The Interior Department, which has come under attack for a lack of racial and ethnic diversity, has released a new strategic plan for creating a department more representative of the civilian workforce.
The plan, developed by a task force comprised of representatives from all Interior agencies, instructs managers to develop and use written targeted recruitment plans for occupations with under-representation of minorities and people with disabilities.
"DOI's primary key to success is its employees," says the report. "A diverse workforce enables the department to provide a measure of understanding to its customers by relating to the diverse backgrounds of those customers."
The plan includes a "toolbox" of personnel authorities and procedures for managers to use while diversifying. One tool is the recruitment bonus, a one-time payment to a newly appointed employee of up to 25 percent of the employee's base salary.
To retain a diversified workforce, managers must provide opportunities for the development of employees and develop action plans that promote equitable employee advancement, according to the plan.
Each bureau will also be required to conduct training for managers and supervisors on the "legal implementation" of the goals of the plan and on how to manage a diverse workforce.
Deputy Interior Secretary John Garamendi will meet with bureau heads on a quarterly basis to review progress in improving diversity. If a hostile work environment exists, the report says, managers and supervisors will be held accountable.
Bureau-specific diversity plans are due in two weeks.
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