Colleen Oestreich is Making Minnesota NRCS History

By Lisa Buckner, FWPM

The Great State of Minnesota, under the leadership of State Conservationist William Hunt, continues to strive for excellence in leadership and diversity.  Recently the first white Female Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations (ASTC/FO) was selected.  Colleen Oestreich is making Minnesota NRCS history!

Colleen has been working with USDA and the federal government for over 25 years.  She began her career as a Soil Conservationist (SC) for the Department of the Interior (DOI) in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.  As a SC, Colleen worked on farm/pasture leases for Native Americans from the Lakota Tribe.  She was an employee of the DOI for five years.

In 1987, Colleen began working for the Soil Conservation Service as a SC in Worthington, MN.  She was a SC for just under 2 years before accepting a District Conservationist (DC) position in Redwood Falls, MN.  She was a DC for approximately 3 years before taking on the role of Giziibii Resource Conservation & Development Coordinator in 1993. 

According to Colleen, training is essential.  She says “It is up to the individual to pursue career development and self-growth.  Employees need to be proactive and seek opportunities and training that strengthen their weaknesses”. 

Colleen went on to say “I believe that having a diverse team makes a stronger team and having different perspectives creates a better system.  When you have more ideas coming to the table, you are usually able to work out a solution.”

Leadership opportunities are also important.  Colleen held the position of Federal Women’s Program Manager (FWPM) alternate for 3 years and the FWPM position for 3 years.  She encourages people to do co-lateral assignments.  She says “It helps remove you from your comfort zone and broaden your experience.”

Colleen and her husband of 24 years have two grown daughters attending college.  She grew up in Chippewa Falls, WI and attended University Wisconsin at River Falls.  She enjoys dog training, quilting and reading.  Colleen began her position on June 8, 2008.

 Congratulations Colleen!

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