Alabama Bulletin No. AL180-8-3

This bulletin announces a statewide initiative to assure the development and maintenance of our field office technical expertise. In recent years we have had many diversions in managing cost share programs, new computer applications and workload analysis, resulting in less time for technical training. During this same time period we have had many new employees that have had minimum contact with technical specialists for on-site planning and training opportunities. This initiative will help to fill some of these missed opportunities.

There are several benefits of this initiative:

• Builds a better rapport between the field office staff and the technical specialists.
• Training will be credited as continuing education points (CEU’s) toward requirements for NRCS Conservation Planning and Nutrient and Pest Management certifications.
• Assures technical competency and quality assurance in the specialty areas of agronomy, grazing lands, forestry, wildlife, pest management, and nutrient management.

Starting immediately, each technical specialist on the Resource Conservation Staff will be contacting District Conservationists (DC) to make appointments for technical assistance, training and/or quality assurance reviews in all field offices over the next two years. The DC will decide their priorities in using each specialist and scheduling the dates for the assistance. This should not limit you from asking for assistance outside of these scheduled dates, if needed.

If you have any questions related to this initiative please contact Bill Hughes at 334-887-4520.