Environmental Science &
Natural Resources
Placement
Example
Application
FOR USE BEGINNING IN 2001
PLACEMENT
MONTANA
Proficiency
CHAPTER #:MT0017
STATE:
MT
Member ID #ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & NAT. RESOURCE MGMT
Name of Proficiency Award Area
1. Name:
Zachary Sarrazin
2. Date of Birth: 06/21/1983 3. Age: 18
4. Gender:
X
Male Female 5. Social Security #: 000-00-00006. Address: (street/R.R./box no.) P.O. Box 146
City: Somewhere State: Montana Zip: 55555 7. Home Telephone number (including area code): (555) 555-5555
8. Name of Parents/Guardians 9. List Parents/Guardians Occupation Below:
a. Father: William A. Sarrazin Rancher
b. Mother: Lori B. Sarrazin Secretary
10. Complete FFA Chapter Name: Somewhere FFA 11. Name of High School: Somewhere High School 12. School Address: (street/RR./box no.) P.O. Box 40
School City: Somewhere State: MT School Zip: 55555 13. School Telephone Number (including area code): (555) 555-1111
14. Chapter Advisor(s): James Rose
15. Year FFA Membership Began:
1997
16. Years of Agricultural Education Completed: 4
17. Years of Agricultural Education Offered (grades 7-12) in high school last attended: 4
18. Year in school at time of applying for the award:
Grad
19. If you have graduated from the high school, year graduated: 2001
20. State/National Dues paid? NO YES
X
We have examined this application and find that the records are true, accurate, and complete. We hereby permit for publicity purposes, the use of any information included in this application with the exception of the following:
Candidate Signature Parent or Guardian Signature
In addition, we certify the applicant has achieved a satisfactory record of scholastic achievement.
Chapter Advisor Signature Superintendent or Principal Signature (indicate which)
The information contained in this application has been substantiated by an actual visit to the site of the applicant's supervised agricultural experience program.
Employer Signature (if applicable) State Supervisor, Ag Ed, Signature
NOTICE: This application will not be returned by the National FFA Organization. Please make a copy for your records.
Our House Enterprises (MT ) 01/03/2003
I. Performance Review
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & NAT. RESOURCE MGMTA. Getting Started in this activity:
(15)1. Briefly describe your SAE as it is related to this proficiency area. Describe how you started in this proficiency area. What interested and motivated you to begin?
2. When you were planning your supervised agricultural experience in this proficiency area, what 2 or 3 goals and objectives did you plan to achieve at this point in your development?
B. Progress:
1. Describe any special advantages or disadvantages that had a major impact on your achievements in your supervised agricultural experience program.
Our House Enterprises (MT ) 01/03/2003
My first experiences with environmental science and resource management came at an early age when I helped my father and grandfater with flood irrigating our hay fields. Since that time, and particularly during my freshman year in high school, I developed a greater desire to learn more about resource management. My SAE started by perfecting irrigating skills, building fences, moving cattle and developing springs. These first SAE experiences were expected, and consequently, were unpaid. Even though these hours were unpaid, the experiences triggered a desire in me to learn more about this management field. During my sophomore year, I actively sought a job and was hired by our area Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office. I found this job engaging and very rewarding. Due to my background in the FFA's range and agronomy career development events and the training I received from the NRCS personnel, I was able to immediately help producers implement management plans for their farms and ranches.
When I first secured this job, I had certain goals that I wanted to achieve. I wanted to be able to work well with others, learn advanced range management principles and imlement thes ideas into a c omplete range/ranch management plan. I also wanted to gain as much knowledge on these subjects as I could while I had the opportunity. While at the NRCS office, I eagerly worked to achieve these goals. Often there were two or three certified conservationists working on a project, and I wanted nothing more than to hel pthem indesigning projects and implementing management plans. This became the norm rather than the exception during the past two years as I accomlished the goal of being able to work with others and contribute to the effectiveness of the business. The people I work with have been great in helping me accomplish my other goals as well. I have been exposed to various technologies and have been given a huge amount of responsibility to help them fulfill their promises to their clients.
