Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program
A Brief Mission and History of the ACES Program:
Mission:
The mission of the ACES program is to assist the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in meeting their mandates by using the talents and experience of older Americans. ACES Program enrollees benefit from the opportunity to maintain their technical skills, access new employment opportunities and undertake meaningful tasks. Everyone benefits when seniors use their experience and talent to contribute to the national economy and enhance their own financial security.
Purpose of ACES:
SSAI entered into cooperative agreements with the United States Department of Agriculture, NRCS to provide experienced workers. The 2008 Farm Bill authorized the new program, Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES). The Program’s goal is to utilize the talents of individuals who are age 55 or older, but not employees of the Department of Agriculture (Federal or State), to provide technical services and technical infrastructure activities needed to support delivery of technical assistance. Those selected through an application process are not federal employees but enrollees in this cooperative agreement. SSAI is one of the non-profit organizations chosen to participate with NRCS in administering the ACES Program under a five-year agreement. ACES enrollees work under the guidelines outlined in approved Position Descriptions. The wage scales for ACES employees are determined by pre-established guidelines. Enrollee benefits include paid federal holidays, optional health and dental plans, and vacation and sick leave.
Locations of ACES TASK Agreements:
Click on the link for a list of locations.
Available ACES Positions:
Click on the link to browse the vacant positions. Send all Resumes to acesresume@ssa-i.org or fax to (301) 578-8895.
Applicants
SSAI provides full-time and part-time employment opportunities to individuals age 55 and over and places them in positions with NRCS in cities across the country.
- Wages: Assignment levels and pay scales have been established by NRCS' policies and procedures. Wage levels in the ACES Program are intended to be supplementary in nature and are not intended to be equivalent to the federal workforce or to the private labor market. (Link for details)
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Fringe Benefits: All ACES Enrollees are entitled to the following fringe benefits. (Link to fringe benefits page for details)
- Employer's Portion of FICA
- Workers Compensation
- Vacation Time (15 Days)
- Sick Time (15 Days)
- 10 paid Federal Holidays
- ACES will not pay for bereavement leave. Enrollees will be able to use annual or sick leave as it is accumulated for the purposes they need.
- Health Insurance (Working 30 hours a week or more)
- Dental Insurance (Optional)
- Questions and Answers: These are the most common answers to the most common questions individuals have regarding the ACES Program. (Link to page)
- Enrollment Application: If you are interested in applying for any vacant position, please complete the enrollment application with resume attached. (Link to application)
ACES Enrollee Documents and Information:
ACES Handbook
- This is an information tool for the purpose of acquainting enrollees and monitors with the policies, procedures, benefits and restrictions affecting enrollee participation in the ACES Program. (Link to handbook)
Forms
ACES Traveler's Forms
- Travel Authorization PDF or Word
- Travel Expense PDF or Word
- Link to Per Diem Rates Schedule
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization PDF or Word
Payroll Information
- Payroll Schedule
- Direct Deposit Authorization Form PDF or Word
- Timesheets and Instruction
Insurance Information
Enrollees working 30 hours or more may choose to be covered by a comprehensive insurance plan. Premiums are paid by SSAI with program funds. No Dependant Coverage is offered. (Link for details)
All enrollees are eligible to participate in a Dental Plan for a modest cost through payroll deduction.
Other Contact Information
A listing of contact information for the National ACES partners is available here - (ACES partners). For more information about ACES, contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) : http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/releases/2005/aces.html.