Employee Foundations course indoor team building challenges, National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Photo credit: Jeanette Harrison, USFWS.

Employee Foundations course outdoor team building challenges, National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Photo credit: Jeanette Harrison, USFWS.

Alpena National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (NFWCO) Biologist Andrea Ania attended Fisheries Academy and Employee Foundations courses at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, W. Va.  The Fisheries Academy course provided an overview of Fisheries Program operations, pertinent legislation and policies, and DOI organization to new and entry-level fisheries professional staff.  The course included Fisheries Information System (FIS) training, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Planning for Natural Resource Pathways training, and an overview of career paths in the Service’s Fisheries Program. 

The Employee Foundations course covered the history, organization and mission of the Service.  Additionally, employees learned about and evaluated their communication skills, personality type and conflict styles.  Indoor and outdoor teambuilding activities were used to illustrate the importance of interpersonal skills in building trust and developing mutually beneficial professional relationships/networks within the Service and with our partners. 

Both courses covered topics such as use of the Individual Development Plan, other career development tools, and a variety of training opportunities.  Both courses were worthwhile and had excellent speakers.

Continued educational opportunities are consistent with the Service’s goal of providing employees with opportunities to maintain competencies and improve opportunities for professional achievement under the “Workforce Management” priority of the Fisheries Program Vision for the Future.