How to Become a Natural Resources Conservation Service Volunteer

The NRCS, originally called the Soil Conservation Service, was set up to help local landowners and others that practice conservation of natural resources like soil and water. The NRCS provides consulting and financial support not only to domestic property owners, including farmers and other agricultural businesses, but also to foreign governments. Getting involved with the NRCS means joining the collective effort to encourage good use of natural elements worldwide.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Read up on the NRCS. The group's website includes history and details on the programs and methods that the organization uses to promote its goals (see Resources below).

2. Join the Earth Team. Filling out an "Interest and Placement" form online allows the NRCS to evaluate you for a position in their "Earth Team" group of volunteers. More information is available in pdf format on the site.

3. Participate in the "Walk a mile in my Boots" program. This NRCS program is a work-exchange between agricultural producers and government employees to facilitate greater knowledge of government and business practices by those who would not normally be exposed to a certain job or field. Detailed information is available on the site.

4. Join the "Foreign Volunteers." Citizens outside of the United States can also join up with the Natural Resources Conservation Service as auxiliary members; a list of requested information is on the "Foreign Volunteers" page of the NRCS website, as well as details on eligibility.

5. Look for further opportunities on Volunteer.gov. This online basket of government volunteer positions allows users to browse for a fit they think would be right for them. From Historical Preservation to Fire Safety and Invasive Species Control, there are dozens of specific issues open to volunteers on the site. Use the "Featured Positions" list or zero in on a particular type of niche with "Find Opportunities."

Tips & Warnings

• All of the Natural Resources Conservation Service volunteer options are made easily accessible from the home page. Choose the "Volunteers" tab at the left of the page and then browse through the links to see all of the details for these and other various programs.

Resources

• NRCS volunteer page
• Soils Information

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