Dozier, Ivan
Ivan Dozier
Ivan Dozier began his career with the Soil Conservation Service, later transitioning to become the State Conservationist in Illinois. Despite facing challenges in the early years, such as being placed far from his hometown and working in an office with differing values, Dozier persevered in his environmental career. He found fulfillment in various roles, including a position as an American Indian Liaison, blending his cultural background with his professional expertise. Throughout his 40-year career at NRCS, Dozier was an integral member of civil rights committees and advocated for diversity in agriculture, impacting the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“Seeking internships and attending career fairs are a must.” Ivan Dozier, 2005.
Like his six brothers and sisters, Ivan Dozier was born on a small family farm in southern Illinois. In addition to being a homemaker, his mother was well-versed in the use of plants and the identification of wildlife. As a result, Dozier developed an interest in the environment while he was still young. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied agriculture. He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Agronomy. Dozier worked for several years before returning to school. He obtained a master of arts in public policy and environmental studies from the University of Illinois at Springfield in 1992.
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Dozier began working in 1984 as a County Soil Scientist for Wayne County, Illinois. Later that year, he started a part-time conservation aid position with – what was at the time – the Soil Conservation Service (SCS). He designed and implemented conservation practices. While working with the SCS, a technician took an interest in Dozier and made him feel that he had a future in the field. Currently the State Conservationist in Illinois, he serves as a role model and provides an atmosphere of acceptance and support.
Dozier’s first year working full-time for the SCS was tough as he was placed at a work site four and a half hours from his hometown. Being away from his home and family for the first time and working in an office where the other employees did not always share his values made him question his career and place in the SCS. At the time, he did not have an active mentor, and he questioned his career path and interests.
Ultimately, he decided to stick with his career in the environmental field and with the NRCS because he realized he really enjoyed his work. In 1988, the SCS became the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NCRS), and Dozier began working as a District Conservationist in Gallatin County. At the same time, he began working on his master’s degree at the University of Illinois. In 1989, Dozier became a District Conservationist for Macoupin County.
Dozier served on the Illinois NRCS State Civil Rights Committee for seven years and managed the American Indian Special Emphasis Program for several years. That service eventually led to a nomination for a NRCS National Civil Rights Committee position, which he held for three years. The committee was charged with diversity issues and deciding how to improve minority participation in the field and the agency. They used employment data to inform them and brainstormed about recruitment and retention. Dozier says, “It’s a challenge because there are not many minorities involved in conventional agriculture.”
After serving almost thirteen years as a District Conservationist, in 2000, Dozier accepted a position working as a full-time American Indian Liaison for NRCS. He felt this job allowed him to blend his cultural background and educational experience and use them in his work. Dozier held the position until 2003 when he became Assistant State Conservationist for Programs. With this job change, he moved to another location and found that people there shared his values. The new site made him feel more comfortable and confident in his situation. In this role, he managed the Financial Assistance and Easement Programs for the NRCS.
Dozier feels that the agency does good things for people and the earth. Overall, he is satisfied with the conservation programs. “The higher you go in rank and…[the more] experience [you have], the more influence you can have on a particular office. That allows you to ‘sell’ certain parts of programs…emphasizing the importance of native plants for instance…you are able to share that interest’” (2005).
Dozier enjoys being able to bring people together and help them to see new perspectives on their resource management plans; ‘“[t]here is satisfaction in seeing the ‘light’ come on,’” he says (2005).
After 40 years of service with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Illinois State Conservationist Ivan Dozier retired in March 2023. Reflecting on his tenure, Dozier emphasizes the significant impact of technological advancements, citing the transition from a time without computers to their now indispensable role. He notes the evolving landscape of conservation in agriculture, with increasing attention from the public and legislators, making it a challenging time for him to step down. Despite this, Dozier expresses excitement about the potential for additional resources and the growth of new partnerships in the field. Looking ahead, he eagerly anticipates observing the success of the next generation of conservationists and encourages students to recognize the rewarding nature of careers in agriculture and conservation.
Dozier never forgot the affirmation he received from his first mentor and decided to help others similarly by being a mentor. He mentors minority and non-minority students and employees alike. For instance, he recruited a young American Indian man to work for the NRCS. Dozier took the young man under his tutelage, guided him, kept him focused, and helped his protégé take advantage of the opportunities that came his way. Dozier did this because he remembered what it was like to be unsure of his life’s direction.
Dozier suggests that individuals interested in a career in the environmental field start the discovery process early because the government hiring process can be intimidating. “Not knowing what was out there was a big part of the frustration, but I eventually realized that it [the government hiring process] is not as complicated as some [think]…Seeking internships and attending career fairs are a must” (2005).
Branch, Rhiannon. (2023, January 18). Illinois State Conservationist Shifting Roles. https://brownfieldagnews.com/news/illinois-state-conservationist-shiftin….
Ivan Dozier. n.d. Home [LinkedIn Page]. LinkedIn. Retrieved November 27, 2023 from https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-dozier-a432a635/.
Taylor, Dorceta (Ed.). 2005. The Paths We Thread: Profiles of the Careers of Minority Environmental Professionals. Minority Environmental Leadership Development Initiative, University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment.