Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

John Gavin Thompson

Pikeville

Summary

Dynamic conservation professional with extensive experience at USDA-NRCS, adept at program administration and strategic management. Proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency by 250% and managing budgets exceeding $10 million. Exceptional communicator skilled in fostering partnerships and streamlining processes to achieve conservation goals across diverse landscapes. Experienced with program coordination, project management, and stakeholder engagement. Utilizes strategic planning and execution to ensure project milestones are met. Knowledge of fostering team collaboration and enhancing operational processes to achieve optimal results.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

State Program Specialist- Conservation Easements

USDA-NRCS
01.2024 - Current
  • Coordinated program activities to enhance conservation initiatives across diverse agricultural landscapes and with diverse partners/landowners.
  • Assisted in developing educational materials to promote sustainable land management practices in support of permanent conservation easements.
  • Analyzed data on resource allocation for environmental programs to support decision-making processes.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline project workflows and improve operational efficiency. This has increased output in the work unit by 250%.
  • Conducted site visits to assess project progress and ensure compliance with federal guidelines and standards.
  • Provided technical assistance to farmers regarding best practices for soil conservation and water management.
  • Maintained accurate records of program activities, ensuring timely reporting and accountability for funded projects.
  • Managed complex budgets of multiple projects concurrently to ensure compliance with all applicable rules, and to ensure the fiscal resources were available and properly used.
  • Conducted thorough needs assessments to identify gaps in service delivery and inform program development and outreach efforts.
  • Developed, coordinated and administered all USDA Easement programs including Ag Land Easements (ALE), Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) and easements under the Resource Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
  • Built strong relationships with external partners, including land trusts, military, and state and local governments to secure resources and support necessary for program success.
  • Established goals and created action plans to achieve goals.

Area Resource Conservationist

USDA-NRCS
03.2021 - 01.2024
  • Managed planning, contracting and implementation of Farm Bill Conservation Programs for all of eastern North Carolina. Performed quality assurance reviews and annual spot checks of plans/contracts to ensure that they followed policy and regulation as required by the Farm Bill and specific program requirements.
  • Managed complex budget of programmatic funds that exceeded $10 million/year and ensured fair distribution of funds based on the work unit/agency's strategic plan.
  • Created and distributed monthly reports of progress to ensure staff stayed on task.
  • Provided training to 40+ employees on a continual/as-needed basis on various topics including conservation planning, resource management and program requirements/management.
  • Coordinated and conducted multiple outreach events to both internal and external partners.
  • Recommended strategies to streamline duties and improve work efficiencies within the work unit. Adoption of some of these strategies led to a staff of approximately 40 being able to manage 2,000 conservation program applications and over 700 active contracts per year.
  • Managed the staff of approximately 40 employees for a period of 2-3 months in the absence of a supervisor, performing all personnel management and budget/program actions.
  • Recognized by peers and received the Excellence in Leadership Award in 2023.

Supervisory District Conservationist

USDA-NRCS
05.2013 - 03.2021
  • Developed and implemented conservation programs to enhance soil health and water quality across the southeast region of NC.
  • Worked with local stakeholders to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable agricultural and forestry practices, including wildlife habitat creation/management across multiple landscapes.
  • Conducted assessments of land use impacts on wildlife and other natural resources, providing recommendations for resource management improvements.
  • Managed project timelines and deliverables, ensuring compliance with federal conservation guidelines.
  • Supervised a staff of approximately 5 in a very high volume/complex work unit. Performed all tasks related to supervision including performance plan development/reviews/ratings as well as provided continual feedback through monitoring quality/quantity of work performed. Recommend staff for awards as appropriate to encourage them to continue to improve.
  • Trained staff on a variety of topics including resource assessment, engineering practice design, layout and construction, wildlife habitat development and agricultural/forestry best practices.
  • Worked with a diverse group of private landowners across an 8 county area to educate them about conservation and encourage adoption of conservation practices and measures.
  • Built lasting partnerships with landowners, private entities, Indian Tribes and all levels of federal/state/local government to further our conservation mission and foster a team approach to obtaining funding and awareness of conservation programs and technical assistance.

Soil Conservationist

Sampson Soil and Water Conservation District
11.2004 - 05.2013
  • Learned about conservation practices/conservation planning and the broad application of conservation on the landscape. Completed 275+ conservation plans on multiple land uses including confined animal operations, cropland, pasture, forestry, land managed solely for wildlife, as well as residential properties and mining operations.
  • Planned and designed both agronomic/management practices and engineering practices to address a broad range of natural resource concerns.
  • Administered the North Carolina Agricultural Cost Share Program, Agriculture Water Resources Assistance Program and the Market Based Conservation Program. Held primary responsibility for managing budgets and all program actions/accountability for all of these programs.
  • Became a Certified Conservation Planner in 2009.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Fisheries And Wildlife Sciences

North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
05-2003

Skills

  • Program Administration
  • Supervision/Management
  • Proficient with ArcMap/Arc Pro
  • Excellent spoken and written communication
  • Unique knowledge of programs and processes of federal, state and local government
  • Ability to work cooperatively with multiple partners to accomplish goals
  • Proficient in managing large budgets
  • Strategic thinker who always looks for ways to streamline and improve efficiency

Certification

Certified Conservation Planner

Nutrient Management Specialist

Timeline

State Program Specialist- Conservation Easements

USDA-NRCS
01.2024 - Current

Area Resource Conservationist

USDA-NRCS
03.2021 - 01.2024

Supervisory District Conservationist

USDA-NRCS
05.2013 - 03.2021

Soil Conservationist

Sampson Soil and Water Conservation District
11.2004 - 05.2013

Bachelor of Science - Fisheries And Wildlife Sciences

North Carolina State University

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John Gavin Thompson