New USDA Partnership Reaches Out to Experienced Workers in Virginia

RICHMOND, November 1, 2005—A brand new pilot project is underway in Virginia to obtain the services of experienced workers to meet high conservation workload demands. The new initiative will allow qualified workers the opportunity to assist USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) employees fulfill the mission of the agency to help people conserve, maintain and improve natural resources and the environment. 

Together, NRCS and the National Older Worker Career Center (NOWCC) kicked off the new initiative-- Agricultural Conservation Enrollees/Seniors (ACES).  “This cooperative partnership allows qualified workers, age 40 and older, to support NRCS employees in making sure that all producers receive the conservation assistance they need,” said NRCS State Conservationist M. Denise Doetzer.

ACES workers will provide administrative support to NRCS staff in assisting them with day-to-day assignments and responsibilities.  ACES participants earn benefits and work 20 to 40 hours a week on a temporary basis. If workers are retired, their retirement annuity will not be impacted by the stipends they receive from NOWCC.

Virginia was selected for the ACES pilot project and has opportunities available in the following areas: Verona, Buckingham, Warrenton, Courtland, Tappahannock, Roanoke, Abingdon, and Richmond. Other locations are in: Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Utah, Oregon, and Washington, D.C.

 “ACES workers will provide the critical support needed to help meet the Farm Bill workload. This will ultimately result in more conservation on the land and will benefit everyone,” said Doetzer. 

NOWCC, a nonprofit organization focused on employment opportunities and issues for older workers, posts ACES positions on the Web at http://www.nowcc.org/applicants/positions/index.html. For additional information, contact Pat Bragg, NRCS State ACES Coordinator, at 804-287-1625 or Pat.Bragg@va.usda.gov.

< Back to ...