Since 1985, Earth Team volunteers have provided a valued source of talent to NRCS. These dedicated volunteers work with conservation professionals on private lands to improve soil quality, conserve water, improve air quality and enhance wildlife habitat.
What is the Earth Team?
The Earth Team is the volunteer workforce of the NRCS, and we are making a difference in every county in the nation.
NRCS partners with conservation groups and others to ensure private lands are conserved, restored, and more resilient to environmental challenges like climate change. Working side-by-side with farmers and ranchers, the NRCS identifies natural resource concerns, such as soil erosion and water quality issues, and develops unique conservation plans for restoring and protecting resources.
Earth Team volunteers are an integral part of the conservation partnership, and each member takes pride in the fact that they maintain and improve our natural resources and environment on private lands.
The job of conserving our natural resources cannot be done by the government alone. We need your help in reducing soil erosion, conserving our water and improving its quality, and developing pride in our country's natural resource heritage.
How Can I Volunteer?
Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older to join our Earth Team Volunteer Program. Those who are interested in conserving and protecting our precious natural resources, can join. As a volunteer, you can work part-time or full-time, evenings or weekends, outdoors or indoors, or you can volunteer as an individual or in a group!
As an Earth Team volunteer, you will work with professionals on conservation activities in your community. Whatever your talents or interests, there is a volunteer opportunity for you.
The opportunities are endless! Contact an Earth Team Volunteer Coordinator today or visit your local NRCS Office to find out more about how you can be a part of the NRCS Earth Team Volunteer Program.
On the land
You can help professional conservationists who are working directly with farmers and ranchers to:
- Plan, lay out, and design conservation practices
- Establish and Improve Wildlife Habitat
- Plant Trees
- Generate natural resource inventories
- Map Soils
In the community
If you like being out in the community, you can assist elementary and high schools, and college and universities. You will be able to introduce to young people - and adults alike - the importance of conservation. Through cooperative Earth Team conservation efforts, you can help educate and solve many natural resource problems in your area by:
- Organizing special conservation tours and and fairs
- Planning conservation activities
- Taking photographs
- Writing articles
- Speaking to community groups and organizations
- Producing artwork and publications
In the office
If you like an office setting, NRCS seeks your talents and clerical assistance in many ways, including:
- Preparing newsletters
- Computer data entry and programming
- Typing, filing, and answering phones
- Copying documents
- Social media
- Educating others about natural resource conservation
Volunteering in Tennessee
Why Volunteer?
Earth Team volunteers across the nation help NRCS accomplish its mission to provide conservation resources to farmers, ranchers, and forest owners.
Make a Difference! Join the Earth Team!
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is looking for motivated volunteers, ages 14 and up, to help in county field offices over the summer.
The Earth Team provides a variety of opportunities: full- or part-time; outdoor or indoor activities; and as an individual or part of a group. There is something for everyone.
Gain valuable work experience while helping protect America’s natural resources!
What will I be doing?
As an Earth Team volunteer, you will be working side by side with professional conservationists to plan and deliver conservation on private lands.
Duties vary based on interests and availability, and include clerical work and field study. You will share your skills, learn new ones, meet new people and be part of a dedicated,
national conservation effort.
The Earth Team will provide you with experience in a variety of different natural resource fields including: conservation, soil quality, water quality, tree planting, brush
management and more.
Where will Earth Team take you?
Several NRCS employees began their careers as Earth Team volunteers. Join today and gain valuable knowledge and workplace experience that will help build your resume.
If you’re considering a career in natural resources, consider joining the Earth Team to kick start your career!
What is the Earth Team?
The Earth Team is a component of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the federal government’s primary private lands conservation agency.
Earth Team volunteers help the agency fulfill its commitment to support farmers and ranchers in their voluntary conservation efforts to keep working lands working, boost rural
economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture.
The Earth Team offers numerous volunteer opportunities for students, retirees, veterans and others who care about conservation and are seeking to make a difference in their
communities.
With nearly 3,000 offices in communities nationwide, volunteers are needed in virtually every State and territory.
Open the documents below to learn more.
Earth Team Factsheet
Did you know that in FY 2015 798 Earth Team volunteers contributed 11,400+ hours to NRCS-Tennessee?
Conserving natural resources requires the time, energy, knowledge and talent of many individuals. With the help of Earth Team volunteers, we can expand our services, and
ultimately ... Put more conservation on the ground!
What can an Earth Team volunteer do for your office?
- Conduct surveys
- Assist with layout of conservation practices
- Work on wetland restoration projects
- Assist with field visits
- Perform clerical duties
- Create communications products
- Aid in field days and banquets
- Computer Support
- Develop and present educational materials
- Test water quality
If you already have Earth Team volunteers working at your locations, remember to submit their Volunteer Services Agreement (OMB 0596-0080) and their time volunteered so their
valuable service is properly documented. Additionally some volunteers may need to meet security requirements, per Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12).
Open the below document to learn more.
Earth Team Volunteer & Interest Placement
Complete the below online form, and then email to Martha.Griffin@usda.gov.
Earth Team Application
Several NRCS employees began their careers as Earth Team volunteers. Join today and gain valuable knowledge and workplace experience that will help build your resume.
Complete the below application forms and then email to Martha.Griffin@usda.gov.
State Volunteer Coordinator /
Area 1 Coordinator
Martha Griffin
Savannah Field Office
1035 C Wayne Rd.
Savannah, TN, 38372
731-412-3106
Area 2 Coordinator
Katelyn Meador
Wilson County Field Office
925 E Baddour Parkway
Suite 101
Lebanon TN 37087
615-444-1890
Area 3 Coordinator
Cody Franklin
Cumberland/Morgan County Field Offices
314 Old Jamestown Road
Crossville, TN 38355
931-484-5442 ext107
Area 4 Coordinator
David Gentry
Knoxville Field Office
4730 New Harvest Lane, Suite 200
Knoxville, TN 37918
865-523-3338 Ext 9519