Looks like I will be moved to one county over, and so is another person in my office. Looks like we are loosing about half the planners in our office

I'm not a federal employee, but I did used to live in DC, and not too far from the USDA South Building. My understanding is that, as the government looks to further de-centralize the USDA workforce, the building is in active wind-down mode, though not yet fully vacated. I also understand (though could be wrong) that the building may be eventually scrapped from the list of federal properties?

Anyway, for those who are willing to share, I'd be super curious to hear about your personal experiences with the building — the good, the bad, the neutral. I've read a very brief history of it, and it sounds so impressive with all the laboratories, etc., but would be eager to hear more from folks who've actually spent time there.

Trump moves to strip protections from 44M acres of national forest

Hoping someone who works or worked there can comment. Is it a cool place to work? Can you constantly hear the commentary from the LWTL boats? Is it weird to have people constantly observing you all day? I’ve always been curious!

I feel like farmers understand that field staff are stretched thin and dealing with an impossible workload. But understanding the staffing problem doesn’t make it any less frustrating when they can’t get the services or assistance they need.

Say your new facility is 70 miles away, but you’d rather stay living where you are and just make the drive to your new facility, can you still get payment to relocate and stay living where you are?

Story Courtesy of Washington Post

I say let it burn baby burn. Too bad how sad this schmuck wants help now. Wait your turn like everyone else and when the fire has reached over 1000 acres maybe they will send some resources! Loser!

I heard rumors that some state level departments may have already gotten their letters?

Brooke and her cronies have royally fucked the FS on this one. Bend over for her again Tom, you look like a fool!

Does anyone in any of the agencies under USDA see any hope for the future? NRCS, RD, FSA? Anything? Thought I would try to ride things out but every single day morale hits a new low. Just don't feel like fighting anymore. Don't feel the mission anymore. It's just a job. No camaraderie. Commute, office, teams............

Do people sometimes switch jobs even if not done with their first year with the agency?

I ask as I’m almost half way and I’ve come to realize that I don’t have much interest in the projects available here.

There are vets in my area who are listed on the USDA website but they no longer do International Health Certificates. They say their colleagues do, but their colleagues are not on the USDA website. So, my question is: are all USDA-registered vets on the website? Or do some not appear?

Another question: it doesn't matter if I choose a Category I vet or a Category II, correct? I'm moving to FR with a small 10 lb dog.

Thanks!

Is anyone left in south building? Halls are empty, no one says hello, the food in sub basement is dying and theres mice and roaches. Anyone hear the plans to keep it open since it powers the whitten? Is anyone happy at USDA?

Based on the FAQ section on the Reorg SharePoint site that was sent out, VERA will be available for all employees that meet the age and years of service requirements. We will lose a lot of people from this alone.

I plan on being one of them if this is true, regret not taking it last year!

I’ve heard some colleagues say they are applying to job vacancies just to see what’s out there. And if one fits their taste buds, they might take it.

Do you think it’s a good idea to apply to vacancies here and there, even if you aren’t 100% of moving soon?