Diversity and Inclusion

People First, Mission Always

At the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, our people are our greatest asset, and our lab is enriched by the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our staff.

As an OAR laboratory within NOAA, CSL is dedicated to the agency's commitment to increasing diversity within its workforce and creating inclusive work environments where everyone feels valued and experiences a true sense of belonging. CSL works with the NOAA OAR Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Diversity Program Office to create a diverse workforce that is inclusive and free of discriminatory and retaliatory actions.

To learn more about the people of CSL, visit our employee spotlights and professional web pages. To learn about opportunities to work at CSL, visit our career opportunities.

OAR's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

The 2020 – 2026 NOAA Research Strategy outlines five strategies in response to NOAA's changing operating landscape and the specific factors influencing the environmental science community. One of these strategies is to "Develop the next-generation workforce", which states:

Diversity boosts the creativity and breadth of experience, ability, and vision in any organization, and is fundamental in a scientific and collegial organization like NOAA.

NOAA's Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan states that:

Building off the NOAA plan, NOAA Research (OAR) created its own Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Accessibility Strategic Plan . The plan states eight guiding principles for having an inclusive work environment. These principles are a starting point towards extending a spirit of inclusion in our work environment, in which everyone can play a meaningful role, and building a work culture and environment in which we can all be proud.

These guiding principles state:

1. We will treat each other with respect, always, regardless of rank or grade.
2. Every employee deserves a work environment free from discrimination, disrespect, and fear.
3. We promote open expression of our individuality and diversity within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity, and respect, and will promote an environment of professionalism in our facilities.
4. We will routinely seek to attract diverse talent in our workforce.
5. We seek to resolve workplace conflicts in a prompt, impartial, confidential, nondiscriminatory, and constructive manner, without fear of reprisal, and at the lowest level through open communication.
6. All employees are valued and included for the unique contributions they bring to the organization.
7. Leaders and supervisors have a special responsibility to build and preserve this climate and culture of inclusion and mutual respect for all,
8. People first, Mission always.

More information about Diversity and Inclusion at NOAA and OAR:

• NOAA Diversity and Inclusion
• OAR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion