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NRCS Earth Team Volunteers
Inspiring the Next Generation of Kentucky Stewards
Since 1985, Earth Team Volunteers have had an opportunity to benefit the soil, water, air, and wildlife through conservation work directly with Natural Resources Conservation Service employees and farmers, ranchers, and foresters. With over 2,500 offices nationwide, there are many opportunities at the field level for volunteers to provide a valued source of talent and enthusiasm, while also gaining office and field experience. Earth Team Volunteers specifically enjoy assisting customers, learning new skills, building relationships, and working to protect our lands. You can make a difference by joining our volunteer team!
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Qualifications?
Anyone 14 years and older can apply to volunteer. Many opportunities exist: full and part-time, outdoor and indoor, as an individual or part of a group. International volunteer opportunities also exist. We can use volunteers with office, speaking, education, training, conservation planning and implementation, snow survey, computer, soil conservation, wildlife habitat, clerical, photography, budget and contracting skills, and much more. There is something for anyone interested in protecting our natural resources for future generations!
Ready to Sign-Up?
Download the documents found below. Complete the NRCS PER-002 and the OF-301a. Then contact your local Conservation District/NRCS personnel to submit applications!
Program Overview
Welcome to the Earth Team!
As an Earth Team volunteer, you will be working side by side with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) corps of professional conservationists. We appreciate the generous contribution of your time, energy and abilities and hope you will enjoy sharing your skills, learning new ones, meeting new people and being part of a dedicated, national conservation effort.
Volunteer Guidelines
Your tour of duty (schedule) will be negotiated between you and your NRCS supervisor.It is very important to keep an accurate record of the actual hours you work, as you are protected under the Workers’ Compensation Program and the Tort Claims Act while volunteering. NRCS-PER-004, Time and Attendance, is one timekeeping method.​If you are injured on the job, you must immediately report the injury to your supervisor regardless of how insignificant the injury initially appears. This ensures your protection if complications develop later.
Who is NRCS?
​NRCS is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Founded in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service, the agency was renamed the Natural Resources Conservation Service as part of a reorganization in 1994.
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​NRCS helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners conserve the nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment. NRCS works at the local level, with field offices in nearly every county in the country.
Code of Conduct
​NRCS is a federal agency and has a responsibility to maintain public confidence and support. Volunteers are expected to dress and conduct themselves in a way that reflects positively on the agency. While serving as an NRCS Earth Team volunteer, you are subject to the same responsibilities and guidelines for conduct expected of Federal employees.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Join the EARTH TEAM!
Where will Earth Team take you?
Several NRCS employees began their careers as Earth Team volunteers. Join today and gain valuable knowledge and workplace experience that will help build your resume. If you’re considering a career in natural resources, consider joining the Earth Team to kick start your career!
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Envirothon Teams
Are you an Envirothon Team Leader/Coach, Team Participant, Partner Agency assisting with trainings and contests? You could be an Earth Team Volunteer!