I sincerely believe we need to get the most from our environment and natural resources, while protecting and managing them for future generations.
I have lived on a ranch my entire life, and I feel that gave me an advantage in working at the NRCS office. For instance, when we would develop a ranch plan I was able to assist other planners due to my agricultural background. I was able to help them in setting up pasture rotation systems by determining where water
developments should occur, where mineral and salting areas should be and what cross fencing should take place. I also knew where many of the producers in the area lived, which proved to be a very big time saver when locating projects.
Another advantage I feel I had was that I am a very good student and quick learner. Because of this, I was able to perform mamy tasks sooner than expected, which enabled our office to complete some jobs more quickly. Perhaps the only disadvantage I can think of is the fact that I live about 20 miles from the NRCS office and had to drive that distance to work every day.
-I. Performance Review
(continued) ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & NAT. RESOURCE MGMTB. Progress (continued)
2. Briefly describe your placement in this proficiency area. (Include a description of the business/ farm, working conditions, size, number of employees, type of facilities, equipment available, etc.)
3. How has your position description and/or responsibilities changed during the time of your placement?
C. Analysis/Evaluation of Program
1. Describe your level of achievement and progress towards your goals (such as skills, scope, etc.) in this award area as related to the goals and objectives described on page 2, question 2.
2. Describe the personal goals, educational goals, and career goals you would like to achieve in the next ten years.
Our House Enterprises (MT ) 01/03/2003
The field office I work out of covers all of Somewhere County. There are three full time engineers at this office, along with two others employed by the local conservation district. When not working in the "field", we work in a large office building with individual
desk/work areas. There is also a main work room and a main conference room where we can comfortably meet with agriculturalists. The equipment we utilize is fairly modern, and some of it is very technologically advanced. We have access to brand new computers, high quality survey equipment which includes a laser level, a geodometer, a new flow-meter for measuring water speed, architectural equipment for design, and normal office equipment.
While working for the Somewhere Cattle Hay (SCH), I put into action many of the ideas that I had learned while working at the NRCS.
During my time with NRCS, my responsibilities have greatly expanded. My first summer there I did mostly general office work and assisted in the field. Over the next two years I would become involved more deeply in the design and planning of a project to ensure our natural resources. During my last summer at the NRCS, I was expected to go out by myself and gather information, such as irrigation flow data. I would then process the information I collected and report to my supervisor, and if necessary, the producer. If information was related incorrectly, it could possibly cause the producer to lose large sums of money or void certain contracts. During this past year, I took great personal satisfaction in the fact that the majority of the producers knew me and that they would approach me with their questions and ideas for their ranch plan.
While working for the Somewhere Cattle and Hay (SCH) I was able to use the knowledge that I had learned, implement a plan and see the results of it.
I was able to learn a variety of skills that will aid me in my chosen career. I learned to run a level and take survey field notes. Then I could take htose notes and draft a plan for them. Also, I can operate a geodometer, which is a computerized transit that uses a laser. These are just a couple of the more technical things that I have learned from working there. In addition, I have learned to determine ranch stockings and rotations, develop plans for the establishment of cross-fences, measure irrigation flow, improve irrigation efficiency, improve rangeland use efficiency and be a better sppokesperson for the importance of conservation and natural resources. However, perhaps the most important skill I have acquired is the ability to work with all kinds of people.
As an added bonus to my work with the NRCS, I have been able to utilize the learned skills and implement them while working at the SCH which is one of the main reasons I was employed by them, and my own ranch.
I am currently attending Montana Tech, where I am working on a degree in general engineering, but in time I would like to specialize in either Environmental or Mechanical Engineering. I am also very interested in Aerospace Engineering and may pursue a master's degree in that field of study. While at college, I have been active in intramural sports and various activities. I hope one day to have a successful career and build a comfortable life for my family and myself.
