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NRCS-Natural Resource Career Development Program (NRCDP)

Hispanic Recruitment Initiative

Third Party Internships

By: Rick Tafoya, NHQ-National Program Manager

  • NRCS third-party internship programs are focused on aligning opportunities with our workforce needs, developing targeted metrics for success, creating a pathway to permanent employment, and providing our Hispanic interns with a meaningful career enhancement opportunity.
    • Hispanic Recruitment-Natural Resource Career Development Program (NRCDP)- Summer intern program that provides 45-50 Hispanic college students direct work experience with NRCS preparing these interns for the Pathways Program and a career path to permanent employment.  Students must be seeking degree programs that align with NRCS occupations. Additionally, the program is designed to build an ongoing relationship with students beyond the initial internship experience with professional development activities such as training workshops on campus, support to attend national conferences, engage in NRCS field demonstrations and tours, and more.  All activities intended to prepare students for the Pathways internship and recent graduate job opportunities.
    •  Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities National Internship Program (HACU-HNIP)- Targeted recruitment and professional development program that addresses USDA’s workforce planning needs by matching education and training to meet future position requirements; Promotes the participation and study of agriculture, food, natural resources, science, engineering, health, and other related disciplines.  As part of the Hispanic Recruitment Initiative, NRCS hosts 8-10 HACU interns annually.

Carissa Cantu, Texas – Soil Conservationist

Previously a Natural Resource Career Development Program (NRCDP) third party intern, Pathways intern, and NRCS Student Ambassador 

“While I was a student, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in both the NRCDP and the Pathways Programs which helped solidify my career choice with NRCS. I had great experiences both summers away from home where I grew my conservation mindset with mentors and likeminded interns. Now that I’ve converted to a full-time Soil Conservationist in Texas, I know that I’m meant to work for this agency.” 

Bryanna Ramos, California – Soil Conservationist 

Previously a Natural Resource Career Development Program (NRCDP) third party intern and recent direct hire through NRCS’ new Direct Hire Authority  

“I applied and was accepted for an internship and placed in Waconia, MN. Despite being from Los Angeles, where my background in agriculture set me apart, I felt I had finally found a career where I could practice land stewardship. This internship allowed me to bridge my childhood experiences with my goals career goals with my values. In this role, I felt like a steward of the land, helping people to help the environment.” 

José Calzadilla, Arizona – Scheduled to convert in May 2025  

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Intern and Pathways Intern 

“I was able to learn about coworkers’ interests inside and outside of work. It was also fun adding visual effects and striking edits to make the videos more engaging to watch. 

Damuel H. Morales-Barreto is currently serving as a Watershed Resources Planner on the Partnerships team for NRCS Kentucky. Originally from Moca, Puerto Rico, Damuel developed a passion for agriculture and conservation while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in general agriculture, which he earned from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus in 2021.

Damuel began his career with NRCS in 2018 as a Pathways Soil Conservationist in Kentucky. Through this program, he gained valuable experience working in various field offices across Kentucky and Puerto Rico, as well as within the Ecological Science Division of the NRCS Caribbean Area. In 2021, he transitioned into a full-time role as a Soil Conservationist, moving within the state to support different projects before assuming his current position.

In addition to his role in watershed planning, Damuel is an active member of the Civil Rights Advisory Committee, serving as the Hispanic Special Emphasis Program Manager. He is also deeply involved in promoting employee wellness, acting as the Kentucky Wellness Point of Contact and Wellness Champion for the Southeast through the Center for Wellbeing.

 

Outside of work, Damuel enjoys traveling, going on walks, and spending quality time with his family.