2.1 Special Emphasis Programs.
A. Special Emphasis Programs were established to address the needs of individuals which were not being adequately met under existing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Programs. There are currently three Govermentwide programs: Federal Women's Program (FWP), Hispanic Employment Program (HEP) and Individuals with Disabilities Program. Special Emphasis Programs for other protected groups may be established within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). Program managers for each special emphasis program are designated by the Assistant Regional Director - Human Resources (ARD) or Human Resources Officer - Headquarters (HRO-HQ).
In addition, managers, supervisors, ARDs-HR, HRO-HQ, Personnel Officers and Individuals with Disabilities Program Managers assure that extensive recruitment occurs with universities and organizations specializing in working with persons with disabilities to hire individuals with targeted and non-targeted disabilities.
B. The Program Manager identifies discriminatory practices and barriers to the employment and advancement of disabled employees and applicants for employment and recommends methods to remove barriers and change practices in employment. In addition, the Program Manager ensures that Service policies, procedures, and regulations do not adversely impact personnel policies and all regulations that affect the employment and advancement of employees and applicants with disabilities.
C. Accountability. The Director and all Service managers and supervisors, including the Chief, Office for Human Resources, ARDs-HR, HRO-HQ, Personnel officer, and Individuals with Disabilities Program managers are responsible for complying with Program guidelines.
D. Reports. The Affirmative Action Program Plan for Hiring, Placement and Advancement of People with Disabilities (RO62-2A), the Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Program Plan Certification and Accomplishment Report (RO62-2B) are prepared annually by the Headquarters and Regional Offices for Human Resources and submitted to the OEO.
2.5 Other Special Emphasis Activities.
A. The Service has established additional Service specific activities to assist in diversifying its workforce:
(1) Career Awareness Institute is a partnership program between the Service, the National Biological Service and a university, the primary focus of which is to provide undergraduate college students with an awareness and appreciation of the field of fish and wildlife biology and natural resources management. The program consists of a three-week academic phase and a minimum of six weeks of work experience with wildlife college credits awarded for the program.
(2) American Indian Science Camps sponsored by the Service are held on Federal and State lands in partnership with universities, State Natural Resources Department and/or Native American organizations to provide Native American high school students with cultural awareness training and education in the natural resources fields. The science camps include work projects, field trips, classroom instructions and interaction with natural resources professionals.
B. The Service may participate in and/or establish other activities for purpose of diversifying the workforce as deemed necessary.