-II. Scope, Income and Expense Summary for : ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & NAT. RESOURCE MGMT
Placement and Research Experimentation Type Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (20)
Major Job Title Total Hours Worked Gross Total Net
Year Type of Work and/or Unpaid Paid Total Earnings Expenditures Earnings
Activities completed (A) (B) (C)* (D) (E) (F)**
Mo/Day/Yr Somewhere Rch-Land Conservation 560.0 560.0 $0
06/01/1997 to 0.0 $0
Dec. 31 0.0 $0
1997 0.0 $0
(Year) 0.0 $0
0.0 $0
Totals for Year 1 560.0 0.0 560.0 $0 $0 $0
NRCS Placement 290.0 290.0 $1,491 $335 $1,156
Jan 1, to (office/customer relations work) 0.0 $0
Dec. 31 0.0 $0
1998 0.0 $0
(Year) 0.0 $0
0.0 $0
Totals for Year 2 0.0 290.0 290.0 $1,491 $335 $1,156
NRCS Placement 297.0 297.0 $1,530 $313 $1,217
Jan 1, to (engineering/field work) 0.0 $0
Dec. 31 0.0 $0
1999 0.0 $0
(Year) 0.0 $0
0.0 $0
Totals for Year 3 0.0 297.0 297.0 $1,530 $313 $1,217
NRCS Placement 208.0 208.0 $1,069 $190 $879
Jan 1, to (engineering/field work) 0.0 $0
Dec. 31 0.0 $0
2000 0.0 $0
(Year) 0.0 $0
0.0 $0
Totals for Year 4 0.0 208.0 208.0 $1,069 $190 $879
Somewhere Cattle a 232.0 232.0 $1,856 $127 $1,729 Jan 1, to 0.0 $0 Dec. 31 0.0 $0 2001 0.0 $0 (Year) 0.0 $0 0.0 $0
Totals for Year 5 0.0 232.0 232.0 $1,856 $127 $1,729
0.0 $0 Jan 1, to 0.0 $0 Dec. 31 0.0 $0 2002 0.0 $0 (Year) 0.0 $0 0.0 $0
Totals for Year 6 0.0 0.0 0.0 $0 $0 $0
GRAND TOTALS
Year (1+2+3+4+5+6) 560 1,027 1,587 $5,946 $965 $4,981 * Columns (A) plus (B) = (C) ** Columns (D) minus (E) = (F)Our House Enterprises (MT ) 01/03/2003
-III. Balance Sheet
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & NAT. RESOURCE MGMT (5)Beginning Value Ending Value at End on Date of Last Completed
ASSETS & INVESTMENTS Entered Ag (A) Record Year (B)
1. Current/Operating Assets
a. Cash on-hand, checking and savings $1,600 $5,150
b. Cash value - bonds, stocks, life insurance $3,700 $5,997
c. Notes & accounts receivable $0 $0
d. Total Current/Operating Inventory (all other current assets) $0 $0
2. Total Current/Operating Assets (1a+1b+1c+1d) $5,300 $11,147
3. Non-Current/Capital Assets $455 $850
4.
Total Assets
(2+3) $5,755 $11,997LIABILITIES
5. Current/Operating Liabilities (notes payable) $0 $0
6. Non-Current/Capital Liabilities $0 $0
7.
Total Liabilities
(5+6) $0 $0 8.NET WORTH
(4 minus 7) $5,755 $11,997SUMMARY OF SOURCE AND USE OF FUNDS
9. Earnings from this proficiency area XXXXXXXXXXXXXX $4,981
10. Other SAE earning NOT from this area XXXXXXXXXXXXXX $5,136
11. Earnings from non-SAE activities XXXXXXXXXXXXXX $725
12. Income other than earnings XXXXXXXXXXXXXX $1,771
13. Total Earnings (9+10+11+12) XXXXXXXXXXXXXX $12,613
14. Use of Funds XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
a. Total educational expenses XXXXXXXXXXXXXX $4,500
b. Total other personal expenses XXXXXXXXXXXXXX $4,250
15. Total use of funds (14a+14b) XXXXXXXXXXXXXX $8,750
Our House Enterprises (MT ) 01/03/2003
-IV. Skills and Activities
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & NAT. RESOURCE MGMTA. Skills (25) List your top six placement skills and give a brief description of each one and its contribution to the success of your supervised agricultural experience program.
