Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

NOAA Research is enriched by diverse perspectives, celebrating each other’s unique experience and expertise.

The people of NOAA’s Air Resources Laboratory (ARL), 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.

ARL has demonstrated this commitment through leadership appointments, mentorship and participation in numerous DE&I activities throughout NOAA. We share NOAA’s commitment to diversity, as the impact of our research is felt throughout our nation and all its citizens, researchers, and residents.

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 NOAA OAR’s 2020-2026 Strategy, here.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mission

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

Empowerment – Consultation services to employees, managers, and applicants.
Exposure – Recruitment and outreach activities for short and long-term recruitment.
Education – Federal EEO Mandated training, Special Emphasis programs, and Connections newsletter.
Evaluation – Monitor employment statistics to prepare reports for NOAA, DOC, EEOC, and OPM.

Recent DE&I Events and Activities at ARL

ARL Lab-wide training: Ethnocentrism, Empathy, and Everything in Between (October 21, 2021)

This virtual 6-hour interactive workshop examined the concepts of ethnocentrism and those implications for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). We will explore the multidimensional relationship between culture and communication while critically investigating how these cultural beliefs, values, and systems impact workplace interactions. Thank you for allowing me to assist you on this journey to build a better world!

Message from the Assistant Administrator

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.

Steve Thur, Assistant Administrator, NOAA Research

Message from the EEO Director/Diversity Program Manager

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are important concepts to the NOAA Research Leadership. DEI 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.

Nicole Mason
NOAA Research Equal Employment Officer Director

More Resources

If you’d like to learn more about NOAA and NOAA Research efforts to increase and improve knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, please follow these links for additional information:

Addressing Affiliate Inclusion

OAR Suggestion Box (Employees only)

NOAA Diversity and Inclusion Implementation Plan

NOAA Civil Rights Office

Administrative Orders on EEO

EEO Requirements and Policies

How to File a Complaint

Disability Discrimination

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission