agency mission and the location in Lincoln

6442. To contribute to the quality of our environment.

6443. soils

6444. Soil Science

6445. Science

6446. The oppertunity for a rewarding career and benefits.

6447. Because my brother worked here when I started.

6448. Best soil scientists worked for SCS

6449. job availability and security

6450. conservation ethic

6451. Opportunities

6452. NRCS (then SCS) is like a family who support and nurture other
      employees and my speciality is the basis of the work NRCS does.

6453. A technically competent professional staff at this location (all
      since retired, most not replaced)

6454. Opportunity to serve this country and its citizens in the
      technical area for which I trained and earned education.

6455. to do public service

6456. They were hiring disabled persons when other agencies were not.

6457. I didn\'t, I choose SCS because it had a mission that was clear
      and offered an opportunity to combine science and the outdoors.

6458. Started with them as a student.

6459. Retirement Benefits(Which they took away), Job Location, fit my
      Unversity Training, and military experience.

6460. They had a job opening that I was qualified for.

6461. job opening

6462. SCS was hiring people in a field in which I wanted to work.

6463. Melding conservation and science

6464. i was offered the job

6465. The opportunity to work in Human Resources and I was familiar with
      the agency.

6466. It got me back into a field that I am satisfied performing, and it
      returned me to the current state. It also affords me some travel
      opportunities that other agencies do not, which I enjoy.

6467. Opportunity to work in the natural resouce conservation field.

6468. I had an opportunity through the Co-op Program (now SCEP). College
      instructor knew/introduced me to the local DC. I liked the agency
      mission, people, pay and benefits.

6469. Growth as an employee in the federal government. Now its because
      I\'m part of a big family helping others help the earth and save
      resources. I enjoy the people I work with.

6470. Proximity of a desirable job to my home.

6471. wanted to learn something new and do something different

6472. My job is strongly associated to my business experience, although
      different and I was looking for a change. The job was available in
      the area in which I live. It looked like I would be able to grow
      in my job, gain experience and knowledge and become a stronger
      player for NRCS throughout my career here.

6473. Employment

6474. The job description was a good match and the federal job page was
      a good resource

6475. NRCS provides excellent opportunities to work in the natural
      resource arena.

6476. Wanted to return to the workforce and was over 40. No one would
      even consider hiring me. NRCS hired me as a temporary and went
      permanent in 1981.

6477. The type of work the agency did

6478. Opportunities

6479. Opportunity to utilize skills and learn more about conservation
      practices

6480. It fit my discipline and a job was available when I was looking
      for work. I also wanted the security that comes from government
      work. I was also committed to conservation.

6481. Working with the Land

6482. I love working with landowners and i loved the people in the
      agency.

6483. I enjoy the work when i was young and in the field\... it gave me
      the opportunity to move around and see and work e=with diffenerent
      people and places

6484. The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world with
      respect to natural resources and the environment.

6485. Working with landowners to improve our natural resources.

6486. I like helping people and that is what this agency does.

6487. Potential opportunities and the workforce diversity

6488. Having the ability to work outside the office while helping
      provide technical service to landowners.

6489. Out-of-doors work, not an office environment.

6490. Closely related to college field of study.

6491. Natural resource/agriculture related agency.

6492. Ag- oriented

6493. I grew up on a farm. Knowing that this was an agriculture
      department was a winner for me.

6494. Student hire to earn money.

6495. When I started, the Soil Conservation Service was a good agency
      that helped a lot of people. You felt good about what you were
      doing.

6496. To work with managing the forest created by USDA programs for all
      resources including wildlife.

6497. good career opportunity, SCS had a great reputation in the farming
      community in 1980.

6498. Because of previous agency efforts to bring people and resources
      together to solve problems.

6499. Because it is a good Federal government agency to work for.

6500. Actually I was just a

6501. salary

6502. I interned as a student and came on full time upon graduation; I
      needed a job when I finished college

6503. Mission and personal benefits

6504. I was raised in a rural agricultural community. I couldn\'t be a
      farmer, so I wanted to work with them helping take care of the
      land.

6505. Wanted to help farmers and ranchers conserve resources.

6506. location

6507. I like working with Natural resources and people to protect the
      land. Enrich other people lives by the work the agency did in
      conservation and natural resources. Substainable agriculture
      builds the nation and the future.

6508. Opportunity to make a good living while residing in beautiful
      rural places.

6509. Opportunity to work outdoors promoting protection of the
      environment.

6510. Location in the state.

6511. SCS offered me a job. I really enjoy bing a Soil Scientist.

6512. Pay

6513. location of the position

6514. There was a position open in the area were I live.

6515. Working with landowners.

6516. Natural resource conservations is important and satisfying work

6517. I transfered from another USDA Agency to NRCS because it was
      initially a step up the the Pay scale.

6518. Location to residence.

6519. I chose NRCS because it would enable me to work outdoors, directly
      with producers, and the public perception of the agency is
      generally good in the ag sector.

6520. Great work environment

6521. I enjoy public service and I believe in the mission of the NRCS

6522. working outdoors

6523. I was able to work in the field of study that I am interested in.

6524. I come from a family whose been farming for many years and decided
      to pursue a degree in this field to get a better understanding of
      how one can help reduce the disappearance of our limited resources
      by finding ways to conserve them.

6525. Job secure

6526. Because it allows me to help out the community by assisting in
      conserving the natural resources.

6527. Ability to work to conserve natural resources.

6528. Just happened to fall in my lap.

6529. Needed a job, they choose me.

6530. Job duties

6531. Public Service. I retired from the Military and have always felt a
      calling for Public Service.

6532. Ability to work with Ag. producers,and limited amount of
      regulatory authority we bring to the producer.

6533. I had the opportunity to Co-op with the agency, so they offered me
      a job after graduating

6534. To apply my education and experience to solve real world problems

6535. Work with agricultural producers and protect environment.

6536. location and limited employment opportunities.

6537. Benefits, working hours,

6538. Opportunity to work more directly w/ producers & impact the
      natural resources that are vital to our nation.

6539. Security and Benefits

6540. I needed a job at the time which fit my drafting skills.

6541. Complexity and scale of the work.

6542. Good feeling to work for a

6543. Started in college and really liked what I was doing. I wnated to
      stay and my director worked hard to get me hired on.

6544. Service to our nation, it\'s people, our land.

6545. It was the first agency that offered a federal position.

6546. PAY/BENIFITS

6547. good pay

6548. Because the job was available.

6549. Like agricultural related activities.

6550. working out in the field with producers on their resource
      decisions

6551. Solid, reputable natural resource agency

6552. Did have any other job offers

6553. Location and job opening to match my skills.

6554. Needed the job and money for college education.

6555. Mission, quality people, stability.

6556. Always wanted to work for USDA since it has diverse activities

6557. Liked job.

6558. stable employment and good benefits

6559. I did not I went to work for the Soil Conservation Service because
      we provided technical assistance to private landowners in a
      context of conservation planning. This assistance and the
      resulting conservation plan allowed the landowner to better manage
      the resources they were making a living on.

6560. Relative worked here and recommended that I send my application

6561. Because of opportunities in my job and benefits.

6562. In agriculture, decent pay

6563. Upgrade from previous job.

6564. I believed in SCS. Our leadership could be trusted as they were
      NOT committed to making the

6565. Outside work and work with rural people.

6566. At the time it afforded a carrer ladder that private industry
      didn\'t. Pay was another factor.

6567. interest in the type of work NRCS does

6568. This question should read,

6569. I admire the Agency\'s commitment to helping people of the land
      and stewardship.

6570. Working with the natural resources and customers in an outdoor
      environment appealed to me.

6571. Job security.

6572. I wanted to work for a federal government and wanted to share my
      IT knowledge to help/improve within new technology. I choose the
      NRCS since it gave me opportunity from the beginning with new
      application development and decision within training using
      advanced distributed learning.

6573. I was a summer aid in college and became highly interested and
      motivated by the agency\'s employees to consider working for the
      agency. The then Personnel Officer worked to establish an
      administrative trainee position at another office that I worked
      toward filling after I graduated from college.

6574. Employment site

6575. Wanted to work oudoors with farmers and ranchers. An Uncle was
      conservation contractor who recommended going to work for SCS.

6576. Soil survey knowledge and land grant afiliation. Mentoring.

6577. Locality.

6578. Location and availability of position.

6579. wanted to be a part of helping keep a good eviorment

6580. The person who recruited me.

6581. Great benefits plan and retirement

6582. A job was available

6583. I worked for USGS which was in the same building as NRCS. I was so
      impressed with the

6584. Job Stability

6585. I moved to the DFW area and needed a government job before my 90
      days leave without pay ran out. NRCS (SCS) was the agency closest
      to my residence and the only agency that was hiring at the time.

6586. Opportunity to use skills in training development.

6587. I wanted to work in an agricultural related field and was
      attracted by the public service aspect of the agency.

6588. I needed a job

6589. My roots are in conservation. SCS was the logical choice. I
      believe in this agency and what it stands for and highly recommend
      it to others.

6590. I was desperately looking for a job. It is in an ideal location.

6591. I went to work for SCS (not NRCS) because I was unable to return
      to my family\'s farming operation and because SCS offered me the
      best opportunity to continue working on rangeland and with native
      grasses. Also, the SCS had an outstanding reputation as being one
      of the most effective, efficient, and respected, and helpful
      federal government agencies.

6592. I knew what SCS did and have enjoyed the work.

6593. I needed a job, and I thought I would an vauable employee to this
      agency.

6594. The opportunity to work in a National Office. More diverse work
      load and higher grades in a national office.

6595. It offered me a chance to do something that made a difference and
      I enjoyed the work.

6596. The plant materials program

6597. Because they advertised a job very similar to what I was doing
      with another Gov\'t agency where I received a promotion and the
      office location was nearer to my home.

6598. I believe in public service

6599. I believed in the mission of the old SCS. I really thought I could
      make a difference in saving our natural resources.

6600. Work in an agriculturally-related area

6601. Needed a job.

6602. benefits

6603. Opportunity to put conservation in action.

6604. pay increase

6605. I wanted to work for the Weather Service but they didn\'t have any
      openings, so I came to work for NRCS. I fully support the mission
      of our agency and glad to be a part of caring for our natural
      resources.

6606. To keep from having to move to Washington D.C.

6607. Enjoyed the work and the job had benefits and stability.

6608. Type of work and location

6609. reliability and interest in work

6610. Capability of working with landowners, one on one.

6611. Job description and duties

6612. Believe in soil and water conservation - practical
      environmentalism

6613. Part Time flexible hours and reasonable pay

6614. Had the job I wanted

6615. I like Agriculture.

6616. Upon graduating from college, I worked 6 years in the private
      sector. The benefits and work environment that NRCS offers was
      very attractive. I\'m very satisfied with my decision. Employee\'s
      that have worked solely for NRCS don\'t always realize how
      fortunate they are.

