DHS Climate Change Initiative Realized in New Recruitment Program
In support of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) focus on adapting to climate change, the department has launched a Climate Change Professionals Program. The Department intends the program to act as a recruitment tool for recent graduates and current federal employees.
DHS's Chief Readiness Support Officer will run the two-year program and provide participants with hands-on opportunities to contribute to upcoming initiatives that aim to transform DHS's ability to adapt and improve resilience to climate change. If participants successfully complete the program, they will receive the Association of Climate Change Officers certification to qualify for permanent, full-time positions with DHS.
“The Climate Change Professionals Program will be instrumental in helping the Department adapt to our changing climate by providing hands-on experience and guidance to young professionals interested in climate adaptation and resilience,” stated Secretary Mayorkas in a press release, “This program will develop the next generation of climate experts, improve climate literacy throughout the Department, and help us execute our Climate Action Plan to remain mission-resilient while reducing our own impacts on the environment.”
The Climate Change Action Group, comprised of senior department officials, will oversee the program. The action group's priorities include reducing climate change-related risks such as flooding, heat waves, droughts, and wildfires; and adapting DHS assets, operations, and resources.
On January 23, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order instructing agencies to prepare for the constantly evolving effects of climate change, ranging from weather-related risks to vulnerabilities for federal employees and their ability to do their jobs. In response to the executive order, DHS published their comprehensive climate change plan in September 2021.
While the plan focuses on integrating climate literacy into policy, planning, and budgeting processes throughout DHS, by-in-large, the plan offers an interest in shifting human capital management at the Department. Calling upon agency leaders to recruit expertise and ultimately create a curriculum to train the DHS workforce. In developing such a framework, DHS can ensure employees and stakeholders are cognizant of climate literacy. Further, DHS can guarantee facilities and operation mission essential assets are resilient to changing climate conditions and prepared for climate crises.
The effort is part of the department's efforts to recruit hard-to-get talent. This climate-oriented cohort is the second initiative under the Secretary's Honors Program—a highly competitive program for entry-level professionals looking for a career at DHS—which launched a cybersecurity initiative last year.
