NRCS recognizes engineer during National Volunteer Week

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 19, 2004 — A shortage of engineering jobs in the Little Rock area has proven beneficial to the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.  Rachel Lipsey heard about NRCS from a classmate at the University of Arkansas where she graduated with a biological and agricultural engineering degree.  However, since graduating, engineering jobs have been scarce. 

Lipsey located Tony Stevenson, state conservation engineer, on Arkansas’ NRCS Internet site and sent him an e-mail about working as an intern.  They met and agreed the best option was to bring her on board as an Earth Team volunteer.  Now, Lipsey is in the federal building Monday through Friday from 8 to11:30 a.m. where she maps projects with the ArcView software program and visits with Arkansas farmers and ranchers about NRCS. 

“Many things we heard about in the classroom, I now get to see in action.  It is very exciting to be working as a member of this team and gain a greater understanding of NRCS and my career field.  I enjoy seeing the variety of work this office does.  Everyone is incredibly friendly and helpful.  At NRCS, I feel like an employee,” Lipsey said.

“I occasionally work full days when I go to the field,” Lipsey said.  “I attended a meeting on dairy waste in Bee Branch where I learned about new technologies in the dairy industry.  I also went to an irrigation meeting in Prairie County where we met with farmers and discussed their concerns.  The best thing about working in the field is the opportunity to see how this work helps others.”

“These experiences have exposed me to many aspects of NRCS,” Lipsey said.  “I hope to be able to secure a full-time position with NRCS, but even if that doesn’t occur, I am gaining professional experience I will be able to use in the years to come.” 

Earth Team volunteers help NRCS conservationists provide technical assistance to landowners and teach others about conservation.  They also assist youth groups, professional societies or civic groups with water quality, community beautification and erosion control projects. 

In addition, volunteers work in NRCS offices to provide clerical assistance, organize computer data, prepare newsletters or educate others about natural resource conservation.

“The Earth Team—NRCS’ volunteer program—is for individuals interested in making a difference by conserving the nation’s natural resources,” said Kalven L. Trice, state conservationist.  “We need people who are willing to commit their time and talent to conserving and protecting soil, water, and wildlife for their community and everyone in it.” 

The NRCS is the primary federal agency that works with private landowners to help them conserve, maintain and improve natural resources and the environment.  It celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, by recognizing the efforts of Earth Team volunteers. 

“If I had known about the Earth Team when I was in school, I could have gained this work experience during summers and such.  I had to have a paying job, but I could have volunteered some as an intern, too,” said Lipsey.

Additional information on volunteering with the Earth Team is available online at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/volunteers or by calling (toll-free) 888-LANDCARE.

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