ALASKA—In less than one month, upward of 150 new Forest Service employees will descend upon Juneau, Alaska, for three days for a region-specific New Employee Orientation.

They will come from as far west as Anchorage, as far north as Yakutat and as far south as the lower 48—if a new employee happens to be a remote worker.

The new employees will represent the Chugach National Forest and its three ranger districts, Tongass National Forest and its 10 ranger districts, and the regional office, based in Juneau. 

The three-day, in-person event, scheduled for April 4-6, is divided into three daily themes:  

• Welcome to Alaska
• Welcome to the Team
• Welcome to your Career

“We call this event unique, because it is,” said Alaska Region Deputy Regional Forester Chad VanOrmer. “We have specific Alaska laws, beautiful, breathtaking landscapes, strong tribal relations and unique challenges with transportation, travel and weather.” 

The event includes special panel discussions on leadership in Alaska, understanding tribal culture and traditions, anchoring to the agency’s core values and code and commitments, and career advice from seasoned employees.

Each day also offers breakout sessions sharing information with employees who are new to the Forest Service and new to Alaska, with welcome sessions for those based on the Tongass or who call the Chugach home. 

“When our newest employees complete this multiday orientation, our hope is that they will come away with feelings of empowerment, knowledge that their voices matter, and encouragement to show up each day excited to be a part of Team Alaska,” added VanOrmer.

While not the first Alaska Region new employee orientation ever held, it is the first in recent years that will feature a comprehensive review of the programs, policies, projects, places and of course, people that make this region so special.