6617. Type of work.

6618. Promotion to a technical specialist position wothout supervisory
      duties.

6619. Employer of 2nd choice, environmental consulting wasn\'t an option
      at the time I started.

6620. The type of work the agency did 30 years ago matched what I wanted
      to do as a professional.

6621. Agriculture background

6622. The job opened at the right time in 1984. But I has six years
      working under a senior economist. We only have ONE economist
      nationally currently working under another state economist in OK.
      The other 49 states have no economists in training.

6623. Because I was able to work with people and provide my expertise in
      a field that I have a passion for and work with peers that have
      the same passion.

6624. Started as student with SCS, did find a field that I liked better
      than cartography

6625. I feel Agriculture is vital to US

6626. Convience

6627. At the time, I they were accomplishing something important

6628. ag background

6629. To work on the land and the civil service benefits at the time.

6630. Location of work

6631. They chose me. They called me because I am a black female. I
      accepted because I thought that it would benefit me and that I
      would stop being a number and become a valuable employee by doing
      an exceptional job. I needed to feed my family and I sought this
      opportunity as a gift from God.

6632. It seemed like interesting work.

6633. It was the only agency hiring at the time.

6634. I believe strongly in the mission.

6635. to keep from being moved back to DC in another agency

6636. Good benefits.

6637. I believed in the work and wanted the opportunity to do something
      for the environment.

6638. Benefits

6639. I was working for the Forest Service as a temporary employee and
      SCS was the first real career offer I received from the Federal
      Government

6640. I liked the work.

6641. Conservation Responsibilties of NRCS

6642. Best job offer a the time.

6643. I knew I would be doing what I like to do. (Making maps)

6644. I thought there was a chance for advancement over time, but I was
      sadly mistaken.

6645. JOB

6646. NRCS business applications

6647. I was a State employee prior to my becoming a SCS/NRCS employee,
      which provide me with the opportunity of knowing what the agency
      is about and its\' dedication to the Natural Resouces and
      Environment of America

6648. Entry into GIS

6649. it allowed me to mapping.

6650. New opportunities

6651. I was looking for a job

6652. I have an agricultural background. Also, soils work in the private
      sector was quite limited to teaching or consulting. Two areas that
      did not interest me 15 years ago.

6653. It was the only job I was offered at the time. General Dynamics
      had just laid off 3500 people, many of whom were in the IT field,
      so the market in this area was overwhelmed with job seekers.

6654. Job description - Natural Resources Specialist

6655. steady employment

6656. I love conservation & working in conservation technology

6657. Conservation Mission

6658. I was able to make a carrer, helping others to protect and sustain
      natural resources.

6659. Had worked for the Federal Government before and at the time NRCS
      was hiring.

6660. I wanted to work for an agency that was doing something to improve
      our environment and how we used our resources.

6661. I was offered a position with the possibility of advancement.

6662. I like the type of work NRCS does and in particular I like the
      type of work at NCGC.

6663. interest in natural resources, technical programs

6664. I wanted to work in conservation for a non-profit.

6665. Enjoy working with landowners

6666. Job opportunity

6667. I chose the SCS as an employer not the NRCS. The SCS was an agency
      that had civil service leadership and it was responsive to the
      needs of the public. However the NRCS has a politcal apponite at
      is head and and changes its diriction with the tempory resident of
      the White House.

6668. Job description and agency reputation

6669. I found out about NRCS through a college inter program.

6670. My interest in environmental sciences.

6671. They needed me, and I needed a job.

6672. I liked working for the agency as a student trainee.

6673. Interest in natural resources and job satisfaction by helping
      landowners/managers achieve their resource goals.

6674. I came across the Agency and my current job by pure luck as a
      university student employee. It was the job I was seekeing, but I
      did not know it exsisted in the Agency and had even been told it
      didn\'t exsist by a USDA employee.

6675. My internal compass has lead me toward stewardship and resource
      management from early childhood. I have always been involved with
      nature and the outdoors. When the opportunity arose to work in
      natural resource management I was happy to accept the challenge.

6676. Public service and flexibility of work

6677. NRCS is the top employer in my field of work, offering challenging
      work with competitive pay and benefits.

6678. My Ag background

6679. I believe in the work NRCS does, I am able to help people and the
      environment and the hours are good. It is good for me because it
      allows me to spend time with my family and it is flexible.

6680. Better pay

6681. I had 12 years of prior federal service and felt my retirement
      program/choices were better with the federal govt than with the
      university system.

6682. Ability to use Gov\'t to help producers. Cooperative nature of
      agency.

6683. Thought that the NRCS was the technical agency for natural
      resources but know it is only money delivery.

6684. Enjoyed production agriculure as a young man. NRCS today seems to
      be leaving the production agriculture arena and going to an
      environmental agency only.

6685. Field work

6686. I believe in the mission of NRCS

6687. type of work related to environment conservation

6688. Professionals prostective

6689. I like the Agency and wanted to contribute with my knowledges in
      an Agency with the prestige of the USDA-NRCS.

6690. Opportunity to perform different duties.

6691. I am a strong believer in conservation on the land.

6692. Money

6693. Work performed following high quality standards while the work
      schedules are good and have the benefits of annual/sick/comp leave
      and flexible schedules.

6694. For our involvement in the natural resources protection.

6695. Type of work.

6696. The opportunity to work in the environmental conservation.

6697. believed in what the agency was trying to accomplish

6698. Started as a WAE while in junior college and enjoyed the many job
      aspects of the SCS and returned to school to receive my plant and
      soil science degree.

6699. I was looking for temp employment

6700. I heard about the position from a friend and it was a higher grade
      than the position i was in at the time.

6701. Less stressed Agency to work for, what it represents and career
      enhancement opportunity.

6702. job satisfaction

6703. I wanted to be a federal employee. I liked the location of the
      office.

6704. Opportunity to relocate

6705. Pay and benefits; sounded like interesting work

6706. Opportunities, good pay and benefits, knew the agency and valued
      its workforce.

6707. Agricultural and bioligical sciences degree and familiarity with
      agriculture on the farm.

6708. Mission

6709. I wanted to work in engineering along with agriculture. I was able
      to achieve both with this agency.

6710. Many years ago, I just wanted to work outdoors. Have stayed for 25
      years because the growth potential in the agency has matched my
      changes in wants and needs as I grew older.

6711. They offered me a Job.

6712. SCS was advertising a temporary position when I was looking for
      one; turned into a 30-year career!

6713. money

6714. Save the Enviornment

6715. The job was/is a hands on job interacting with people from all
      across the state instead of being stuck in an office cubicle every
      day in a coat and tie.

6716. To help improve the way we farm and protect the environment

6717. Because it felt good to help people. I had passion and so did the
      agency (SCS).

6718. I interned with the Federal Government during high school and
      college. I worked in political functions, as a legislative
      liaison, then in the private sector for many years. When I started
      my family, I chose to come back to the federal sector for
      stability and family friendly policies. SCS at the time was highly
      recommedmed to me with my background, skills, and knowledge of
      working with agriculture. I like what I saw in the agency at that
      time. Since then I think the quality of leadershipo and management
      at the state level has deteriorated substantially.

6719. Twenty-eight years ago I was looking for a part-time job. NRCS
      hired me for a position in the Personnel Office. And I was lucky
      that Personnel turned out to be my most favorite work.

6720. Job Security

6721. I did not particularly seek NRCS - it so happened that a job in my
      field was available.

6722. I needed a job.

6723. First good offer after college.

6724. As a single parent at the time, I needed a position that could
      keep up with the wages and benefits. Since I had worked with
      another agency, I wanted to reenter the federal workforce.

6725. I thought there was potential for promotion

6726. intern work while in college

6727. a job

6728. Pay and potential for GIS work.

6729. There was a vacany in the State I wanted to live in at the time I
      was prepared to relocate. I would have been just as happy with
      another agency.

6730. They were hiring at the time. Had I known the level of contempt
      that professionals in my career field are regarded with in NRCS, I
      wouldn\'t have come to this agency.

6731. They have offices all over the state.

6732. agriculture

6733. At the time, government employment was the best paying with the
      best benefits for the jobs in the area.

6734. benefits

6735. I have been with the agency for 35 years. They have always
      provided a competitive salary and good benefits in my location.

6736. to aid farmers/ranchers address their conservation needs

6737. Stable employment with good benefits

6738. Assist farmers and conserve resources

6739. Lack of ethics and concern for environment found in private sector
      while working for a private consultant

6740. Stability and good benefits.

6741. It\'s work with agriculture

6742. Transferred from another Federal agency and wanted to stay in the
      Federal workforce because of job benefits.

6743. I wanted to have an impact on environmental issues and I thought
      NRCS would give me that opportunity.

6744. Pay and benefits

6745. Location, an office that had common sense managers that would
      follow the rules, the job

6746. employment

6747. I was looking for a job, scored high enough for a clerical job,
      finished college, I worked hard, go beyond what is expected, and
      have been given great opportunities to get where I am.

6748. I am a previous federal government employee.

6749. Work fulfillment by benefitting natural resources and the
      competitive salary/benefits of NRCS.

6750. I was interested in the type of work that I am currently doing.

6751. Natural Resource and Agricultural work

6752. I liked the mission and job security

6753. Starting salary for job skills better than other like positions in
      the area.

6754. work for federal government, work in conservation

6755. Like the work

6756. Belief in the mission

6757. Job was available in the area I was moving to and job fit what I
      wanted to do.

6758. Long term employment

6759. I liked the work, working outside applying conservation practices.

6760. The opportunity to be in a job where you could actually make a
      difference (improve) the ecosystem and environment in our country.
      The opportunity to be able to work with landowners and operators
      on their land to help them conserve their natural resources.

6761. To be quite honest, I had prior Federal service and was looking to
      get back on with the govt because of pay and benefits and NRCS is
      probably the largest govt employer in the town I live in. Although
      technical fields lack in competitive pay, admin positions in
      smaller towns pay better than private sector jobs for the most
      part.

6762. They had a position open locally where I was able to do what I
      went to college for.

6763. I wanted to work in soil and water conservation.

6764. Couldn\'t find another job.

6765. The importance of impartial soils information made me feel like I
      was contributing to something worthwhile.

6766. Unable to find a job in the private sector that could utilize my
      knowledge, skills, abilities, and interests.

6767. The opportunity to learn soil mapping techniques, job experience.

6768. I like working and living in a rural setting. I wanted a job where
      I worked outside and had to perform multiple skills to perform a
      central task. I wanted to work in Natural Resource Mgt.

6769. Soil survey program

6770. In the mid-west, NRCS, well, SCS was highly respected. In the
      west, it has a shorter history and has an association with the
      current general distrust of gov\'t agencies.

6771. I wanted a non-bias, solid foundation to the field of earth
      science and, more specifically, soil mapping.

6772. They offered me a job, my brother-in-law worked for the agency and
      provided my great information about the agency. In college I did
      not hear about SCS/NRCS\--knew about USFS, BLM, and NPS but not
      SCS/NRCS.

6773. I like the assistance, non-regulatory stance that NRCS has.

6774. I gained knowledge about SCS while going to school and I am very
      happy that I ended up with SCS/NRCS

6775. Ability to work with natural resources in a management position

6776. The opportunity to demonstrate that I am a very valuable asset to
      any organization and that I can make that organization better just
      by my presence. The prospect of being properly rewarded for my
      performance factored in.

