NOAA Research is 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, 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.
One strategy focuses on “Develop the next-generation workforce,” which states:
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 our 2020-2026 Strategy.
"NOAA Research remains committed to implementing programs and policies that encourage representation and participation of diverse groups of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We can do more to create opportunities for everyone, at all levels. We plan to lead by example and continue to focus on improved diversity and inclusion to make NOAA Research's scientific outcomes even stronger." Craig McLean NOAA Research Assistant Administrator
Craig McLean NOAA Research Assistant Administrator
Bring awareness to employees, applicants for employment and management about Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity through the following:
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.
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.
Diversity boosts the creativity and breadth of experience, ability, and vision in any organization, and is fundamental in a scientific and collegial organization like NOAA Research.
NOAA's Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan states that,
“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."
Building off the NOAA plan, NOAA Research created its own Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Accessibility Strategic Plan. The plan states the following guiding principles for having an inclusive work environment are:
Please visit the NOAA Careers page for more information about employment opportunities. For information about internships, fellowships and other educational opportunities, visit our Student Opportunities page.
Jessica Snowden is the Deputy Director for NOAA Research's Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program. Learn how Ms. Snowden career path has led her to a leadership position in a NOAA program that supports half of the world’s ocean observing research.
Read Jessica's profile.
In February 2021, Dr. LaToya Myles was appointed as the deputy director of NOAA's Air Resources Laboratory Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She's also a lead research physical scientist who studies the exchange of atmospheric gases and particles between the air, plants, and soil in coastal or agricultural ecosystems.
AOML strives to make current and future employees able to contribute their talents in a place they feel welcome, supported, and empowered to support NOAA’s mission.
Learn more about our scientists here:
OAR Employee Profiles
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, please contact Nicole Mason, EEO Director, at 301-734-1279 or access these links for additional information:
OAR 2022 EEO Policy Statement
OAR 2022 EEO Anti-Harassment Policy Statement
OAR's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategic Plan
OAR 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement
NOAA Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights
NOAA Employee Resource Groups (under "Internal Resources")
NOAA & DOC EEO Policies and Administrative Orders
How to File a Complaint
Dept. of Commerce Office of Civil Rights
Dept. of Commerce EEO Policy Statement
Dept. of Commerce Anti-Harassment Policy Statement
No FEAR Act
Disability Discrimination
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government
Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation
A Proclamation on National Sexual Assault Prevention And Awareness Month, 2021
Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce (June 25, 2021)