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NRCS/KACD Partnership Affiliate Grant
In 2020, KACD entered into a cooperative agreement with the Kentucky Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide funding to further enhance conservation district technical assistance across the Commonwealth. The agreement specified that funds would be awarded to conservation districts to hire staff where additional capacity is needed to improve customer service and reduce workload pressure. The priorities were established from national workload databases and the decisions of the state conservation partnership leaders.
NRCS provides more than $1 million annually for this agreement, which pays for 90% of a Partnership Affiliate's salary, as well as a portion of their employee benefits. In return for this funding, NRCS asks that the Conservation Districts who employ a Partnership Affiliate through this grant allow for these field staff to be available for assisting conservation efforts statewide, whether that be for Federal, State, or District work. NRCS Supervisory DC, in coordination with KACD, will assign employees throughout the commonwealth as workload needs demand them.
KACD will continue acting as the primary contact for the agreement, and will answer any questions or issues that the districts have with the agreement.
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KACD will also handle quarterly financial reports and biannual performance reports for Partnership Affiliates. KACD will also provide reimbursements for these affiliates, doing so by submitting monthly reimbursement requests to NRCS.
Conservation Districts are asked to employ these Partnership Affiliates at a rate of $17-26 an hour, including benefits. Districts are asked to provide these affiliates with adequate resources, such as an office space and internet connectivity, to assist them in fulfilling their duties.
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NRCS also asks that they be given a voice in the hiring process of Partnership Affiliates, and in conducting performance reviews for them thereafter.
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To receive their reimbursement for these affiliates, Conservation Districts are asked to submit their documentation for reimbursement by the 15th of each month.
FAQ
Why are districts required to pay a certain amount and offer benefits?
NRCS hopes that by offering benefits and pay similar to a federal soil conservation technician that districts will retain employees. Though strongly encouraged, offering benefits is not required.
Does a partner affiliate need to be associated with multiple districts in order for a county to receive a position?
No, a single county can employ a partner affiliate, but if they would like to share the cost with another county they can do so. In the case of joint county positions, one district will be designated the “lead district.”
What will be required of the Partner Affiliates?
There is no training requirement for these positions, though training is offered as available and encouraged. Obtaining an apprentice level planner certification and appropriate job approval authority will be encouraged.
Will NRCS provide anything else in addition to 90% of the salary?
NRCS will provide computers and access to NRCS systems. Affiliates will have to undergo a background check and complete onboarding to access NRCS systems. Districts will be responsible for providing office space and computer connection. Affiliates will be given access to fleet vehicles as available, and mileage reimbursement where not available. Training will be offered where available.