6777. Good technical reputation. Good benefits.

6778. challenging work opportunity to address natural resources

6779. My parents told me to work for the Government. They both have been
      employeed with different departments. NRCS was the first one to
      offer me a job.

6780. Good Question! Sometimes I use to think is was because I doid some
      good for natural resource conservation, over politics once in
      while (over favoritism and personel RCD directors for the well off
      farms in the counties (Pook barrel gifts to the few).

6781. I was brought in to help in the Watershed Office originally, but
      that NRCS function phased out.

6782. Heard this was a good agency to work for, and I\'ve stayed 30
      years now.

6783. To work in the agricultural field

6784. environmental work

6785. The ability to work on the land, and helping others.

6786. I wanted to work in the Natural Resources field and produce
      information that was useful to Land managers. There is no private
      sector equivalent to our Soil Survey Program.

6787. To work in the conservation.

6788. It ws offered upon college graduation

6789. I like the job security and the agencies mission.

6790. Back then, SCS trained and employed people to do conservation
      work. Nowadays, NRCS Mgt can\'t say no to anyone that increases
      our workload in the field. This agency is pathetic compared to the
      Soil Conservation Service and what we stood for as well as what we
      accomplished ! We accomplish alot on papaer these days, but that
      isn\'t what we signed on to do ! NHQ needs to get their heads out
      of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and make decisions for the right reasons. NHQ

6791. Outdoor work - which is becoming more scarce.

6792. Agricultural background from a ranch lead me to hire on with an
      agency where people in the agribusiness could be helped on a large
      scale.

6793. To get to work with people on the land.

6794. Federal benefits and retirment plan.

6795. Service to people, and love of the land to ensure it stays in good
      health.

6796. I thought I was going to be involved in conservation efforts but I
      found I waste most of my time and America\'s resources filing
      those blue National Bulletins and fusing with EQIP contract
      paperwork.

6797. Offered the opportunity to work in several aspects of agriculture
      and natural resource management, as opposed to selecting on field
      to focus on.

6798. Pay and Benefits

6799. Promotion

6800. My education and background fit the job

6801. Raised in agriculture & enjoy working with ranchers & farmers.
      However over the years the agency has become to

6802. I had 14 years service and was at a USAF location being close by
      the BRAC Committee, I needed to find something to stay within
      Federal Service.

6803. I needed a job.

6804. Previous relationship (former District Employee)

6805. Reared on farm & ranch and enjoy working with and assisting
      farmers and ranchers.

6806. First offer of a job after college.

6807. I love plant and soil sciences and strongly believe in
      conservation of our natural resources.

6808. Good pay and benefits, work with great people.

6809. I love working with Farmers and Ranchers to lead them in solutions
      to any problems they may have with their natural resources.

6810. In the beginning, the professionalism of the staff

6811. addressing my ideals

6812. Wanted to work with farmers and ranchers and be outside as much as
      possible.

6813. I believed in the mission of the agency and had an agricultural
      background growing up.

6814. Because I have a lifetime of experience in the field of
      Agriculture and wanted to continue to apply my knowledege in a
      field that I had the background and education.

6815. I liked the work - it gave me a sense of accomplishment - I was
      effectively helping people and resources

6816. To work with ranchers on conservation - not to administer cost
      share

6817. I was interested in conservation.

6818. I liked the people and it was at the right time.

6819. Mission of the agency.

6820. the Mission of NRCS and the benefits.

6821. Stablilty

6822. Enjoyed agriculture. Provided job satisfaction. Good benefits.

6823. I was a volunteer here for about 1 year and I was interested in
      the work my co-workers were doing.

6824. I wanted a job in agriculture and be outside as much as possible.

6825. Liked the type of work, helping landowners with many small
      projects rather then fewer large projects

6826. job security

6827. Enjoy the work and benefits not directly related to pay scale
      (e.g. insurance benefits)

6828. lifetime public servitude, with a smile

6829. pay scale

6830. Excellent working conditions and competitive salary and a very
      respected Federal Agency

6831. Because I like the job that I do.

6832. Agengy benefits (health and retired)

6833. Because of its assistance to farmers.

6834. It has a position in Engineering that meets my expectation - field
      and office work; professional challenges, development, etc.

6835. CHALLENGE

6836. Was a job related to my university preparation and was the best
      opportunity in terms of payment and technology in my area.

6837. Good tools for made the job And the personel well train.

6838. The agency have good tools for work.

6839. Fix my college background.

6840. I like the kind of work that the agency does.

6841. Job continue development

6842. SCS has good reputation

6843. resouerces conservation. with satisfactory practices

6844. Pay scales, reputation and technical knowledges.

6845. The multiple opportunity and professional disciplines envolve in
      the application of conservation practices performed on land.

6846. Give more trainning.

6847. It was recommended (suggested) by an employee

6848. vicinity

6849. Strong relation with my education degree.

6850. Job stability.

6851. The kind of work that it is

6852. Good working conditions.

6853. Knowledge in Agriculture Science

6854. Better salary and challenge of learning new skills.

6855. Wanted to work in agriculture and natural resources management. I
      thought there would be more opportunity than there is. This is
      inspite of MBA and MS and total mobility.

6856. convenience and stability

6857. Because of my college education in agriculture.

6858. I started as an SWCD employee and I really enjoyed the work I was
      doing.

6859. Allows me to use skills learned in the past to help people.

6860. I joined just out of college and it was a trainee position.

6861. I believe in what they do. Natural Resources is something I feel
      stongly about. I did have other offers, but chose to work near
      something I thought to be important.

6862. Sixteen years ago I was approached to move from DOD to Depart of
      Ag. I liked the agency and the people. I was promised opportunity
      to grow\...new peers have changed all that

6863. Love nature.

6864. federal

6865. I enjoyed working with my supervisor.

6866. It offered my a work study program in college.

6867. NRCS delivers good conservation on the ground. The agency has
      support by the administration and there\'s potential for me to
      move up within the agency.

6868. The position was available and I wanted to work for a federal
      agency. In addition to that, I\'m strongly involved in
      hunting/fishing which I wanted to be involved with in some
      degree\...

6869. job

6870. To be involved in the community development and help small
      farmers.

6871. I would like to work for NRCS.

6872. To work as a Natural Resource Specialist

6873. The mission and vision of my State Conservationist sounded
      excellent, but I have come to realize that it was only on paper.

6874. The mission and good reputation with farmers and aranchers.

6875. Conservation of Natural Resources

6876. Job security and love for working outdoors

6877. Related to college degree in agriculture

6878. Agricultural and conservation work

6879. Field work.

6880. Oportunity to work in my specialty

6881. I agree with the mission and vision of NRCS, and it is a good job.

6882. I was able to get this job through high school under a cooperative
      extension education program.

6883. I began as a student trainee in the SCEP program, so was offered a
      position in my home state immediately after graduation while my
      peers were out searching, some unsuccessfully, for jobs.

6884. As a former Agriculture educator the mission, vision and the work
      NRCS implements truly identifies the benefits of protecting the
      natural resources.

6885. The mission of the NRCS to help landowners and the environment.

6886. I ability to use my skills and knowledge I aquired from college
      and the stability of working for the government.

6887. It\'s career development program while I attended college.

6888. The working conditions, such as working outdoors a lot, working
      with farmers and ranchers, job security, wages and benifits.

6889. Full time employment with benefits

6890. The agency\'s mission meshed with my personal philosophy. I wanted
      to be a conservationist of soil and water. I also wanted to work
      in the agriculture field.

6891. Limited job oportunities where I chose to live

6892. Just happy to have a job

6893. I wanted to work with landowners to sole their resource problems.

6894. The work was related to my degree, and they offered a program
      where I could work for them in the summer to gain hands on
      experience and then guaranteed me a full time position once I
      graduated.

6895. to live and work in rural alaska with tribes

6896. Grew up on a farm in Iowa, Grandfather worked for them, and it was
      the only agency hiring at the time.

6897. Location

6898. Location

6899. Going out and working with everyday people and helping in solving
      resourse concerns with clients

6900. I chose NRCS as a post retirement career because I enjoy helping
      people and conserving resources.

6901. Mobility, resonable pay.

6902. One of the best non-profit jobs for a soil scientist.

6903. Internship

6904. Working directly with land owners

6905. To be involved in Agriculture serving a vital role in natural
      resorces conservation. SCS conservation technical and financial
      assistance helped our family achieve many conservation and
      financial goals. Our family would not be farming today without SCS
      assistance.

6906. The Federal Benefits. I was hoping to be able to advance by
      showing how dedicated I was to my position.

6907. It offered a job that I enjoy doing and I believe in the Federal
      government as a good employer.

6908. Actually, I wanted to get back into the federal sector and this
      agency had a job opening for which I applied.

6909. Needed a job. Later I began enjoying the type of work accomplished
      at the field office level.

6910. I came to appreciate the reputation of NRCS while working for a
      state agency and wanted to become part of the team.

6911. My college degree qualified me for a soil conservationist and this
      was the career of my choice.

6912. Interest in natural resources management.

6913. I was hired as a student and stayed.

6914. The water resources program, PL-566

6915. It provided the opportunity to serve in agriculture using my
      engineering background. I would be able to develop plans and
      designs that would be built and utililized.

6916. Hopes for promotion

6917. I saw an opportunity to move up and to leave a job that I hated.

6918. The PEOPLE

6919. I wanted to work to benefit the environment, to preserve and
      effeciently use our natural resources.

6920. First-rate work environment!

6921. I like working in the environment.

6922. I was out of work and wanted to get back into the Federal
      government, and my field.

6923. I DON;T HAVE TO COMMUTE TO MY JOB NOW

6924. It was in the city where I was already living and had a job for
      which I was qualified.

6925. Tried it as a Student Trainee - liked the people and the type of
      engineering work available and the chance to work on all phases of
      a project

6926. Interesting agency with conservation goals.

6927. Conservation work on private lands.

6928. I beleive in wha we do.

6929. I knew older people who were working for then SCS and had met them
      on our farm.

6930. I like helping people help the land. And being able to see a
      problem from beginning to the end and seeing the enjoyment from
      the producer.

6931. Like the outdoors and natural sciences.Hate computors.

6932. Better pay than running a ranch.

6933. It was agriculturally related and the benefits were good. I wanted
      to be in the field working with landowners to encourage
      stewardship of our natural resources.

6934. A large protion of my job requires me to work in the field and not
      be behind a desk in the office.

6935. It was referred to me by a college professor and their objectives
      were where I would like for my career to go.

6936. At the time I started to work the agency was very competative with
      private industry in the pay package.

6937. good paying job for my rural area

6938. Benefits.

6939. Local job involving agriculture since I was rasied on a farm.

6940. I was working for a conservation district and needed a full time
      permanent job. SCS/NRCS provided a job in my area of interest.

6941. Pay/promotion potential and benefits.

6942. Federal employeement

6943. I was raised in a rural community, this way I wuold still be tyed
      to agriculture.

6944. Providing assistance to the landowners.

6945. Job security

6946. Possible opportunity to work in the field of engineering and
      perform designs.

6947. Because it was doing what I enjoyed doing. I work out side and
      work with all kinds of soil in all kinds of weather. It is a
      challenging job which I have allways enjoyed.

