Training of a Different Kind

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil conservation technicians and civil engineers from Zone 1 recently experienced a training to remember as they gathered for a four-day workshop in the secluded Ceta Canyon camp site, east of Canyon, Texas, below the caprock.

Greg Sokora, NRCS engineer and training organizer said, “We created this training of a different kind, conducting a workshop retreat style.” Located on the southwest side of Palo Duro Canyon, the site provided cabins, meeting facilities, and meals to accommodate trainees.

The workshop provided engineering training on a number of subjects. Participants learned about new engineering computer software and received multi-discipline training and professional development from technical specialists in Zone 1.

Although the training wasn’t mandatory, many of those attending the sessions said they valued their time spent and needed the continuing education to meet their yearly training requirements.

Gary Gowens, civil engineering technician from Crosbyton, said, “The best part of the training for me was the introduction to the advanced engineering software. The new technology is diversified and designed to be more accurate and consistent in our engineering designs.”

Frank Torres, soil conservation technician from Farwell, said, “It’s been a good place to receive training, and I would be willing to experience it again.”

The concept of conducting the workshop retreat style for four days was considered non-traditional for the typical NRCS employee trainings. “What made this experience unique for the engineering discipline was having more than one day to instruct and communicate ideas,” Sokora said.

“The technicians work in an important capacity and are an integral part of our on-going mission to apply conservation on the land,” Sokora stated. “They work with the majority of the contractors in our zone to be sure that our standards and specifications are followed in the application of our conservation practices.”

Sokora and the engineering team plan to conduct trainings like this in future. “The training for our employees is extremely important to our success as an agency, and we need to continue to follow in that direction,” said Mickey Black, NRCS assistant state conservationist for the Panhandle and South Plains regions.

Efforts were made by many to ensure quality training successes. Engineering team instructors included Troy Heading, Amarillo; Howard Frerich, Vernon; Greg Hinders, Amarillo; Shane Ice, Snyder; Brian Dillard, Tahoka; and Cleon Namken, Lubbock. Technical Specialists participating in the program were Monty Dollar, zone agronomist, Lubbock; Charles Coffman, wildlife biologist, Lubbock; and Kelly Attebury, soil scientist, Lubbock.

Trainers are hopeful that participants gained additional engineering skills on some of the new engineering computer software and learned how it can be used to create more consistency across the zone in the application of conservation practices.

Sokora explained that another benefit of the training worth noting was the networking opportunities for the employees. He said, “Now they know each other, both in a professional manner, as well as, in a social setting.”

Workshop instructor Shane Ice demonstrates new software benefits for structural designs.	Soil Conservation Technician Frank Torres participates in the session using the new survey engineering tool known as EBAAG.	Workshop participants experienced interactive sessions using their laptops.

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