Orientation Process

Orientation isn't something that happens the first few days on the job. It's a process that will take about a year to complete.  Here are the actions that will take place during your orientation year.

• The Handbook:  You will receive the Orientation: Employee Handbook from your personnel office upon accepting your position.  It answers many personnel and administrative questions.  It is not a book to read in one sitting, but as questions arise it will be a source of answers for you.  You are currently working in the online version of the Orientation: Employee Handbook.
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• The Video:  Accompanying the handbook is a video titled Employee Orientation Video Series.  It welcomes you to BLM and highlights bureau and Department of the Interior programs.  It will help you see how you fit into BLM.
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• Forms:  In addition to the handbook and video, you will receive forms from your personnel office needing completion.  Your personnel officer or supervisor can assist you.  Fill them out immediately and submit them to your personnel officer or supervisor.  You will also receive information about ethics and employee conduct issues.
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• The First Day:  This begins with an on-site orientation of your office.  Your supervisor and sponsor will work together to inform you about local matters and office practices.  The sponsor's role is to help you feel comfortable and to show you how to do the job.  The sponsor and supervisor will go over the orientation plan that has been developed for you.
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• The Orientation Plan:  The plan covers a broad range of  work-related matters.  You and your supervisor should use the Orientation Checklist, Part I to assure coverage of appropriate items.  The second checklist, Orientation Checklist-II,  is the guide your supervisor used to design your orientation plan.  The supervisor and personnel officer will work with you to complete the items on the checklist.  Review the plan to see if you have other needs.
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• The Orientation Program:  Many  BLM offices hold orientation programs to help new employees understand BLM issues.  If your office has in such a program, you should attend within your first year on the job.  Otherwise, you and your supervisor should review the Local Perspectives Guide to ensure that you receive the information.
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• Visit this website often. Complete the online interactive quiz during your first 3 months. You will also find many useful links to web sites for topics on BLM and human resource matters.
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• During your first year you and your supervisor should discuss how you are adjusting to the work environment and performing on the job by using the Interview with the Employee and the Supervisor form.
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• At the end of the 1 year orientation, you and your supervisor MUST complete the Orientation Checklist, Part I.  If you are new to BLM, the form should be returned to NTC.  NTC will enter the data into a tracking system and send a letter to you certifying completion of the program.
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• Your local personnel office may require another evaluation of the program, and your supervisor will tell you if more steps are needed for completing this process.

All the products developed for this program are posted to the Leadership Excellence website. If the program is changed, the changes will be reflected on the website.