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Portrait of Ariel De Lara

Rangeland Resource Science, B.S. | Class of

Ariel De Lara

Assistant State Conservationist for Programs

Employer: USDA-NRCS

Job description: I assist the State Conservationist in managing the administration of USDA-NRCS financial programs in the state of Nevada. USDA-NRCS is a federal agency, each state has a State Conservationist who is responsible for all actions within their state. Each State Conservationist has a team that reports directly to them in order to ensure Area (multiple counties) and Field Staff (county/region specific) are following policy. I am a member of the State Conservationists team. I also manage staff on the state programs team.

About Ariel

Why did you choose this program?

It aligned with my interests in conversation and my history of growing up in an agricultural family. The high potential of employment upon graduation was also a determining factor.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

It provided the minimum education requirements to qualify for specific job series within USDA-NRCS. There are very few educational institutions that provide these courses and this made for a very easy time finding a job.
The coursework provided a solid foundation for the tasks completed as an entry level employee in my first 8 years of employment.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

The instructors were very personable and provided personalized instruction. Field trips were fun but also provided valuable in-field experience. I knew what job I was entering in my final 3 semesters of this major (job offer confirmed through Pathways Internship). Knowing that skills learned in the curriculum would be utilized in the future provided motivation to learn.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

This program provides job opportunities upon graduation. Skills learned will translate directly to job performance in the future. The field trips are fun, the professors are friendly, and the network of your cohort and other alumni will serve you well in future career development.