The O*NET Data Collection Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, is seeking the input of expert Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers. As the nation’s most comprehensive source of occupational data, O*NET is a free resource and provides instant access to detailed descriptions on more than 900 occupations that drive the U.S. economy. Our visitors include counselors, human resource professionals, researchers, developers, and students, to name a few. Visit O*NET OnLine to learn more: www.onetonline.org

Your participation in this important initiative will help ensure that the complexities of your profession are described accurately in the O*NET database for the American public.

O*NET Description of Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers: Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

You are considered an Occupation Expert if you meet all the following criteria:

• Have at least one year of professional experience working in the occupation.
• Have a minimum of 5 years combined in one or more of the following: practicing, training, teaching, and/or supervising others who perform the occupation.
• Are currently actively involved in the field and based in the U.S.

How to Participate

If you meet these criteria and are interested in participating, please contact Jumoke Dickson at RTI International, the O*NET data collection contractor, at jdickson@onet.rti.org.

Please provide the following:

• Full Name
• Mailing Address with City and State
• Daytime Phone Number
• Email Address
• Company Name and Title

Process and Participation Incentive:

A random sample of experts responding to this request will be invited to complete a set of questionnaires. Experts who are selected and agree to participate will receive a $40 VISA gift code and a certificate of appreciation from the U.S. Department of Labor.

We encourage you to keep information about your profession accurate and current for the benefit of our colleagues and the nation. Thank you for your support.

Privacy:

All O*NET data collection procedures were approved by RTI’s Institutional Review Board which protects the rights of research participants. To maintain privacy, your expert input will be combined with that provided by other occupation experts and will be used to define work values and worker characteristics for this occupation. The O*NET data is published and released at the occupation level only and/or reported in aggregate form only.

If you know anyone within your organization who is also an expert and would be willing to participate, please forward this letter to them.