USGS Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for all employees and applicants as we strive to deliver science to advance the economic welfare of the Nation, protect the safety and health of our people, contribute maps and data to the public good, and advance understanding of the environment, ecosystems, and species that share our planet.
As the Director, I affirm my unwavering commitment to EEO, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) in the workplace. The USGS will not tolerate discrimination, and all employment decisions will be made in accordance with merit system principles contained in 5 U.S.C § 2301.
No employee, former employee, applicant for employment, or member of the public who seeks to participate in USGS programs, activities, and services shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, sex stereotyping), gender identity (gender expression or transgender status), national origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age (40 years of age or older), protected genetic information, status as a parent, marital status, or political affiliation; or retaliated against for protected EEO activity. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires agencies to provide reasonable accommodations for employees' known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions unless such an accommodation would pose an undue hardship to the agency. In addition, the USGS will not tolerate any type of harassment – either sexual or nonsexual.
While EEO covers all personnel and employment programs, management practices, and decisions, including but not limited to recruiting and hiring, merit promotions, transfers, reassignments, training and career development, benefits, and separations, the USGS emphasizes the importance of inclusion of all employees. The USGS will enforce EEO program requirements in accordance with the governing regulatory guidelines and will promptly and professionally investigate and address allegations of discrimination or workplace harassment.
Where allegations are substantiated, the USGS will take appropriate action to address the discrimination or harassment. Therefore, all employees must fully participate in investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation. Managers and supervisors must also participate in the alternative dispute resolution program for resolving EEO allegations.
Reinforcing EEO as the principal element of DEIA, the USGS is taking meaningful steps toward a comprehensive approach to fostering a workforce, and building a workplace environment, that draws from the full diversity of our Nation and advances equitable employment opportunities.
We are working to integrate DEIA into every aspect of our workplace and are devoted to creating and sustaining a workplace where opportunities are fair and open, and where all employees feel welcome, valued, and have a sense of belonging, enabling them to reach their full potential.
If you believe you have been subjected to unlawful discrimination or harassment, you can contact the USGS Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity at (703) 648-7770 and ask to speak with an EEO Counselor. The EEO Counselor will have a discussion with you about your situation, explain the EEO complaint process, explain your rights and responsibilities, and discuss other possible processes that may be useful to you. You can also find more information at the following website: Overview Of Federal Sector EEO Complaint Process.
The future viability of the USGS depends on engaging diverse perspectives and achieving and maintaining a workforce that reflects the fabric of our society. Therefore, I strongly support and embrace the principles of EEO and fully support implementation of DEIA initiatives in the workplace. Likewise, every USGS employee has a responsibility for making the USGS a fully inclusive place to work.
David Applegate, Director