6948. It was a job!

6949. the job series

6950. An opportunity to be able to work up as my experience is gained.

6951. I always wanted to be involved with conservation of our renewable
      resources.

6952. Job opportunity available

6953. I needed a job.

6954. Only opening at the time in my area.

6955. Pay,Benefits,Job Security

6956. To assist clients to use thew soil within its capability

6957. For the health and retirement benefits.

6958. mission

6959. Needed a job.

6960. Promotion

6961. I have wanted to get a job at this location in remote Alaska since
      I graduated from college twenty years ago. I saw the job listed on
      USAJOBS and realized that it was probably my only opportunity to
      move to this place and have a job with a regular salary awaiting
      me. The job itself is fine and I find it rewarding to work with
      Athabascan/Yupik people. However, the cost of living out here is
      83% above normal, which means that even with a 25% COLA, I have
      58% less spending power than the same employee at my grade level
      anywhere at most other locations in the USA. All other federal
      agencies in this area have housing for their employees. I was
      forced to sleep on the floor of an insulated tin shed until I
      could find a place to live. I didn\'t realize that I would be in a
      cold

6962. I had taken the civil service exam while in college.

6963. Needed a job at the time & my Dad had worked for them previously
      so I knew who to visit with.

6964. I wanted to work in the construction arena and live in a rural
      area.

6965. Changed agencies within the USDA and had worked with the Soil
      Consevation Service (NRCS)

6966. it had an opening in my area when I needed it.

6967. NRCS offered an opportunity to get out of Washington, DC

6968. There was a job available.

6969. The overall mission of conservation and the flexibility of the
      work schedule.

6970. First job to come along.

6971. job offer

6972. I graduated with a degree in soil science and NRCS (SCS) was
      hiring soil scientists.

6973. Enjoy the work that I do.

6974. I was able to work with land owners to get conservation on the
      land.

6975. Desire to work in the natural resources field.

6976. Unique job.

6977. Decent pay and benefits. Job flexibility that supported my
      personal family life. Opportunity to work for conservation with
      other like-minded professionals. Challenging, rewarding work.

6978. Interesting work of NRI, the support of bosses and the
      commeraderie of fellow employees. Intellectual aspects of the job.

6979. opportunity for a job in my field

6980. The type of work.

6981. Chance.

6982. I was in an extremely stressful and disfuncitional agency. NRCS is
      a vast improvement.

6983. Personal commitment to the mission

6984. Family member worked for the service.

6985. It presented an opportunity to better protect and care for our
      natural resources and share my aquired knowledge and skills with
      others.

6986. experience while in school

6987. location and qualifications

6988. I transfer from ASCS because I heard many good things about NRCS.

6989. Opportunity to use my career skills in conservation.

6990. I LIKE WORKING WITH FARMERS AND WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, ANYWAY
      I CAN TO MAKE THEM BETTER MANAGERS.

6991. I love doing conservation projects and working with private
      landowners.

6992. A JOB IN MY STATE.

6993. Interest in the field

6994. agency mission

6995. Interest in environmental issues.

6996. Great job - mission! Very satisfying.

6997. Chance to work in the outdoors on environmental issues.

6998. My academic background an my aspirations were to work in
      conservation for which NRCS has a clear mission. A position for
      which I qualified became available in my local area. I cannot move
      from my local area because my spouse has an established career and
      also has joint custody of children from a prior marriage.

6999. it helps me to fullfil my personal goals of helping Mother Earth
      and People.

7000. NRCS actually has money to get good conservation work done and may
      work with private landowners.

7001. The Agency needs my unique set of skills.

7002. NRCS is a can do government agency. we have the right tools to
      significantly make landscape level changes to our nantions water
      and lands. It is exciting to be a part of this family of dedicated
      individuals.

7003. Professionalsim. Opportunity to work on avariety of natural
      resource conservation issues.

7004. Didn\'t chose NRCS, just fell into job

7005. Raised on a farm and enjoy working with farmers.

7006. Years ago, they were the one employer out of hundreds I applied to
      which felt they could use my set of skills, and gave me that
      chance!

7007. The best organization/opportunity for conservation work

7008. It was a part time position at the time.

7009. Employees are committed to the work they do because we are
      affecting this nation\'s quality of life and environment.

7010. I wanted to have a career which would provide me an opportunity to
      serve the public and help improve the environment.

7011. I wanted to help farmers.

7012. I grew up on a farm and wanted to stay in agriculture.

7013. They were looking for people to advanced degrees to do research
      work.

7014. I had worked for them in college. Federal employment and natural
      resources wildlife work.

7015. I use to be a great place to work. Its not so much now that it is
      a regulatory agency

7016. Grade increase from last job

7017. job security

7018. desperation in finding a job

7019. The location and the agency\'s mission

7020. NRCS provided me an opportunity to do the kind of work I enjoy.

7021. I wanted a career in Natural Resouces. I was lucky and was picked
      up by SCS instead of the BLM or USFS.

7022. I had hoped for a biologist position.

7023. It provided me with an opportunity to pursue a career in a field I
      felt would be very worthwhile while personally rewarding - at a
      wage I could live on.

7024. The agency was not a regulatory agency, producers were provided
      incentives to conservation.

7025. I started as a student intern and worked under the SCEP program
      for about 1 1/2 years while I finished school. I liked the mission
      of NRCS, the type of work, and the people I worked with at that
      time. The work fit into my teaching and training as a student and
      it was a good place to apply my knowledge.

7026. To learning the varies of conservation practices and working with
      clients as individual.

7027. I\'m doing the work I want to do, with great benefits, and plenty
      of personal time. I worked for a consulting firm previously. I was
      paid much more, but without the benefits and more hours.

7028. qualified for.

7029. Developing and implementing an advanced approach to soil-landscape
      modeling concepts and mapping strategies.

7030. It was the first federal natural resource agency that offered me a
      job.

7031. Conserve resources for sustainable use

7032. NRCS mission

7033. I like the challenges

7034. My goal is to develop and apply knowledge in the realm of
      geospatial data management, to the field of resource conservation.
      The NRCS mission gernerally suits me.

7035. First job available that I could apply my degree.

7036. Environmental service.

7037. It is a secure job

7038. It\'s was a job i always wanted to do

7039. It\'s was what I always wanted to do for a living

7040. I strongly believe in our mission

7041. I wanted the available job

7042. Referenced by family members and university professors.

7043. To continue Federal Service after 22 years with another agency.
      Liked mission.

7044. I had a really specialized degree and the agency is one of the few
      jobs that I qualified for. Also the security of a federal job

7045. Desire to want to work in a conservation oriented field. Agency
      had many available positions compaired to other Federal land
      management agencies.

7046. I was working for a District and like the opportunities at the
      time that the Federal Government offered.

7047. retirement

7048. Considered the Govt to be a good organization to work for and
      liked the diversity of the job.

7049. Ag family background, wanted to be a public servant, believed in
      NRCS (SCS) mission

7050. Opportunity and job security

7051. hours and benefits

7052. The type of work the agency does.

7053. Many years ago I chose SCS (now NRCS) because of the practical
      appliction of on farm practices. I love agriculture and
      conservation. If I were to consider working for NRCS now as a new
      employee I would be hesitant due to the emphasis on program
      administration instead of conservation planning and application.

7054. Career objectives and promotion potential.

7055. Service to protect the environment.

7056. Thought I would spend the majority of my time in field helping to
      protect this nation\'s natural resources.

7057. I have a degree as Agronomist in Peru, so when I moved to this
      country I ws looking to work in some related enviroment.

7058. Intern, First job

7059. I hoped to improve the environment (really)& the available job was
      in an area I felt strongly about.

7060. Agricultural related field of work.

7061. opportunity and pay

7062. Good pay and benefits.

7063. NRCS offered me a job at the time I was seeking employment.

7064. They were the only one hiring at the time.

7065. Having my own office, little supervision.

7066. Previous experience as an elected Soil Commissioner.

7067. I had a relative in the agency who was very happy with her service
      and was always mentored by her supervisors. I wanted to contribute
      to the mission.

7068. Good job opportunity right out of College.

7069. Had a strong water resources program.

7070. I was looking for a different job. Had taken a Civil Service test
      to qualify for a Social Security position (that was then
      cancelled). A job with NRCS came open and I was still on the state

7071. The SCS people I knew enjoyed what they did and were able to help
      others achieve their conservation goals

7072. I didn\'t, it is the agency that houses the job that I perform.

7073. Location

7074. had a good mentor as an intern

7075. SCS close by and work fits my degree

7076. I enjoyed science and I worked as a mapper during the summer
      between my Sophmore and Junior year of College as a state
      employee. It may even have been between my Freshman and Sophmore
      years.

7077. It was a good job in my field of study.

7078. job security

7079. Strong conservation ethic.

7080. Injoyed working out doors and working 1 on 1 with our clients

7081. I chose to work for NRCS because at the time it was very
      supportive of it\'s employees and I enjoyed the work.

7082. The kind of job that agency offer, agency mission, is a federal
      agency and have good job stability

7083. I liked the idea of working in an agricultural field conserving
      natural resources.

7084. Source of income and travel opportunities.

7085. I liked the idea of science based work that was to be done mostly
      outside.

7086. working outside with farmers and ranchers

7087. I need a job and there was an opening.

7088. I like the flex schedule and I feel it is not a regulatory agency.

7089. availability

7090. The Agency\'s mission is directly applicable to my education
      attainment

7091. I like the idea of working outdoors with landowners and solving
      conservation problems.

7092. The agency is well respected by its customers. The agency is
      employee friendly. The agency is not dynamic in its interpretation
      to the general public.

7093. The summer student trainee program.

7094. 23 years ago, it was a promotion (although it was effective the
      same day it would have been in my former agency) and the staff
      actually needed ME - my skills, my experience, my knowledge.

7095. I was raised in rural Texas and have a true passion for prod. Ag.
      and wanted to be a part of assisting that environment.

7096. The position description for the job I was hired to do\--I have
      since been reassigned.

7097. Rural background/family farm. Friends of father worked for SCS.
      Academic course work. Strong interest and encouragement from
      senior professors. Opportunity - Right Place, Right Time.

7098. i needed a job

7099. I didnt choose NRCS, they choose me.

7100. First job post college graduation

7101. wanted to work in Natural Resouces Field

7102. I love to work outside installing practices and helping farmers.

7103. The position offered fit my skills and interests

7104. Met my long term goal of helping the environment while making a
      confortable salary.

7105. The agency\'s willingness to defer control and decision making
      authority to local field people.

7106. Good agency at the time.

7107. Decent pay and I love the job.

7108. Benefits, pay and security.

7109. I was recruited by a District Conservationist and he helped me
      apply and learn more about the agency.

7110. The agency\'s desire to balance utilization of natural resources
      while minimizing the impact on the environment created by the use
      through a non-regulatory approach, and the cooperative workplace
      environment.