1.Skill Number One.
Year Skill Where Attained Student Hours
1997-2000 NRCS 30
Description of Skill:
2. Skill Number Two.
Year Skill Where Attained Student Hours
1997 NRCS 90
Description of Skill:
3. Skill Number Three.
Year Skill Where Attained Student Hours
1997 NRCS 20
Description of Skill:
Our House Enterprises (MT ) 01/03/2003
I have learned how to read a rod with a level and take down the correct field notes. I am also able to use a transit. Using a level I can determine the change in elevation for the installation of offstream livestock watering and gravity flow sprinkler systems. This skill has allowed me to aid ranchers in the installation of off stream watering devices to better manage their rangeland and remove livestock from riparian areas. Also, I am able to determine change in elevation to determine if their is enough fall to install gravity flow sprinklers. Gravity flow sprinklers are cheaper to run and maintain. The installation of sprinklers greatly improves the utilization of the water that is available to the
producer.
Surveying
I can take field notes of a survey and draw a cross section showoing the elevtion and placement of structures for the design. Also with this I have learned basic engineering principles such as friction loss and determining pressure. This exposure to drafting has aided me during my college tenure. This skill hs had a postive effect in my engineering classes by enabling me to get off to a "good start". Additionally, because I possessed this skill, I was better able to utilize my surveying notes, which I could take and make a scale drawing that the producer is better able to
understand and use. Drafting
A Geodometer uses electronics and laser beams to compute distances and elevation. I know the basics of using a Geodometer. I can set it up and take readings with it. Most major surveying is done with a Geodometer. This skill gives me more understanding of modern surveying. This method of surveying is very efficient. I can set up in one location and survey a very large project. The Geodometer has a rance of up to ten miles. The Geodometer calculates all the distances and elevation of your survey points. I can then up-load the data to a computer and print it.
Using a Geodometer
-IV. Skills and Activities
(continued) ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & NAT. RESOURCE MGMTA. Skills (continued) (25) List your top six placement skills and give a brief description of each one and its contribution to the success of your supervised agricultural experience program.
4.Skill Number Four.
Year Skill Where Attained Student Hours
1999-2000 NRCS 90
Description of Skill:
5. Skill Number Five.
Year Skill Where Attained Student Hours
1997-2000 NRCS 100
Description of Skill:
6. Skill Number Six.
Year Skill Where Attained Student Hours
199902000 NRCS 15
Description of Skill:
Our House Enterprises (MT ) 01/03/2003
By using a flowmeter you can determine the amount of flow at any given point on a stream or irrigation ditch. Using this information a farmer or rancher can determine where they are losing water. They can then fix the problem to help make their irrigation system more efficient. I measured approximately ten different irrigation systems and was
responsible for collecting the data and reporting it to my supervisor and the producers. With these measurements, producers are better able to pinpoint their loss in water; this saves them money when they try to fix the problem. They can find the location of the leak and treat it the best way. By taking streamflow measurements, I calculated the volume of water that is coming into the Somewhere River from tis tributaries. With my help, producers are better able to manage their water to produce crops and leave enough water in the streams to maintain healthy wildlife habitat.
Using a flow-meter to measure stream and irrigation flow
While working at the NRCS, I was in constant contact with the public. I talked with producers on the p hone, in the office and in the field. I often took phone messages for the other employees in the office. Also, I would look in producers files to find information for the producer. I would also help answer questions of people coming into the office; such as permits, grants and other cost-share programs that were available at the time. I would document visitors coming into the office onto the NRCS's national network.
Public Relations
Through learning the proper way to stun fish, I was able to help with this intricate process. The process is as follows: when a fish enters an electrical field its muscles automatically move it to the source of the current. When a trout comes near the electrode that is placed in the water, it is netted and placed in a tub. After enough trout have been caught, they are seperated into species, weighed and measured. Also, a select few of the Yellowstone Cutthroat that have been caught are kept to do a genetic analysis to determine if they are pure strain or hybrid RAinbow Trout. My experiences ranged from netting the fish, to tagging, measuring and weighing. We also shocked irrigation canals to determine if fish-friendly diversions were needed.
