Jeanne Hamilton,
Northern Plains Regional Representative
My name is Jeanne Hamilton and I serve as an Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations in Pierre, SD. I was born and raised in NE Montana and started with NRCS in the Student Career Experience Program (now known as the Pathways Program) right out of high school. I graduated from Montana State University with a BS in Plant Science and began as a full time Soil Conservationist following graduation. I worked as a Soil Conservationist in multiple offices across MT before moving into an Area Resource Conservationist for Programs position in central MT. After a few years in that position, I moved to Flagstaff, AZ where I became a District Conservationist. I enjoyed learning about the resource concerns and conservation activities in a completely different climate and topography and was even able to get involved with snow survey data collection and worked in a large county that served multiple conservation districts, RC&D’s and Tribes. After moving back to MT I had the opportunity to detail to the state FA program manager position in CO which lead me to my next position as the State CSP and EQIP program manager in MT.
During my time in that role, I joined the National Appeals Cadre and served as the state Appeals and Equitable Relief Coordinator. I also participated in a Tri-State Leadership Development Program.
Both the national cadre and leadership development program allowed me to grow as an employee and develop a great network of friends and employees from across the country. I participated in another long term detail in Boise, ID as the Assistant State Conservationist for Programs and eventually came to Pierre, SD as the ASTC-FO in central SD. I thoroughly enjoy working with the staff across the state and participating on the Leadership Team here. I completed a 120 day detail to the National Programs Team as the Acting EQIP Branch Chief, opening another door allowing me to stay involved in the policy development and updates under the new Farm Bill. Although my husband and I both spend a lot of time on the road for our respective careers, we always find time to get out and enjoy the outdoor recreation that SD has to offer.
I look forward to serving as the Northern Plains Regional Representative, helping WiN to grow and thrive and get to know you all better!