7111. SCS offered a full time job.

7112. When I was employed, NRCS, then SCS was a well accepted, technical
      excellent employer with a mission that was important. Now that is
      not the case.

7113. Job related to my education.

7114. I enjoyed working with customers to solve resource use problems.

7115. The challenge to conserve our natural resources.

7116. They offered me a job.

7117. I began as a SWCD employee and knew I had the skills to be a good
      employee.

7118. continue working with the Ag community

7119. I was not aware of the agency until another position I qualified
      for (Recreation Planner) came up and I applied. While I was
      extended in my current position and did not need to consider the
      original position, the hiring official was impressed with my
      skills and education and

7120. My primary reason for selecting NRCS was the consideration that it
      is one of very few non-regulatory agencies. The voluntary,
      incentive-based approach to natural resource planning is the best
      alternative, so my choice was a philosophical one.

7121. Actually NRCS Chose me.

7122. I choose to dedicate my professional life to the study and
      advancement of soil science. The soil survey offered me the
      opportunity to realize the goal.

7123. Mentoring and Student Trainee Program.

7124. highest pay when first hired

7125. I liked the type of work. My first assignment was relatively close
      to home.

7126. TO stay involved in agriculture and care for the land. Serve as a
      public servant. Security of a job and good pay.

7127. It was a very good benefit job security job in a very rural area.

7128. The mission and philosophy of SCS and now NRCS provided an
      excellent purpose for a career for me.

7129. Pay and benefits

7130. mission

7131. Love of our natural resources

7132. My friend told me about the job and how nice the people that
      worked here are.

7133. Was looking for a job working in the natural resource area, NRCS
      hired me as a student trainie

7134. I needed a summer job while in college and the student trainee
      program was available. One summer\'s field work and I knew this
      was my life mission.

7135. I was very, and am very, impressed with the RC&D Coordinator
      position

7136. pure luck

7137. I embraced the mission of hte agency and felt that I could make a
      significant contribution.

7138. interesting work

7139. I got a Agrononmy degree in Peru, so I looked for a related job in
      this country.

7140. The ability to work one-on-one with people, helping them in a
      voluntary manner, to apply conservation to their land, and the
      fact that we\'re a technical agency\...and not another regulatory
      agency.

7141. I like my job

7142. Before I began my career, I was always impressed with the SCS as
      an agency of people that were dedicated to a great mission,,,,,and
      I wanted to be a part of that.

7143. transfered from another agency because promotion was involved.

7144. I wanted to be a RC&D Coordinator

7145. Worked with NRCS as a Soil con trainee and enjoyed the work and
      decided to come on full time.

7146. Benefits

7147. Student Trainee Program in Conservation

7148. I wanted to work outdoors in the field of conservation

7149. Enjoyed working outside on PL-566 projects

7150. Opportunity to work with private lands.

7151. I wanted to make a differnce in working with our nation\'s natural
      resources.

7152. It was a dream of mine to go to work for the NRCS. I believe in
      the mission statement and overall goals set to help protect the
      soil and water.

7153. I like working outdoors.

7154. The ability to work both inside and outside.

7155. Because they gave me an opportunity and have continued to give me
      great opportunities throughout my career

7156. Agriculture career opportunity without being regulatory

7157. I liked the kind of work that soil scientists do to understand and
      explain the function of the soil landscape.

7158. Wanted to work in an Agriculture related job. Wanted to be able to
      work outside and with people.

7159. NRCS was previously identified as one of the best Federal agencies
      to work for.

7160. I believed in what the agency\'s mission use to be.

7161. I like to work out of doors. I believe agriculture is important to
      our country\'s success. Taking care of the land is the most
      important activity we can do to protect our furture.

7162. Pay and benefits at that time (1960\'s)

7163. I\'m a graduate in the field of conservation and needed a job. The
      job market was tight and with my background it was easier to get a
      FULL TIME job with the NRCS than other Federal Resource Management
      Agencies.

7164. NRCS was doing things that interested me.

7165. security that was 37 years ago

7166. The type of work the agency did at the time, which has drastically
      changed over the last 25 years

7167. I wanted to work in agriculture - I knew the right people at the
      right time. Legacy - My Grandfather worked for SCS.

7168. The agency\'s mission.

7169. Timing of job availability.

7170. Farm background. i have always loved working with the land. I
      believe in what the Agency stands for. i am a strong supporter of
      strong grassroots connection with Soil Conservation Districts.

7171. Because it was Ag related. I grew up on a farm and wanted to
      remain connected to AG.

7172. It was a job in agriculture

7173. Job satisfaction, enjoyment of work, Trying new things and areas
      of the country and still have job security

7174. It offered me a good position with good benefits.

7175. Desire to work in the public sector.

7176. love for conservation

7177. for a career

7178. Limited federal employment opoportunities outside the Agency.

7179. Good federal benefits and the conservation work of the agency.

7180. hoping for advanced job opportunities

7181. The agency has an outstanding mission to serve private landowners
      and protect the environment.

7182. Past working relationship

7183. idealism

7184. I wnate to work for a natural resources agency

7185. Interest in agriculture and conservation work.

7186. It chose me, I wanted a Federal job for job security and the
      health care benefits

7187. needed a job

7188. It was the only job available at the time.

7189. Opportunity for more challenging work, more creativity

7190. Job position and grade

7191. conservation of natural resources

7192. Opportunity to put conservation on the ground.

7193. becuase I need a job at the time.

7194. opportunity

7195. i liked the mission of preserving conservation and improving our
      lands and waterways

7196. Believed in the mission and the people

7197. I needed a job. The company I was working for closed down in 2002.
      I had previous Federal service and returning to Fed service was a
      rather obvious choice. I knew little about the agency before I
      started work there other than what I gleaned from the Internet.

7198. agency mission

7199. Wanted to work for federal government and interviewers painted a
      pretty picture of agency.

7200. I have always believed in land stewardship and loved working with
      private landowners on a voluntary basis

7201. Job was aavailable

7202. Agency offered good incentives and mobility.

7203. n/a

7204. Promotion

7205. The type of work that I was going to do as a Soil Conservationist
      fit my collegic interests.

7206. No reason.

7207. Was susposed to be promoted but not yet.

7208. believe work it provides

7209. NRCS mission matched my career goals.

7210. Received promotion from another USDA agency

7211. The other agency I worked for was more poorly managed than NRCS at
      the time. Now NRCS is more poorly managed and I am seeking other
      employment.

7212. Needed a job

7213. Offered opportunity for advancement and challenging work.

7214. NRCS offered me an internship. I stay because I care passionately
      about the mission.

7215. A shared mission for helping people conserve natural resouces.

7216. Wanted to help protect God\'s Earth

7217. field related to agriculture

7218. was already federally employed.

7219. The position was a promotion and I had heard positive things about
      the agency.

7220. I chose the SCS because I could work in the field, and in my
      degree training. I also thought that I could do work that would
      benefit people and the environment.

7221. Chance to work in the field I was educated in.

7222. I was offered a student trainee position while in college, so the
      main reason would be having been offered the opportunity for a
      career. I liked the type of work the agency conducted, so I made
      this my career.

7223. I enjoy interdisciplinary team work that is focused on
      environmental resource management; I am a social scientist who
      enjoys working with natural scientists.

7224. someon got me in

7225. Outdoor work and timely visible accomplishements through applied
      and completed projects.

7226. Location of initial job

7227. I was interested in the range of work the agency does - it has
      provided me with a very diverse, broad base career.

7228. Mission and my supervisor.

7229. Natural resource conservation mission.

7230. The values of the agency are in line with my personel philosophies
      and goals.

7231. First, I chose NRCS becuase it is new at the grants and agreements
      level and I thought that I could come and help develop this
      department. Second, I had been with CSREES for almost 14 years and
      to learn from another agency would help broaden my horizons.

7232. The creation of a new national staff that needed my expertise and
      about which I was informed by an SCS liaison to my previous
      Federal agency, EPA.

7233. Agency Mission.

7234. Actually, I chose NRCS through an announement for a position at
      that time in the job vacancy list. I did not have any other
      specific reason when I applied for the position other than career
      enhancement.

7235. It provided an oportunity to work in the field I was interested
      in\-- conseration engineering.

7236. Appreciated its commitment to private lands conservation.

7237. I thought it would be great to work for the Fed. Govt. for the
      benefit of our society and especially our natural resources.

7238. Liked the mission/work of the agency.

7239. Because when I started SCS was known for it strong science based
      approach, it paid reasonably well, and I liked the idea of helping
      improve peoples quality of life

7240. The mission of the agency and the people who worked with the
      agency had passion, commitment, and a high level of pride in their
      work. That mission, passion and pride in work has diminished over
      the last 6-7 years. Most are now frustrated, feel abused and
      can\'t wait to be able to retire.

7241. The position in whinch I originally served was very fullfilling.

7242. I heard it was a good place to work.

7243. I chose NRCS because of it\'s core value and vision.

7244. The mission of the agency closely identifies with my background.

7245. Vacancies in field were offered

7246. Helping people conserve and improving our natural resources

7247. Potential to address important public policy issues, i.e.
      environmental problems.

7248. I came to work for the NRCS from another agency because of the
      excellent working environment and the promtional opportunity.

7249. I was recurited by my district conservationist.

7250. First, there seemed to be a genuine concern for co-workers which
      was pseudo and secondly, I really believe that I am helping to
      preserve the environment for the next generation.

7251. Challenging and interesting work.

7252. The agency\'s goals were in alignment with my professional goals.

7253. I wanted to pursue a career with the federal government and was
      hired by SCS.

7254. Public Service

7255. Promotion

7256. To directly enhance the delivery of conservation to farmers.

7257. The NRCS mission; the independence I can exercise in performing my
      job and the support I receive from leadership

7258. Provided promotion potential and challenged me to achieve more.

7259. technical line of my work and the conservation mission of the
      agency

7260. I worked for the Agency before

7261. Family\...belief in the intent of the agency

7262. career advancements

7263. I truely believe in conservation of our natural resources and the
      agency valued my farm background

7264. Family history of working with the agency.

7265. Higher pay

7266. I really believe in the mission of natural resource conservation.

7267. THE JOB WAS AVAILABLE

7268. Family Friendly Environment

7269. career advancement

7270. Convenience.

7271. Agency Mission

7272. It was the first position I was offered.

7273. Because NRCS had an opening at the time I was applying for
      positions.

7274. Use of Science could be applied to the land

7275. Pay and location.

7276. I grew up in a rural background and am very interested in
      conserving our natural resources. I believe and support our
      mission. I enjoy working with landowners and being able to provide
      them a service that is meaningful and

7277. It seemed like an agency with a creative vision and was going
      places

7278. the agency\'s mission interested me and I wanted to be a part of
      the improvements being made.