Electrical stunning of trout.
-IV. Skills and Activities
(continued) ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & NAT. RESOURCE MGMTB. Activities (15) List your top three placement activities and give a brief description of each one and its contribution to to the success of your supervised agricultural experience program.
1.Activity Number One.
Year Activity Where Attained Student Hours
1997-2001 NRCS and 150
Somewhere Cattle and Hay (CHS)
Description of Activity:
2. Activity Number Two.
Year Activity Where Attained Student Hours
1999-2001 NRCS and CHS 110
Description of Activity:
3. Activity Number Three.
Year Activity Where Attained Student Hours
1997-2000 NRCS 150
Description of Activity:
Our House Enterprises (MT ) 01/03/2003
My background in the FFA's range and agronomy CDE gave me the valuable skills needed to help develop range
management plans. This knowledge enabled me to assist in the identification of range plants and determine range condition. Using the information I gathered, I was then able to calculate the AUMs and create a harmonious pasture rotation system. Using my surveying and drafting skills, I was able to develop new livestock watering systems to help protect riparian areas and better manage the rangeland that was available. These "off stream" water systems allowed several producers in our area to remove between 900-1000 head of cattle off over three miles of riparian area. I also served on a committee to present ideas to two different operations in my area to help stabilize over three-quarters of a mile of river bank on the Some River. While working for CCCH, I was consulted repeatedly for advice on grazing patterns and the placement and the installation of off stream water sources for cows.
Range Management and Offstream Watering
One of the major areas that the NRCS focuses on is irrigation efficiency. Irrigation water is a valuable resource to producers. It is often a major determining factor in the success or failure of a crop. The NRCS has emphasized utilizing their irrigation water to all producers. WE have developed plans for the installatino of sprinklers and emphasize the need for efficient irrigation canals. Additionally, as an employee witht he NRCS, I worked with
producers to help maintain a flow of water int he rivers and creeks. With my background and scientific research I was able to work with producers to develop an efficient irrigation system that fulfilled the producers needs while enhancing wildlife habitat. During my work at CHS, I helped install and operated various sprinkler systems, cente rpivots,
wheel ines and handling to better utlize the available water. Irrigation efficiency and stream flow monitoring
The NRCS has many government programs that it uses to aid producer to protect the environment and natural resources. Through these programs, producers ar eable to get grants and cost-share for improvements to help them utilize their resources to their maximum while protecting them for future generations. I was able to assist producers in protecting the environment by assisting them in developing and installing site-specific projects at a price they could afford. I beleive that, through a collaborative effort, producers, the NRCS and the environment can all be part of a unified plan for environmental health.
Due to last year's drought, I explored the government program and secured the necesary applications, which enabled the Somewhere Ranch to graze and hay all of their SRP acres.
Government Program Awareness
-V. Supporting Documentation
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & NAT. RESOURCE MGMTA. Resume'
(6)Attach a one or two page resume' that includes the following sections: a. Name/address/phone number/FFA chapter
b. Career objective c. Education
d. FFA leadership activities /awards e. School leadership activities/awards f. Community leadership activities/awards g. Professional associations
h. Other accomplishments i. References
B. Employer or Instructor's Statement
(2)The applicant's most recent employer or agriculture instructor should evaluate and submit a maximum of one page report of the progress the student has made in developing the skills and competencies necessary for success in:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & NAT. RESOURCE MGMT
C. Supporting Pictures
(10)Submit a maximum of six photographs, no larger than 3 1/2" x 5" or 4"x 6", with a brief caption (50 words or less) for each. (The National FFA Organization reserves the right to retain and use the photographs for publicity purposes.)
D. Personal Page
(2)Attach one page of additional information, of your choice, supporting your application for this area. (i.e.. Newspaper clippings, additional statements from employer, student work, etc.)
