Indiana Conservation Partnership Training and Certification Program

Laura FribleyDistrict Support Specialist

Indiana State Department of Agriculture

Local Staff Role in the Indiana Conservation Partnership (ICP)IASWCD Annual Conference 2015

ICP Training and Certification Program

• Background• Key Activities in 2014• Getting Involved

http://icp.iaswcd.org/resources/training-opportunities/icp-training-and-certification-program-agreement/

Planting the Seed

• September 2009: Work Session (pilot project)• October 2009: White Paper developed (included

description of need & value, necessary elements, timeline, & immediate steps)

• ICP Training & Certification Team formed– SWCD reps include Paula Baldwin (Marion Co SWCD), Troy

Hinkle (Knox Co) , Vickie Smith (Dearborn Co), & Jan Came (Vigo & IDEA)

• September 2010: Partnership Agreement

Written Agreement

• Purpose: “This agreement provides the framework to jointly carry out a consistent training and certification program resulting in a highly skilled workforce that efficiently meets the technical assistance needs of the Indiana Conservation Partnership’s (ICP) customers based on multiple levels or “tiers” of abilities, skills and knowledge. Any ICP employee trained and certified through this program will be recognized as competent by every agency in the ICP.”

Individual Development Inventory

• Assesses training needs and current skills• 2014 Results (245 employees responded, including 80 SWCD staff)

1. Weed ID 2. Wetland Plant ID 3. Tree & Shrub ID 4. Conservation Planning 5. Wetland Restoration; Raingardens 6. Hydric Soils for Wetland Delineation 7. Wetland Creation 8. Soil Testing & Interpreting Results; Pasture & Range Forage ID; Forest Health

Assessment 9. USLE or RUSLE Evaluation; How to Talk to Producers- “Selling Conservation” 10. NRCS Customer Service Toolkit; Website Management

2014 Trainings

• Sponsored part of “Conservation in the City”*• EnviroCert (CESSWI, CPESC) *• Raingarden (beginner, intermediate) *• Conservation Selling Skills*• Advanced Nutrient Management• Region V webinar• Coming in 2015: forestry training ** Utilized funds from a State Soil Conservation Board grant

Roles and Responsibilities of Partners

“Integrate individual position descriptions with ICP abilities, skills and knowledge levels. Supervisors will ensure that their agency Position Descriptions are in place and will work with employees to ensure expected abilities, skills, and knowledge needs are identified in individual training plans.” – Tip: write good job descriptions, identify skills for

employees to accomplish, and create accountability. Consider long range plans of the SWCD.

Roles and Responsibilities of Partners

“Develop and utilize a mutually acceptable

training needs inventory system”

“Develop and utilize individual training plans for each employee and support their participation in the training program”

Roles and Responsibilities of Partners

Photo source: IASWCD

“Jointly develop certification criteria and Job

Approval Authority”

Employee Spotlight: Vickie Smith, Dearborn Co SWCD Environmental Technician/Educator

Roles and Responsibilities of Partners

“Commit available human and financial

resources to provide for individual training needs”

“This agreement will be reviewed annually by the ICP Leaders and locally at Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meetings”

Roles and Responsibilities of Partners

“Jointly develop course design and curriculum”

Raingarden Workshop, Delaware CoPhoto source: Jason Donati

“Ensure long term sustainability of this effort by appointing members to serve on the ICP Training and Certification Program Team”

Questions?Laura Fribley

District Support SpecialistIndiana State Department of Agriculture

lfribley@isda.in.gov(812) 595-5641

ICP Training & Certification Team MembersAngie Brown (IDEM), Jan Came (IDEA/Vigo Co SWCD), Bob Eddleman (SSCB), Brad Joern (Purdue), Doug Nusbaum & Zack Smith (IDNR), Brenda Gettinger & Laura Fribley (ISDA), Jason Kishton & Susan Hovermale (FSA), Paula Baldwin & Emily Neitzel (IASWCD), Roger Kult & Susan Meadows (NRCS), Troy Hinkle (Knox Co SWCD), Vickie Smith (Dearborn Co SWCD), & Harold Thompson (Earth Team Volunteer).