Information For Volunteers

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) needs your help in reducing soil erosion, conserving and improving water quality, and developing pride in our country's natural resource heritage. Your commitment to the Earth Team will help ensure that generations to come will enjoy America's bounty.

About The Earth Team 

The Earth Team, the volunteer arm of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is now recruiting volunteers in more than 3,000 locations across the country. Make a difference in your community -- become an Earth Team Volunteer. 

Who Can Volunteer? 

Anyone 14 years of age or older and interested in conserving our precious natural resources can join the Earth Team. You can work part-time or full-time, evenings or weekends, outdoors or in a local NRCS office. You can also volunteer as an individual or as a group! 

Meet Some of Nebraska's Earth Team Volunteers!

Citizens across Nebraska share a purpose and passion about conservation.  Meet them, and learn about why they chose to volunteer with NRCS.

Where Volunteers Can Help 

• On the Land - with professional conservationists who are working directly with farmers and ranchers.
• In schools - with elementary and high schools, college and university students. Through camps and classes, you can introduce young people to the wonders of nature.
• With organizations -- youth groups, professional societies, or civic groups. All types of organizations are joining together to sponsor water quality education campaigns, community beautification, and erosion control projects. Cooperative Earth Team efforts can help solve many natural resource problems in your area.
• In offices - where NRCS or your conservation district may want to use your talents for clerical assistance, organizing information in a computer, preparing newsletters, or educating others about natural resource conservation.

Kinds of Jobs Our Volunteers Do 

As an Earth Team Volunteer, you'll work with professionals on conservation activities in your community. Whatever your talents or interests, there is a volunteer opportunity for you. Technical assistance is needed to plan, lay out, and design conservation practices; to undertake natural resource inventories; and to improve wildlife habitat. Schools and community groups benefit from conservation tours and exhibits that volunteers can organize. Taking photographs, writing articles, speaking to community groups, and producing artwork and publications are some of the opportunities available. Office support services include opportunities in computer data entry, typing, filing, computer programming, and conservation information. There are opportunities for everyone. 

How To Get Started 

If you are interested in becoming involved with the Earth Team, or just want to learn more, please contact State Volunteer Coordinator Joanna Pope at (402) 437-4123 or joanna.pope@ne.usda.gov.  You may also click here to find the Area Volunteer Coordinator nearest you.