Montana: a Great Place to Learn
The Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana is the ideal workplace for those who
value a career in conservation with a family-like agency in one of the most
beautiful places in the country. "Montana: a Great Place to Learn" looks at the
NRCS student internship program from the perspective of students working in
Montana.
The production is currently available on DVD
and can be requested by contacting
publications. Be sure to
include the title of the DVD and your mailing address with your request. A
Transcript of the "Montana: a Great Place to Learn" Video can be
read on this Web page.
If you encounter any problems with the files provided on
this page, please contact
Webmaster at 406-587-6945.
The following video requires
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Montana: a
Great Place to Learn (SWF; 6 minutes, 49 seconds; 33.6 MB)
Transcript of "Montana: a Great Place to
Learn" Video
NARRATOR:
Do you love the outdoors, want to learn more about agriculture, and be a part of
conserving our nation’s natural resources? If you answered, “yes” to these
questions there may be a career opportunity for you in Montana. The Natural
Resources Conservation Service in Montana is the ideal workplace for those who
value a career in conservation with a family-like agency in one of the most
beautiful places in the country.
Established by Congress in the wake of great dust storms of the 1930s, the
mission of NRCS is “helping people help the land.” Through national programs and
incentives that are aimed at reducing erosion, keeping streams clear, protecting
grazing land and wildlife, and promoting good land use NRCS continues to help
farmers and ranchers protect our nation’s natural resources.
A large part of the success of our programs is due to the commitment and
dedication of our employees. As the baby-boomer generation begins to retire,
NRCS is facing a great shift in our staff. Recruitment is one way we are
addressing this change within our agency. Recruitment is a big deal to us; and
currently the student internship program is one of our best recruitment
resources.
BART HUBER, STATE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER:
The NRCS internship program begins with our recruitment of students from across
the nation. The program requires students to work 640 hours as a student intern.
The main difference between our program and other student internship programs is
that we are really looking for our student to be an employee of the future.
NARRATOR:
Working in Montana is hands-on. There’s no sitting around or grabbing coffee for
your boss. By taking our interns out into the field we ensure that they receive
real work experience.
KAYLA WICKEY, THIRD-YEAR INTERN:
Basically, what I do is I go out and I help survey and I help complete jobs that
have been contracted, um, usually stockwater pipelines or manure transfer
pipelines.
JACOB SWANEY, SECOND-YEAR INTERN:
My experience so far with the Montana NRCS has been an amazing experience. I’ve
been out on mainly forestry practices here in the Missoula area and the Bozeman
area. Um, I’ve been exposed to a lot of range-plant ID and a lot of range
operations. Um, fairly brand new to me. I’m mainly a wildlife ecologist with a
forestry background in my schooling. And it’s just been an amazing experience so
far. I’ve been learning different practices and how all the programs work.
NARRATOR:
Working for us is a learning experience, and we do not expect you to come here
knowing everything there is to know about NRCS and conservation. However, by
using the field as your laboratory, you will definitely leave Montana knowing
more about our agriculture, conservation, and more about our agency.
MICHELLE DU, FIRST-YEAR INTERN:
I’m expecting to learn a lot. Um, I’ve been having a couple days of training on
forestry. So we’re doing that right now and you notice the forest site. And, um,
a lot of irrigation work, I think in Plains, which is where I’m based right now.
KAYLA WICKEY:
Even if you make mistakes, it’s OK. They’re not going to let you take on
something and then just let you go at it unsupervised. They’re going to make
sure that you do it OK; and they’ll watch for you; and even if you mess it up
they’re right there to fix it with you. So they’ll explain to you what you did
wrong and, um, help you not to do that again.
NARRATOR:
When most people think of interns, they think of undergraduate students. But our
internship program is open to high school students (as long as you are at least
16 years old), undergrads, and graduate students, as well.
BYRHONDA LYONS, THIRD-YEAR INTERN:
Choosing to work for Montana NRCS was a great decision for me because I’m a
graduate student and, during the summers, I’m allowed to work for the agency.
And also, when I graduate, I’ll have a job.
NARRATOR:
Deciding to start a career with Montana NRCS will be one of the best decisions
you will ever make. If you love being outdoors, learning new things, living in a
beautiful state, and if you are committed to promoting productive lands and a
healthy environment, Montana NRCS is the place for you. But don’t just take my
word for it.
JACOB SWANEY:
This job will shape me for my future because it gives me a good sense of how
agencies work, and the inter-workings of certain agencies, and the differences
and the diversity.
DESIREE VARELA, SECOND-YEAR INTERN:
You have a job when you graduate. That is the number one. As long as you don’t
totally screw up, you will have a job when you graduate.
TRAVIS CAUDLE, FIRST-YEAR INTERN:
I pretty much love NRCS Montana. It’s, it’s more quiet than what I’m used to.
And I’m loving the peacefulness.
NARRATOR:
See, working for us is awesome. And I know you’re anxious about becoming an
intern in Montana, but not so fast. Here are a few things you need to keep in
mind before you submit your application. A student trainee position provides for
periods of study mixed with field application of conservation practices learned
in the classroom.
These positions can lead up to careers that require related classes and a
college degree. Under a working agreement between NRCS and an educational
institution, the student must perform a minimum of 640 study-related work hours
before completion of the academic requirements for graduation. The student may
work full-time during the summer and vacation or intermittent periods while
attending classes. Work is under the guidance of a trained NRCS employee.
As an intern, student employees are eligible for health-care and retirement
benefits. Student work locations in Montana will vary each summer.
The student trainee may be converted to permanent employment after successfully
obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree and completing the required course work for the
position.
For more information on the student internship program contact the human
resources office at this address. You can also visit our Web site at
www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov.
Well, since you know all of the logistics, [ding] you are now free to roam about
Montana.
Last Modified:
11/14/2011
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