Swanton Man Named NRCS Employee of the Year

Colchester……Bob Sylvester, resource conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) was recently selected as Employee of the Year in Vermont.

The award, considered to be one of the most highly prized awards in the service, is especially meaningful as those who nominate and those who select the winner are co-workers.

Dedicated to the conservation mission of NRCS, Bob was recognized by peers and managers alike as the ‘go-to’ guy, for everything from conservation planning procedures to technology and computers. Additionally, he was recognized for his willingness to help fellow employees and for a demonstrated desire to try new techniques and develop new skills.

Bob has been instrumental in training Vermont NRCS personnel in the use of many national NRCS computer programs. He has also created several conservation planning tools used by Vermont NRCS planners, including a computer tool which provides increased efficiency and statewide consistency in the completion and documentation of Highly Erodible Land determinations. Based upon its merits, this tool could soon be made available nationally.

Besides contributions to the NRCS workforce, Bob is also active in the Swanton community. He recently served on the Swanton Recreation Committee, providing assistance in the planning and installation of new recreation fields, and the creation and maintenance of the Swanton Recreation Website. Bob also has a long history of coaching youth sports, and is currently active with girls Mini-Metro basketball and ASA softball.

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The Natural Resources Conservation Service works in partnership with the American people to conserve and sustain natural resources on private lands. An Equal Opportunity Employer