7279. I need a job at the time

7280. Dedication to conservation and the value of a viable American
      agriculture to the country.

7281. I had left Federal Service and was returning to federal workforce
      and NRCS has a position.

7282. I was told that NRCS was the best agency to work for and that they
      care about their mission and their staff. That was sometime ago -
      things have changed

7283. Potluck. I stayed because I was innoculated with the

7284. conservation and science were my ethical standards

7285. Meaningful work and good people. A career with a purpose.

7286. Major employer of my education and skill set - my major profesor
      passed on oportunities with SCS to me.

7287. Stable pay and benefits. Enjoyed the outdoors. A career I enjoy.

7288. Respect for the mission.

7289. The opportunity came up to stop me moving out of the area. NRCS
      needed help in the skill area.

7290. I believe in agency mission

7291. What we do, helping landousers conserve natural resources.

7292. Soil Science

7293. I did not choose NRCS necessarily, I wanted to work for the
      federal government. I lived in upstated New York where good and/or
      federal jobs were far and few, so I took advantage of the
      opportunity when I saw and vacancy announcement I qualified for. I
      thought the federal government was family oriented.

7294. I heard it was an agency that support its employees through upward
      mobility, etc.

7295. Offered a summer internship and liked my experience.

7296. I was personally recruited by an NRCS (SCS) Area Conservationist

7297. There is no particular reason. However, while it was mandated that
      all employees complete this survey it is clear that some questions
      are not intended to caputre information which relates to a large
      sector of the NRCS workforce which happens to be the

7298. I was promised to work in two of my areas of expertise.

7299. I believe in conservation.

7300. To get back into the Federal Government where I can may a
      differnt.

7301. Liked the agency

7302. Had an interest in the work done. Wanted to make a difference.

7303. Technical agency that provided assistance to farmers. Programs are
      changing this agency from an expert technical agency to an agency
      that is pressured to give out mony for programs. MAnagers are
      pressured to allocate funds. One day when technical expertise is
      retired and current employess with less experience in marketing
      conmservation will suffer. Also any one can accept applications
      for programs. It takes much more talent to work with farmers to
      sell conservation, conservation planning. We need to somehow
      balance between demands of programs and technical expertise or our
      lack of expertise will be our undoing.

7304. Agency Mission

7305. salary and people

7306. The Agency\'s mission is action oriented and serves to reduce the
      adverse impacts of agricultural production

7307. Filled in on a two week temp assignment for a friend.

7308. Former Agency going through A-76 process.

7309. my personal goals

7310. J0b

7311. Work Ethics.

7312. promotion

7313. Needed a job\--person from another agency recommended me.

7314. commitment to the mission of the agency and its technical
      credentials

7315. I\'m not sure

7316. Connected with agency mission.

7317. My degree

7318. I thought it was more about conservation and have been
      disappointed that the agency does not support organic practices,
      but instead the chemical industry.

7319. To gain practical experience to accompany my educational training.

7320. To make a contribution to conservation stewardship.

7321. I needed a job.

7322. Had a family background in agriculture. Enjoyed working in natural
      resource field and liked the interaction with private landowners.

7323. Promotion

7324. reputation of agency

7325. Mission, federal government benefits, opportunities within agency.

7326. Past SCS employees encouraging me to apply, recruitment at the
      University by SCS Deputy State Conservationist, and finally, the
      1985 Farm Bill generated the need for a hugh influx of new
      employees.

7327. An opportunity to work for a large organization

7328. matched my skills and knowledge expertise

7329. The conservation mission of the agency.

7330. I was in school and was hired.

7331. Believe in mission

7332. To feed the world.

7333. I looked upon my career as a vocation and SCS/NRCS sold this as a
      way of life.

7334. My love of conservation

7335. I was very interested in convervation and needed a job.

7336. Coop opportunity in college and the agency was interested in
      bringing me on after college. I could visualize opportunities for
      the future.

7337. NC

7338. Their Stay-in-School program and Internship programs for college
      students. Their high rate of hiring Interns from temporary to
      permanent positions.

7339. No comment

7340. I was interested in the conservation of natural resources.

7341. Needed a federal job and NRCS (SCS) was hiring

7342. It was a) a federal agency and b) a federal agency that deals with
      environmental/natural resource issues.

7343. Promotion and a promise that I would be able to continue in my
      expertise.

7344. Opportunity to work in area of educational training

7345. Its reputation.

7346. Its location and opportunities for relocation.

7347. Starting out as a CO-OP student, I enjoyed working outdoors
      solving natural resource problems.

7348. Like many people who work for this agency I believe in the agency
      mission and purpose. I am idealistic to some extent and less
      concerned about my salary than the belief that I am doing
      something worthwhile for the nation/public and the environment.

7349. An interest in natural resources and agricultlure.

7350. I was interested in conservation of natural resources

7351. Believe in the goals of the agency and the opportunity to help
      people.

7352. Federal position

7353. NRCS chose me and recruited me from another USDA Agency

7354. I thought it was an agency that recognized its mission was only
      possible because of its human resources and that it appreciated
      the commitment and dedication demonstrated by its employees; now I
      am not so sure.

7355. Needed a job

7356. The work

7357. Initially, because it was close to the metro.

7358. Federal job was stable.

7359. an opportunity to advance in my career.

7360. provide technical assistance to farmers

7361. I saw an opportunity to get back into the federal government in a
      position that I was qualified for and felt that I had a good
      opportunity for advancement.

7362. Because of its mission and goal

7363. At the time there were opportunities.

7364. What I heard doing the interview was the reason for my selection.

7365. Flexible work schedules.

7366. It was my first offer for employment.

7367. needed employment

7368. Permanent position.

7369. Satisfaction of supporting conservation of soil, water, and
      related resources (I don\'t have to struggle with articulating my

7370. Increase in pay grade

7371. The vision it once had and how it allowed employees to move
      forward.

      1.  particular position, 2) pay increase from what I had been
          doing, 3) NRCS was much more focused and well defined in its
          mission versus my previous employer

7372. Employment close to home.

7373. As a civil rights attorney, I thought working in the equal
      opportunity real of the agency would be an improvement from what I
      did at the department. Here I would only have 1 program to
      familiaize myself with. I found that CRD was corrupted with
      favoritism and bad management decisions causing a lack of
      credibility in the field. I was also personally disapointed when
      the conditions under which I had accepted my position were never
      met. I drive over 5 hours each day and complete my days
      assignements in less than 4 hours leaving too much time for me to
      do nothing or to be tasked to do someone elses job - because that
      person is not made to perfrom thier own job. In other words I was
      fooled by misreprsentations and my morale is low due to lack of
      professional challenge.

7374. The specific position that was open.

7375. Relevant to my fromal education. Job security.

7376. NRCS was the Federal agency most compatible with my educational
      background and previous work experience.

7377. I believe NRCS is making an excellent contribution to the U.S. and
      aboard. I would love nothing more then to be a part of agency
      thatÆs making a huge impact on the world in very positive manner.

7378. POSITION

7379. Type of work and customer base.

7380. family members

7381. Mobility.

7382. responsibility for resource areas of interest

7383. new job opportunity

7384. Ability to specialize in one technical discipline.

7385. promotion

7386. It was the only job offer I received.

7387. At the time of my appointment, as a single parent, benefits were
      very important to me. I addition, the opportunity to advance
      seemed great.

7388. they offered me a job

7389. Job location

7390. I came in as an intern.

7391. Agency that had opening.

7392. Advancement opportunity

7393. It was open at the time I was looking for a job.

7394. Agriculture oriented and privided technical assistance to
      producers. I also worked as a Student Trainee while in college
      which provided me the opportunity to

7395. Involvement with natural resource management.

7396. The agency was a strong front-runner in creative conservation
      along with demonstrating an internal

7397. Offered me a job

7398. The nature of my specific job, and the potential practical
      applications of the results of my job.

7399. I like working with agricultural producers.

7400. The vast expertise in Natural Resources and Agriculture.

7401. I chose NRCS because it offered experience that no other employer
      could. Furthermore, I felt it was imperative that our country
      focus on agricultural and conservation issues to insure our
      future. I believe that we play an important role in the
      management, stability, and continuity of our countries
      agricultural economics and ecosystems. We play a role that no
      other private organisation can possibly fill. Thus, I have taken
      it upon myself to address these issues and find solutions that are
      both practical and meet the needs of the community.

7402. My background is in agriculture and resource management. I feel
      and still do that NRCS is the best choice because of their
      reputation for technical assistance and non-regulatory.

7403. NRCS is respected by agricultural producers

7404. Being able to work with the resource on the ground, less red tape,
      being productive, making a difference on the ground.

7405. Technical expertise in conservation planning

7406. i want to help protect the natural resources in our county

7407. NRCS helped me with my degree paying my classes and after I
      finished my degree they offered a job.

7408. Staff\'s positive and friendly attitude.

7409. continue with gov\'t work

7410. I began working through the stay-in-school program when I was 17
      as a GS-1 clerk-typist. I valued the work that NRCS (then SCS) was
      doing and wanted to work for the agency. I was accepted into the
      student trainee program and am very grateful to the agency for my
      career.

7411. I liked the prospect of working for USDA. The job description was
      what I was looking for. I like working in the field. The benefits
      were good. However, the pay scale almost kept me from accepting
      the job.

7412. I liked the

7413. I was hired to do the job I went to school for.

7414. I wanted to be involved in technology transfer from academia to
      private land owners

7415. To have the job I went to school for.

7416. Job security.

7417. The relevance to my formal education (Soil Science is a narrow
      field)

7418. Job security

7419. I liked the idea of helping ranchers. Help them make it in todays
      world. I enjoy working outdoors and improving the environment.

7420. NRCS Mission

7421. My skills and interests fit with the agency mission and
      activities.

7422. The type of work.

7423. Career choise

7424. It was a good fit to my personal agendas and priorities.

7425. Recommended by my University Graduate Advisor.

7426. The mission conforms to my value system.

7427. Past job experience fit and location of office

7428. My brother worked for SCS in the 70\'s and the Agency seemed like
      a good place for a person without a degree to be.

7429. Stability in the work force.

7430. I knew I wanted to work for the gov\'t in natural resources and
      their were no openings in USFS at the time and it was the first
      perm postion I was offered.

7431. My desire to have a secure position, good retirement benefits and
      need to feel that I\'m serving the greater good for tax payers.

7432. The position is a state-wide CR specialist with access to lands
      previously unaccessible by archaeologists.

7433. Advancement within the Government

7434. The position I applied to had the right job skills I wanted to
      apply my experience, education and talents to.

7435. needed employment and i believe in our mission

7436. I went to the college placement center and eventually got hired by

7437. Friendly working environment and the agency\'s committment to
      service.

7438. The federal government is the largest employer of engineers. I was
      able to work in my area of study as an agricultural engineer.

7439. I respect what we do and the employees I\'ve worked with have been
      good to me.

7440. The kind of work the agency does

7441. NRCS is charged with the protection of Natural Resources in
      collaboration with landowners on a voluntary basis. NRCS has a
      great tradition of providing excellent service to customers in a
      timely and professional manner. NRCS has a reputation of caring
      about the employees even when they maybe remotely located.

7442. the conservation work

7443. At first it was an urgently need job, now I enjoy and respect the
      people I work with.

7444. I was looking for a job and the agency offered me a job and I
      accepted as it was presented that there was promotional potential.