P.O. Box 146
Anywhere, Montana
Zachary Sarrazin
Career Objective: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
FFA Leadership
Activities/Awards
2001’s Activities
•
State Convention-Gold Division Mechanics, 1
stteam AgMechanics Team
• Districts-2nd place Mechanics, 1st Farm Management 2002/s Activities
• Washington Leadership Conference
• National Range and Pasture Contest in Oklahoma City • MSU Agdays-1st Place – Ag Mechanics Individual • Montana Range Days
• Great Falls State Fair – 1st Place Soil Judging Individual • Conrad Mechanics Contet
• Districts – Range, Mechanics • Chapter Secretary
1999’s Activities
• Old West Regionals (Range) – 1st Place Team, 10th Individual • Great Falls State Fair
• MSU AgDays • Montana Range Days • Conrad Agronomy Contest • Lewistown Mechanics
• District FFA – Range, Agronomy, Mechanics
1998’s Activities • Great Falls State Fair • MSU AgDays • Montana Range Days
• Montana Alumni Leadership Camp
• FFA Districts – 1st Place Greenhand Agronomy, 3rd Place Greenhand Livestock
1997’s Activities • Great Falls State Fair • Montana Range Days • Project Pals
Professional Associations
• Montana Stockgrowers • Farm Bureau
School Leadership Activities/Awards
• Football 1997-2000, Co-Captain 2000, Academic All State 1998-2000
• Basketball 1997-2001, Co-Captain 2001, Co-Captain Academic All-State 2001 • Model U.N. 19997-1998
Community Leadership Activities/Awards
• Church Youth Group
• AWANA Leader-in-Training
Other Accomplishments
• MCTM Math Contest – District Finalist 1998 • Shields Valley High School Heisman 2000-2001 • National FFA Scholarship Recipient (Cargill) 2001
References
Robin Fuson Tom Gauthier Ron Hoagland NRCS Shields Valley High School NRCS
5242 Hwy 89 S P.O. Box 40 5242 Hwy. 89 S. Anywhere, MT 55555 Anywhere, MT 55555 Anywhere, MT 55555
Checklist for Agricultural Placement Proficiency Applications
Award Area:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & NAT. RESOURCE MGMT
Name:
Zachary Sarrazin
Local State
Advisor Advisor Circle "Y" if the Statement is "YES" and "N" if the Statement is "NO".
Y N Y N 1. Applicant has been an active FFA member for each year covered by this application. Cover page, Line 20. (Please consult the local & state copy of membership roster for each year.) Y N Y N 2. Applicant has included his/her Social Security Number, Cover page, Line 5.
Y N Y N 3. Applicant has been out of high school for no more than one year. Cover page, Line 19. Y N Y N 4. Applicant has graduated and has completed at least three full years of agriculture, or all of
the agriculture offered at the school last attended, Cover page, Line 16.
Note: Applicants that are still in high school at the time of applying are eligible to participate at all grade levels.
Y N Y N 5. Applicant has in operation and has maintained records to substantiate an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program through which exhibits comprehensive planning, managerial and financial expertise, Pages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
Y N Y N 6. The total hours that a student list on Page 4, Section II, are greater than or equal or equal to the hours listed in either the "Skills" portion of Section IV. Pages 6 and 7 or the "Activities" portion of Section IV. Page 8.
Y N Y N 7. Applicant has included no more than a two page resume.
Y N Y N 8. Applicant has included no more than a one page written evaluation by the most recent employer or agriculture instructor describing the progress that the applicant has made in developing the skills and competencies necessary for success within the award area in which they are applying.
Y N Y N 9. Applicant has included a maximum of six photographs with captions containing less than 50 words each.
Y N Y N 10. Applicant has included a maximum of one page (maximum size 8 1/2" x 11") of additional information. (This may NOT include the following: Video Tapes; Computer Disk; Cd ROM's; DVD's; etc.)
Y N Y N 11. The Application is properly signed by the applicant, parent or guardian, chapter advisor, school superintendent or principal, and submitted to the State FFA Advisor.
Our House Enterprises (MT ) 01/03/2003
