NASCOE

NASCOE’s PT Career Opportunity Group

Begins Work

After only getting a pilot key PT position out of all the work and time NASCOE has put into PT upgrades, the NASCOE leadership felt it was necessary to take a fresh approach and formed a 9-member PT opportunity work group. The group consists of PTs representing each of NASCOE’s five areas along with two at-large representatives (see the enclosed picture) and the NASCOE President and Vice President.

The group met the weekend of April 9, 2011, in Kansas City to begin the task of addressing PT career opportunity. Even before the kick-off meeting, the newly-formed group began networking with other PTs to gather ideas and feedback.

One of the group’s immediate efforts will center on stabilizing and enhancing the opportunities in the key PT pilot.

This group has been tasked with keeping the PT opportunity issue in front of both FSA management and the NASCOE leadership. Next month, the group plans to present their ideas to Carolyn Cooksie and Mike Wooden who have agreed to help NASCOE with this effort. These ideas will include expanding the key PT position, improving a PT’s COT opportunities, and providing PT promotion opportunity remotely through telework.

We have some very unsettled times ahead with agency funding and the challenge of maintaining the county office employee’s role in administering the 2012 farm bill. Having this PT work group established and prepared to take advantage of career opportunities that develop as our agency adapts to a new farm bill will be critical.

The PT career opportunity group welcomes your suggestions.

Prepared by

John R. Lohr,

NASCOE VP

April 21,2011