01 NOAA DEI Recruiter Tool
Diversifying the Federal Workforce: A DEI Recruiting Tool for NOAA
Website Application Design
About
About The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a science-based federal agency focused on understanding and predicting environmental changes while managing coastal and marine ecosystems. Our team aligns with NOAA’s mission to foster diversity by contributing diverse perspectives, supporting DEI initiatives, and creating a lasting impact.
01 Problem Context
The federal workforce faces a lack of diversity and perspectives, with one-third eligible for retirement by the end of 2024. Additionally, there are no efficient tools to connect NOAA with underrepresented undergraduate students near its offices, limiting outreach and recruitment efforts.
02 Research Insights
We approach our research insights by conducting multiple interviews with NOAA employees, questioning about their working experiences and NOAA mission statement in DEI initiatives.
Rosemary
@NOAA Recruiter
NOAA recruits from the same large universities, leading to a lack of diversity. Some employees feel isolated, such as being the only woman of color in their lab.
Shivonne
@NOAA Scientist
How do we target the right people at the right stages at their academic career?
Dr. Moe
@iSchool
Organizations need to know their target audience - if they say they want a "diverse" workforce, who do they mean?
03 The Design
NOAA is a legacy institution with a history of scientific excellence and environmental stewardship. The new brand honors that legacy while embracing the forward-thinking, inclusive nature of its mission and the diverse communities it serves. It is dynamic and impactful, balancing an innovative and approachable identity with the credibility and expertise necessary for effective environmental leadership.
04 Website App
We designed advanced filtering for Washington & California school data enables NOAA to pinpoint recruitment opportunities. Interactive visualizations of NOAA offices and nearby schools streamline targeting efforts, with access restricted to authorized personnel.
Disclaimer
Our team had the privilege of collaborating with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the University of Washington: Information School Capstone project from January to June 2024. This project aims to enhance NOAA's recruitment efforts, spanning a comprehensive 20-week process involving research, design, testing, and development.
This project was selected by the team as it was an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience while making a meaningful impact to a government agency. The team supports NOAA's mission to recruit qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds, a cause that reflects their diversity and the Information School's emphasis on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA).
This internal recruiting tool will enable NOAA to extend opportunities to underrepresented communities and efficiently welcome a new generation to their workforce.
The project was completed Spring 2024. Project sponsor Dan Tonnes (dan.tonnes@noaa.gov) has taken over this work and will collaborate alongside the NOAA IT team to maintain and further develop the tool. Handoff documentation was prepared to transfer the work to Dan and any future teams involved in the project. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Justin Sukomol (justinsukomol@gmail.com) or Sarah Thomas (sarahethomas02@gmail.com).
DATA DISCLAIMER: This internal recruiting tool utilizes publicly available data. Team Citrus hopes future project owners will expand the tool to include data from further U.S. states.
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