7445. I was just out of school and needed a job and then stayed.

7446. I was recruited with little experience, but NRCS saw my potential
      and was willing to train me.

7447. The people I work with are very special, most supervisors are
      supportive of family/quality of life. Promotion and pay inequities
      may force me to look elsewhere.

7448. job was advertised in newspaper, I applied

7449. I was hired as a stay-in-school in high school and worked up the
      ladder from a GS-01. But the agency\'s mission and positive
      affects on the environment keep me here.

7450. location

7451. It is a wonderful example of how we are going to preserve the land
      and the environment.

7452. I was working for USDA, FS out of state and this agency was near
      my home town and very similar policies and procedures and Mission
      as the Forest Service.

7453. Opportunities given to me as a SCEP

7454. Proximity to my parents.

7455. Association with agriculture sector where I was raised.

7456. Wanted to work in the field and witness real accomplishments in
      applied conservation

7457. I lived in a rural area that did not have many good jobs, and I
      was referred to SCS by the USFS, for which I was working when my
      temporary job ended.

7458. To assist farmers in receiving money through governemnt programs.

7459. Enjoy working with farmers

7460. Location.

7461. desire for a career in agriculture

7462. Born on a farm, and was involved in farming as a young person.

7463. I value conservation and I understand it\'s worth

7464. Location.

7465. Offered me full time work and benefits.

7466. I was guaranteed a job upon graduation and i didn\'t have any
      other job offers.

7467. This agency fullfills my chosen discipline.

7468. persoal interest in me.

7469. proffesionalism

7470. Agency mission

7471. I am a Soil Scientist. That is my mayor, Soil Science and I
      consider that Federal Government offers the best opportunity for
      development.

7472. Agency mission and long term stability.

7473. mission, salary

7474. Carrer opportunities. But that was 30 years ago.

7475. Location and new position available

7476. I thought the work would be rewarding and interesting.

7477. Tradition

7478. 20+ years ago salary and benefits were better than average. Job
      provided challenges and opportunity to use technical skills. Now,
      most of the challenges involve how to comply with complicated and
      inconsistent rules regarding the implementation of programs.

7479. Providing leadership to voluntary private land natural resources
      conservation technical assitance.

7480. I chose the SCS, a different agency.

7481. Did not chose NRCS. NRCS choose me. I\'m happy about that.

7482. liked the work, it was diverse each day brought different
      challenges

7483. Wanted to do something in my field of study.

7484. location of job

7485. At the time, Federal benefits and job security. Opportunity to
      work out of doors with natural resources.

7486. Enjoyed the type of Work NRCS does.

7487. Our Mission

7488. Job opening existed

7489. I wanted to be a State Administrative Officer - promotion

7490. I was recently out of the military and was hired as a temporary
      employee in my field of interest.

7491. I needed a job.

7492. The job was located where I wanted to be.

7493. Spouse relocated

7494. To continue my permanent career status with the Federal. After my
      spouse received military orders out of the DC area to NC, I had to
      take a State government job, because there were no federal
      vacancies in the area at the time, so when a vacancy became
      available with the NRCS I applied and was reinstated.

7495. I wanted to be a part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey
      Program

7496. recession at time I graduated, SCS was hiring and I wanted a job
      in an ag field. Pay and benefits at that time were competitive.

7497. 29 yrs ago\.....It was a well-paying job/career in the field that
      I spent 6 yrs of college for earning a MS in field Biology

7498. conservation ethic

7499. Work in agriculture related job

7500. It looked like a good fit to my degrees and the good established
      name of USDA was alluring.

7501. I was trained as a student and hired.

7502. Experience

7503. To do conservation work, not pass out money.

7504. enthusiasm of recruiter for the program

7505. The field work I was involved in through volunteer hours and they
      were hiring when I was needing a career

7506. higher salary, desirable position

7507. The opportunity to plan with Land Owner to get conservation on the
      ground in a voluntary mode.

7508. WORKING WITH FARMERS AND TIME OUTDOORS

7509. I have the most fun job in the agency.

7510. get training, NRCS is the authority on soil survey, travel and
      work in various parts of the nation

7511. I wanted to work with the operators and decision makers on the
      land to protect the natural resources.

7512. Back when I begin my career in the mid 60\'s the agency understood
      it\'s role and mission and pretty much stayed out of the political
      arena.

7513. belief in goals of agency

7514. Gaining experience,lots of training opportunities, flexible work
      schedule, lots of opportunities for career advancement

7515. Wanted to help farmers be conservationists and provide funds to
      install practices.

7516. RC&D Program

7517. The job commensurate with my degree and interest was available.

7518. NRCS allowed me to do something to help people and the
      environment. We were non-regulatory. People appreciated the
      information and services we provided. We made the world a better
      place. Now, sometimes I wonder if those days are gone.

7519. Oppportunity to get paid to do meaningful work with farmers and
      ranchers.

7520. Ability to assist farmers in creating and understanding their
      conservation plans and in turn reduce soil loss on theri farms.

7521. I worked for ASCS/FSA for 10 years and had advanced as far as I
      could. There was a job opening with SCS as a SC Technician and I
      applied. I was familiar with SCS/NRCS and liked the fact they
      worked in the field and they had interesting projects. This work
      environment was very attractive to a farm kid like myself.

7522. Interesting work

7523. Stability

7524. federal position with good benefits.

7525. promotion

7526. To stay with the Federal Government to continue my career. The
      goals of the USDA are helping to save our natural resources, that
      is a very important to all of us.

7527. They gave me an oppurtinity to apply the knowledge i had accuired
      in the private sector to NRCS Engineering sector.

7528. I wanted to work in the natural resources field, NRCS\'mission
      matched my personal philosophy.

7529. NRCS was SCS then and came to my school to recruit women
      specifically and I got the job.

7530. Outdoor work

7531. I was in college and needed a good paying job that didn\'t involve
      waiting tables\...

7532. Worked one summer with SCS during high school and I liked what I
      did.

7533. Availability

7534. Knew a District Conservationist and his job interested me.

7535. THE agency that employed soil scientists to map soils

7536. SCS had a job I really wanted

7537. Stable work environment/

7538. At the time (40 years ago) it was about the only game in town for
      persons with my job skills.

7539. benefits

7540. Needed job close to home due to family illness

7541. I chose NRCS because I wanted to work for someone in agriculture
      and had heard that NRCS was a great agency to be a part of.

7542. Position vacant and husband relocating

7543. I liked working in conservation and agriculture, NRCS offered that
      exact mix.

7544. Leader in Fed. Nat. Resources

7545. Working with private sector in accomplishing conservation.

7546. Agricultural sector employement interested me because I grew up on
      a farm.

7547. I wanted to work in a profession that protect our natural
      resources

7548. Because I wanted to become a Budget Officer and there was an
      opening where I lived.

7549. Position was open when I was seeking employment.

7550. Premier natural resources agency

7551. It allowed me to work in my chosen fields of interest\--soils and
      conservaiton.

7552. I knew another NRCS employee who liked his job.

7553. I wanted to work in agriculture and with conserving natural
      resources.

7554. Prior work experience with agency, and opportunity to apply
      college-level knowledge & skills

7555. I like the type of work and the benefits.

7556. Because it\'s productive for

7557. Good benefits and competitive pay scales.

7558. Better care taken with employees. Tries to be accomodating to its
      workers.

7559. Mission of NRCS is very important.

7560. Promotion, transferred from another USDA agency.

7561. I like to work for the federal government.

7562. Wanted to work for a Natural Resources Agency.

7563. environmental issues

7564. There weren\'t too many agencies or businesses that were hiring
      agricultural engineers.

7565. Job stability.

7566. ?

7567. I was recruited while in college to work as a student trainee with
      SCS and liked the training and liked having summer employment.

7568. The agency deals with agricultural production, which is what my
      background was in.

7569. College degree was soils.

7570. The flexible work schedule and flexible leave.

7571. position duties, supervisor support and the flexibility to learn
      and perform new duties

7572. To have a direct impact on improving natural resource concerns.

7573. Having come from the private sector as an engineer, I wanted to
      get away from the profit-driven mentality and long, long hours
      with little benefits. NRCS has provided me with a rewarding sense
      of accomplishment of the work we do, getting conservation back on
      the ground, rather than removing it to build a sub-division, etc.

7574. Agency reputation and previous positive interaction with Agency
      personnel.

7575. When I was attempting to get back into the Federal workforce NRCS
      seemed to have more opportunities available.

7576. My interview for the job with my supervisor. He promised I would
      have his support when I needed it, and he has kept his promise. He
      fosters teamwork and works a lot on our teambuilding skills.
      Therefore we are not as splintered as a lot of the other sections
      in the agency.

7577. Working environment seemed very friendly and less political than
      most USDa agencies.

7578. Degree in Agriculture, decent pay, flexible work schedule

7579. geographic location

7580. familiarity, small agency, decentralized, non-political, mission
      oriented

7581. I have a strong interest in conservation and care about our
      environment.

7582. I enjoyed the work!! I felt I was making a difference in the lives
      of the people I provided technical assistance in conserve and
      maintain our natural resources.

7583. mission of the agency was important to me

7584. Summer intern that got away - the next thing you know its 40 years
      later.

7585. the agency offered a position in my field of study and the
      locations of the duty stations.

7586. Influence of university professors

7587. I enjoyed working outside and helping people with resource
      problems. Field employees are now administrators processing
      payments and are losing their technical edge.

7588. Stability

7589. NRCS chose me.

7590. Financial

7591. I wanted to do a job I could do only in NRCS.

7592. Mission and type of work.

7593. Pay.

7594. When I graduated college unemployment was 22% in my region of the
      country, it was a job in my major which was extrememly diificult
      to find at that time.

7595. Type of work NRCS does.

7596. Almost nothing is more fullfilling than working toward the
      universal need of sustaining agriculture and conserving the
      environment and job security, opportunities, flexible/time.

7597. At the time I was hired NRCS was doing PL-566 construction in my
      state, this is what initially attracted me

7598. Good opportunity

7599. I interviewed for my job by referral after testing

7600. They offered me a good job when I didn\'t have one

7601. Encouraged by teacher to consider the Federal government; he was a
      former Federal employee.

7602. I selected SCS. To help people conserve soil and water.

7603. get a federal job, and since I have been here for awhile, NRCS has
      a good missioin

7604. Have been working for 2 other agencies in Agriculture. And NRCS
      (was SCS) advertised for a position with promotion potential in
      which I knew I qualified and could do a GREAT job for NRCS and
      USDA. And I have for the past 26 years for USDA. With a total 20
      of thoes years with NRCS. So, it has been a win, win situation for
      me and USDA.

7605. Vacancy announcement. It could have been any other Federal agency.

7606. part time hours.

7607. I wanted a stable work environment.

7608. resource conservation

7609. SCS was the best choice for me to use my skills I learned in
      college to get conservation on the land.

7610. Location, postition, and re-entry to the Federal Government

7611. Job stability

7612. I was interested in the agency\'s mission.

7613. agricultural interests

7614. As an employee? I thought the work was good for my training and
      experience.

7615. I wanted to stay in a field that I had grown up with comming from
      a ranching background. And one that would not keep me in an office
      all day.

7616. I grew up on a ranching/farming operation and was a full time
      rancher myself.

7617. Good pay and benefits, and ability to work in the agriculture
      field to provide a needed service for the future of our land
      resources and agriculture.

7618. It was an opportunity to stay close to Farmers and I enjoy very
      much being part of a group that conservses resources.

7619. Agency was willling to hire a white male when others would not.

7620. They offered me a job.

7621. Recently divorced and needed to support a child.

7622. Promotion

7623. The work was very interesting to me.

7624. It provides the type of work (natural resoures conservation) I
      enjoy doing and the majority of the workforce is composed of high
      quality, dedicated and moral people.

7625. love field technical work

7626. To make a difference through placing conservation on the land.

7627. I was recruited as a student trainee while attending college.

7628. I transferred from another federal agency after 14 years and
      needed a change. I believe the mission of NRCS is something I am
      proud to stand behind as a federal employee.

7629. At the time I was hired I was looking for employment and as it
      turned out I enjoyed the work.

7630. The work the agency does.

7631. SCS/NRCS has a conservation mission helping private working lands!

7632. Money

7633. Don\'t work weekends

7634. I liked what they did when they provided technical assistance on
      our family\'s farm starting when I was a child in the \'50\'s.

7635. Prior contact with employees.

7636. I like the type of work.

7637. Promotion from another agency

7638. Intrested to work for federal goverment

7639. Ability to be involved with a wide variety of different jobs that
      would produce the conservation of resources that would/could be
      lost under significant rainfall.

7640. Totally accidental

7641. My grandmother worked for SCS and the agency had good family
      values.

7642. Perceived stability and interest in the job description.

7643. They were willing to hire me through work program.

7644. to work one on one with cooperaters

7645. Job opening

7646. It was in my field, paid well, was local.

7647. Interest in the Agriculture area.

7648. job opportunity

7649. SCS now NRCS provided me the opportunity to learn and help those
      that make a living from the land be better stewards of our Nations
      Natural Resources for for today and future generations. A great
      opportunity to work outdoors in Nature with people that understand
      and appreciate our beautiful country. A great opportunity to
      contribute to our Nations strenght and future.

7650. career potential

7651. Working with improving natural resources on private lands and at
      the sametime improving private landowners life styles.

7652. The NRCS is an agency that helps people conserve and protect land
      and water, and protect food and housing.

7653. Because the agency is here to help improve and maintain the land.

7654. Promotion opportunity.

7655. Benefits

7656. Wanted to work for the Federal Government.

7657. Agreement with NRCS mission

7658. To me, farming is the central point of life, and farmers should be
      able to use natural resources without destroying them, that is why
      this agency exists and that is why I am here.

7659. I wanted to stay in agriculture and I liked outside work.

7660. Good people.

7661. My goal was to gain knowledge in the agriculture field and be an
      asset to my community and SCS gave me an opportunity to work close
      to the area I grew up.

7662. They hired me first and I felt I needed to acquire permanent
      employment quickly.

7663. Type of work correlated with by background/culture.

7664. Job opening

7665. 30 years ago, my reason was working with natural resources and my
      love for the environment. I grew to like our assistance to private
      landusers and what we have accomplished together.

7666. I was offered a job with SCS.

7667. Believe in the mission of NRCS.

7668. I liked the engineering program. Watershed, design of flood
      control structures and irrigation in the USA, EWP and several
      foreign assignments etc.

7669. I enjoyed working in the agriculture field and working with
      farmers and ranchers.

7670. I was an agriculture graduate and the NRCS was in my field.

7671. I was excited about improving the environment

7672. Liked their mission and they offered me the best pay.

7673. Natural resource protection

7674. To work with agriculture

7675. The agency\'s mission along with the overall satisfaction of the
      employees who were proud to work for the agency. That satisfaction
      has drastically dropped in the last 5 years.

7676. I like to work outdoors and I liked that we were to help people
      with conservation.

7677. Interest in the most basic of elements soil, water and air. In
      particular since our bodies are made of mostly clay and water I
      felt that an understanding of these basic elements would give me a
      better understanding of myself as well as everyone else. Also a
      basic feeling that I was doing something that truly could make a
      difference to help improve the earth.

7678. I liked the agency\'s mission. Also, they had not done much in my
      discipline at the time I was hired so I had a chance to follow my
      vision without having to work with legacy issues.

7679. conservation work

7680. It was the best opportunity at the time.

7681. I was on a scholarship and I was good at soil science.

7682. Good employees who led by example encouraged me to consider.. the
      agency for employment.

7683. I liked what they did and my family had worked with SCS on many
      projects and the work interested me.

7684. Within the agricultural fld. dealing with private lands

7685. I started with the Soil Conservation Service! I turned down offers
      by two other federal agencies to work for SCS because of the
      techncail nature of the agency and the opportunity to work with
      private landowners to help them improve thier management
      capabilities and thier ecomonics and natural resources.

7686. The NRCS mission

7687. SCS offered the opportunities to meet my career goals and worked
      in the area in which I enjoyed and excelled.

7688. Federal Agency

7689. pay increase from state employee

7690. Perfect fit with my skills, interests and geographic preference.

7691. I wanted to be a conservationist.

7692. Being raised on a farm taught me the value and importance of soil
      conservation. Being able to help farmers and others understand
      conservation.

7693. Because I needed a job?

7694. Type of work, benefits, work environment

7695. More Advancement Opportunity

7696. I was hired as a Soil Conservationist in 1983. I enjoy working
      with the producers on the land at the local level. I was also a
      Student Trainee and had a job lined up when I graduated college.

7697. One of the few agencys that needed my expertise

7698. Interesting outside job. I get to walk around outside and dig
      holes all day.

7699. I believe in the mission of the NRCS. I believe that our agency
      can make a difference and that as an employee within the NRCS I
      can have a positive impact on the communities and individuals
      around me.

7700. WORKING WITH THE PUBLIC TO HELP PROMOTE CONSERVATION OF THE
      VARIOUS RESOURCES

7701. Knew people in the agency

7702. Great opportunity to make a difference for the good of the earth
      and man.

7703. They offered me a job.

7704. The sense of actually helping farmers. I have seen no such help
      without regulation for others, ie fishermen

7705. I got along with the agency like it was my family.

7706. It was a position in my field in a location that I wanted to live.

7707. I Beleive strongly in our Mission. I could truly make a positive
      difference in on this planet. This may sound naive, however it is
      True and I Beleive it.

7708. Career! Opportunity to work and help Rural American succeed!

7709. They recruited from my college.

7710. Ag related field

7711. I wanted to work on solving private land mangement issues.

7712. The ability to serve the public and work on conservation related
      issues.

7713. Work in a field of study that interested me.

7714. I grew up in a farming and ranching backgound and I have a love
      for the land and enjoy helping people.

7715. wanted to be involved with a technical job which addressed/worked
      with environmental concerns in this country

7716. Because of the type of work we do as agronomist and engineer

7717. It was within my field of study and good job stability.

7718. Upper Mobility

7719. I was able to use my degree and it was a job with benefits. I also
      knew I would have the opportunity to advance in my career.

7720. The love of the soil survey program.

7721. Came on with SCS in January 1981, wanted to just give it a try as
      I did not know too much about SCS right out of college

7722. The environmental work that I would be doing.

7723. Opportunity to work in different states and overseas.

7724. It is a good agency. It was a good job at the appropriate grade.

7725. type of work - conservation

7726. I needed a job and they had a local opening, in addition to the
      opportunity to work out of doors

7727. Employed for over 28 years - wanted to be a part of the agency
      known for technical and professional skills.

7728. Timing: I was a part-time student employee finishing my degree
      when a career internship (an excellent program) became available.

7729. The NRCS was strongly promoted by my College Major Advisor

7730. Fit my interests and education.

7731. At the time, I did not know who else hired in my discipline. And
      it is chose, not choose, in your question.

7732. Type of work

7733. I believe in what our Agency\'s is trying to accomplish. Our
      conservation efforts are critical to the well being of our economy
      and the future of our children.

7734. To work with landowners to conserve and protect our natural
      resources.

7735. I was empress on what SCS stood for and how they helped producers
      in gettng conservation practices installed. The agency was truely
      a service and was not program driven.

7736. Only federal agency with vacancies in the town I moved to when I
      applied.

7737. The close working relationship with natural resources.

7738. Exposure through thr student trainee program

7739. The type of work I was interested in doing was advertised in an
      NRCS job.

7740. husband work with agency too

7741. Loved the mission of agency.

7742. NRCS offered opportunities to make a difference on improving the
      environment on private lands

7743. To help people help the land. SCS has such a good reputation and
      there is good job security. I can make a good living doing
      something I have real passion about. Not many people in the world
      have that opportunity.

7744. To help assure that our natural resources will be available for
      future generations.

7745. Ability to continue work in agriculture/conservation after a move
      to a new location.

7746. Influence of a District Conservationist who was a 4-H project
      leader and did a management plan on our ranch.

7747. only employer who offered me a job because I am disabled, other
      federal agencies are avoiding hire disabled.

7748. conservation. They offered a job when I needed one 30 years ago.

7749. I liked working outdoors and with the farmers and ranchers in my
      county. Plus I liked the results of my work.

7750. Interest in natural resources management

7751. It just happened.

7752. To pursue a career in natural resources

7753. The agency had a good working relationship with the customers we
      serviced. The employees were very helpful in helping me develop my
      skills. They also treated individulas within the agency as family.

7754. Only job available

7755. Wanted to be a conservationist

7756. This job is agood way to help people,which is a major goal of mine

7757. I liked the work and the people who used to work for us and were
      managers who had work as a goal and had common sense

7758. I registered with the old Civil Service in 1970\'s. SCS was the
      third agency to offer me a job. I never heard of SCS before the
      phone call. SCS/NRCS has been a good employer.

7759. It was all I could get at the time.

7760. At the time, it was the only organization that was doing what I
      was interested in.

7761. Conservation message and working with landowners

7762. It was a link to agriculture

7763. As a child/teen, SCS helped us install concrete ditch lining and
      land leveling over a 3 year period. I had to help irrigate fields
      and their leving and ditchwork cut irrigation from 9 days per
      month to 3. I thought the guy looking through the level had the
      coolest job.

7764. I enjoyed working for SCS as a co-op student.

7765. I love and respect what this agency does in assisting people with
      the conservation of our natural resources. This agency serves a
      noble cause. There is definitely room for improvement, however.

7766. I liked the connection to clients and the feeling of

7767. Work in an agricultural field.

7768. Being employed by the NRCS appealed to me because of my desire to
      assist others and make my community a better place to live.

7769. I created a list of things I felt were important, things I liked
      and enjoyed. I then compared these to the course work needed in
      collage. I choose the course of study closest to my list. Soils
      were the answeràthen and now. It was a good choice. NRCS was the
      place to work in soils.

7770. I agree strongly with the mission of the agency. It was the only
      offer I had that pertained to my degree. I also was pleased with
      the benefits.

7771. I thought I would be promoting natural resources conservation.

7772. My interest in natural resource issues.