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Home » About Us » Diversity

Enriched by Diverse Perspectives

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our Commitment to
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility

We are enriched by diverse perspectives, celebrating each other’s unique experience and expertise.

The people of NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (NOAA Research), and the intellectual capability they provide, are its greatest asset. As complexity grows and the pace of change and advancement in environmental science increases, the diversity and inclusion of our world-class workforce will continue to be important to the management of weather, water, and climate issues. 

NOAA Research has developed five strategies in response to NOAA’s changing operating landscape and the specific factors influencing the environmental science community. The 2020-2026 NOAA Research Strategy supports the delivery of NOAA Research’s goals and objectives, as well as the advancement of NOAA’s six science and technology focus areas.

Steve Thur, Ph.D., portrait

One of the principles that help guide how I approach my role as OAR Assistant Administrator is applying the ideals of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in two distinct realms. First, how diverse and inclusive are we as an organization? Second, how effective are we in serving the diverse population of the United States with our science? Are we addressing the needs equitably across our country and engaging communities that have been traditionally underserved? Acting upon these questions is one of my top priorities at OAR.

Steven Thur, Ph.D.,
NOAA Research Assistant Administrator

Developing the Next Generation Workforce

NOAA Research will grow the leaders of tomorrow. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, NOAA Research will broaden its talent pool to reflect multidisciplinary skill sets. NOAA Research will develop leadership and management skill sets across the workforce to prepare for succession planning and the demands of the future.

Read More about the OAR Strategy

Our DEIA Mission

We strive to bring awareness to employees, applicants for employment and management about Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity through the following:

Empowerment
Through consultation services to employees, managers, and applicants.

Exposure
With recruitment and outreach activities for short and long-term recruitment.

Education
Through federal EEO Mandated training, Special Emphasis programs, and Connections newsletter.

Evaluation
By monitoring employment statistics to prepare reports for NOAA, DOC, EEOC, and OPM.

A Message from Nicole Mason

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) are important concepts to the NOAA Research Leadership. DEIA are not only best practices; ensuring that all of our employees are included is the right thing to do. Diversifying our workforce is a top priority. We participate in various conferences and career fairs. Some of the conferences include: Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE), and Black Engineer of the Year Award Conference (BEYA) to name a few.

In addition to participating in the various conferences, we also understand that STEM education is important and must be introduced to students early in their educational journey. To that end, we provide tools and resources for teachers in grades K-12 that includes lesson plans, activities, videos, and classroom-friendly data.

Nicole Mason is the EEO Director/Diversity Program Manager for NOAA Research.

P: 301-734-1279

Nicole.Mason@noaa.gov

Moreover, employees are encouraged to seek advancement opportunities through the Agency’s leadership program. The Leadership Competencies Development Program (LCDP) is an 18-month program that provides a series of training and learning experiences that will broaden participants understanding of NOAA’s strategic vision, mission, and goals, as well as NOAA’s business processes.

I invite you to consider NOAA Research as a viable option for your next employment opportunity. We are always looking for people like you to help us in our pursuit of DEI and to add your skills to the amazing work that we are engaging in every day.

“NOAA's unique mission of science, service and stewardship demands a diverse workforce to reflect, understand, and respond to the varied communities and stakeholders we serve. Equally important is an inclusive work environment that drives employee and organizational performance. NOAA recognizes that a sustained commitment to strengthening diversity and inclusion is critical to enable a future where ecosystems reinforce each other and are mutually resilient in the face of sudden and prolonged change."

From the NOAA Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Plan

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Policy

Building from the NOAA plan, NOAA Research created its own Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Accessibility Strategic Plan. The plan states eight guiding principles for having an inclusive work environment.

Download PDF DEIA Strategic Plan

Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Accessibility Strategic Plan Guiding Principles

  • We will treat each other with respect, always, regardless of rank or grade.
  • Every employee deserves a work environment free from discrimination, disrespect, and fear.
  • We promote open expression of our individuality and diversity within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity, and respect, and will promote an environment of professionalism in our facilities.
  • We will routinely seek to attract diverse talent in our workforce.
  • We seek to resolve workplace conflicts in a prompt, impartial, confidential, nondiscriminatory, and constructive manner, without fear of reprisal, and at the lowest level through open communication.
  • All employees are valued and included for the unique contributions they bring to the organization.
  • Leaders and supervisors have a special responsibility to build and preserve this climate and culture of inclusion and mutual respect for all.
  • People First, Mission Always.
NOAA logo with NOAA Research words

Access Diversity & Inclusion Resources at OAR

If you’d like to learn more about NOAA and NOAA Research’s efforts to increase and improve knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, check out the resources below.

Diversity & Inclusion News

Get the latest news relevant to DEIA at NOAA Research

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