In Reply Refer To:
Mail Stop 601
#GSS0000013
December 15, 2010
Memorandum
To: Executive Leadership Team
From: Suzette M. Kimball (Signed)
Deputy Director
Subject: Change in Procedures for Hiring Freeze Exception Requests
Effective December 1, I am delegating approval authority to members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) for waiver requests to the hiring freeze implemented on March 3, 2010. Your review of the waiver request should include ensuring alignment with our science strategy and looking for areas where you can gain efficiencies in your programs. You will need to ensure that the request aligns with the workforce plan and that all other options for filling the position have been explored. The Office of Human Resources will provide me with quarterly reports of all hires.
Additional guidance regarding the freeze, the exception criteria, and the procedures for requesting an exception will be posted on the USGS Intranet at: http://dev-internal.usgs.gov/sw/hiring_freeze.html.
Attachment 1 lists the types of personnel actions that are permitted during the freeze and the types of actions that must have an approved exception.
Attachment 2 provides the format for an exception request. Exceptions will be requested via the servicing Human Resources Office to the ELT member. The criteria must be adequately justified in the request.
Questions concerning this guidance should be directed to your servicing Human Resources Office.
