Professional Experience

Dr. Joseph M. Debebe brings over 30 years of progressive experience across federal agencies, private industry, and academic research — delivering environmental expertise at every scale from single-parcel wetland delineations to multi-agency EIS projects covering hundreds of thousands of acres.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) NEPA Specialist — Lincoln, NE, March 2023 to Present

• Lead NEPA compliance reviews for NRCS watershed projects, including Preliminary Investigations of Feasibility Reports (PIFRs) and on-site assessments
• Determine appropriate NEPA pathways, including categorical exclusions, EAs, EISs, and Determinations of NEPA Adequacy
• Conduct biological assessments and desktop ArcGIS analysis in coordination with partner agencies
• Develop state-level policies and procedures governing watershed planning and rehabilitation
• Coordinate Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP), Watershed Rehabilitation, and Watershed Operations programs
• Represent NRCS in multi-stakeholder planning activities involving watershed sponsors, NGOs, and government entities

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

State Compliance Soil Scientist / Wetland Biologist — Sergeant Bluff, IA August 2020 to March 2023

• Conducted on-site and off-site wetland determinations and mitigation assessments under Swampbuster provisions of the Food Security Act
• Reviewed and developed Wetland Conservation Certification requests per the NRCS Quality Assurance Plan
• Applied advanced analytical techniques to assess soil hydrology and moisture dynamics
• Used GIS, GPS, and remote sensing for soil classification, delineation, and geospatial data management
• Provided technical guidance to personnel and the public on soil survey interpretation

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Natural Resources Specialist / Physical Scientist — Pinedale, WY January 2012 to October 2019

• Led interdisciplinary teams on NEPA, EIS, oil and gas permitting, reclamation, and invasive species management
• Managed fluid mineral permit applications including APDs, PODs, and Sundry Notices
• Led the QEP Resources Dry Piney Deep Project as NEPA Coordinator (2014 to 2017)
• Conducted IDT for the La Barge Platform Project covering 218,000 acres and 838 wells for EOG, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Wexpro
• Served as Acting Assistant Field Manager (2014 to 2016)
• Workshop instructor and guest lecturer, University of Wyoming Reclamation and Restoration Center (2013 to 2017)
• Nominated speaker at the University of Colorado High Altitude Restoration Conference (2015)

USDA NRCS — Wetland Specialist, Creston, IA, and Fort Dodge, IA, December 2019 to August 2020

• Performed wetland delineations per Corps of Engineers and NRCS Wetland Delineation Manuals
• Ensured HEL and Wetland Conservation technical determinations complied with applicable statutes and regulations
• Provided technical advice on imagery interpretation and historical analysis consistent with the National Food Security Act

Ceres Inc. Senior Commercial Agronomist / Project Leader — Multi-State June 2009 to April 2011

• Supervised multi-state biomass crop field trials across TX, LA, FL, GA, AL, and IN
• Established university research partnerships for IP licensing of agronomic and biotechnology programs
• Developed best practices for energy crop production, including switchgrass, miscanthus, and energy cane

Kamterter Products Inc., Research Scientist — Lincoln, NE, 1989 to June 2009

• Directed seed enhancement research for a global clientele, leading a team of five degree-holding scientists
• Developed Solid Matrix Priming formulations that expanded domestic and international markets
• Conducted quality assurance, statistical analysis, and technical staff training