The Forest Service seeks to create and maintain a work environment where every employee is treated with respect, has a sense of belonging and can thrive at their work. We are striving for a workplace that is physically, socially and psychologically safe, free from harassment and resilient. Such a workplace demonstrates our core values and code and commitments in all we do (internal links).

Does this sound like your experience? What about your colleagues—how do they experience life in the Forest Service and what do they need to thrive here? Do you think it is important for Forest Service leaders to understand the local challenges in achieving work environment goals?

If these questions are important to you, here is your chance to help. The Forest Service is seeking members for the Employee Advisory Group, and we encourage anyone with the desire to make a difference to apply. We will select approximately 30 new members.

Employee Advisory Groups are a key part of organizations committed to the success of their employees. The Forest Service Employee Advisory Group was established in spring 2018 as a platform for dialogue, learning and feedback between employees and senior leaders of the Forest Service, with the goal of enhancing employee experiences as we do our work. The EAG engages in efforts to improve the work environment and facilitates conversations through peer-to-peer contacts. Members are also asked to provide constructive evaluations on current and future work environment endeavors, and to provide employee perspective on agency happenings and challenges. The employees serving on the EAG (internal link) represent the diversity of people in our organization, including mission areas, grade levels, time in the Forest Service, occupations, gender, race, national origin, cultures and geographies. Members also include union representatives.

Matters brought to the EAG for consideration may be related to:

• Evaluation of work environment related efforts from WEPO, Civil Rights and Employee Relations programs 
• Employee engagement opportunities
• Employee health and well-being 
• Internal communications efforts on issues of the day
• Efforts to support and empower employees
• Steps needed to promote safe, respectful work environments.

Membership

The Employee Advisory Group is appointed by the Chief or his designee. Advisory group membership shall be composed of at least 30 members, representing a diverse cross-section of employees of varying tenures, positions and locations. The EAG will be chaired by a member-appointed designee. EAG members will be appointed for a one- or two -year term.

Responsibilities and expectations

• Engage in strategic dialogue and make recommendations to the Chief; WEPO, Civil Rights, and HRM Employee Relations leadership; and other senior leaders on steps needed to eliminate harassment and promote a safe, respectful work environment.
• Identify proactive steps that support and empower employees. 
• Take a strong interest in improving the work environment. 
• Take an evidence-based approach to understanding and advising on the issues before the group. 
• Solicit feedback from peers and bring this perspective to the group as needed. 
• Serve as a liaison to other employees and their representative work units, communicating information as agreed to by the EAG. 
• Meet monthly, with additional meetings as needed based on the work of the Committee. 
• Attend 75% of the meetings. To ensure a consistent and productive ongoing dialogue, members may not send substitutes.

Please complete the nomination form by Nov. 12 to be considered. If you have questions, please contact Anzanette Randall or any current EAG member (internal link). The Work Environment and Performance Office will host a group of employees to review applications and will announce selections by early December. The new members will begin their terms in January 2022. Thanks for your interest in helping the Forest Service lead in the work environment and improve employee experiences.