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Women and minorities are entering the workforce in greater numbers, with more advanced schooling/training and in more varied career fields than ever, before. If ODNR as a department continues to grow and conquer the challenges the future has to offer, we must tap into the creativity, innovation, and strength that a diverse workforce offers.
In early 1997 the Governor charged ODNR with developing a recruitment plan that would meet an expectation of, "The successful recruitment and hiring of qualified, diverse individuals that will allow the workforce at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to more accurately reflect the diverse make-up of the population of the State of Ohio."
A Quality Improvement Team, Recruitment Action Team Strategists (RATS) developed a general, broad based recruitment plan that would be used as a guide by the Divisions/Offices in formulating a more detailed plan that would address the particular needs of each area. The Governor and Director approved the "Recruitment Plan." Within forty-five days of training, all Divisions/Offices had developed and submitted individualized plans to the Office of Human Resources.
The Appointing Authority for the Department of Natural Resources, the Director is ultimately responsible to the Governor for the implementation and effectiveness of the Departments "Recruitment Plan". The Division/Office Chiefs are accountable to the Director and they have the responsibility and authority to implement the "Plan" within their respective Division/Office. Effectiveness will be based on the percentage of qualified, diverse applicants recruited for positions.
The Departments and Division/Office "Recruitment Plans" will be reviewed for effectiveness semi-annually. Approximately one (1) year after implementation, the review cycles will switch to either annually or biannually based on the Departments and/or the Divisions'/Offices' " Recruitment Plan" effectiveness.
Developing a workplace culture and/or environment that is conducive to diversity is a must. It is said that we are products of our environment; therefore if diversity is to flourish at ODNR, its culture, attitudes and behaviors must allow it to grow. The commitment and ability of ODNR to recruit, hire, and retain qualified, diverse individuals will facilitate this process.
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