Ecological Sciences

The Ecological Sciences Division (ECS) is part of the Science and Technology Deputy Chief area of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Its primary function is to develop and recommend policies, guidelines and procedures for the technical aspects of issues relating to agriculture, ecology, environment and energy. Staff members provide the overall technical framework for conservation planning and practice application activities. These include natural resource conservation plans, pollution abatement, and environmental assessment and enhancement. The majority of the staff is located at NRCS headquarters in Washington, DC.

The Ecological Sciences Division consists of an interdisciplinary staff responsible for ensuring the latest scientific technology and technical information and data are integrated into NRCS conservation programs and activities. Among other things, staff members identify and develop new technical standards for implementing natural resource conservation measures and revise outdated standards to incorporate the latest conservation technologies. The Division is also responsible for ensuring the agency appropriately carries out its responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.

To carry out its broad responsibilities, the staff includes individuals with a wide range of expertise that covers all aspects of agriculture and the environment, including: sustainable resource management, agronomy, botany, archaeology, cultural resources management, nutrient management, pest management, forestry and agroforestry, range and grazing land management, wildlife biology, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem management, invasive species, air quality, climate change, plant materials for conservation, and environmental law.