1. Who should participate in the Orientation Program?

Every new employee needs some type of orientation program.  It doesn't matter if they are new to the federal government or just new to the job, it's important that the supervisor and new employee develop an orientation plan that meets the needs of the employee.  A check list has been provided in the Employee Handbook that will help in the development of the plan.

2. Do I need to read the handbook cover to cover?

You should read the preface as soon as possible.  It welcomes you to the Bureau of Land Management, provides you with a brief overview of the history and general responsibilities of the BLM, and explains the orientation  process.  The rest of the handbook can serve as a reference when you have a specific question.

If you have any questions about the orientation process, call the National Training Center at 602-906-5500 and ask for the program lead for orientation.

3. When do I need to view the videotape that came with the Employee Handbook?

There are three videos on the tape: Fractured Patterns, The Department of Everything Else and The Public Lands - A National Treasure.  

Fractured Patterns describes the rich history of the BLM.  It is in two parts and lasts about 75 minutes.  

The Department of Everything Else describes the creation of the Department of the Interior and the agencies in the department.  This will help you understand how all the agencies fit into the department.  This video lasts about 28 minutes.  

The Public Lands - A National Treasure describes many of the programs in BLM and discusses BLM's management responsibilities.

The videos should be viewed at your convenience during the first month on the job.  Since the videos will give you a better understanding of BLM and its role within DOI, it is recommended that you view them as soon as possible.  They will help define your role in the organization and show how you fit into the overall mission of the BLM and DOI.

4. Do I need to review the Employee Handbook sections and the videotape at work or at home?

In developing your orientation plan, you should include official time to review the sections recommended and sections that interest you as well as the videotape.  The videos are interesting and you may want to take them home and share them with your family so they have a better idea about BLM.

5. When I read over the preface, it mentioned a quiz on the web site that I should take.  When should I do that?

After you have viewed the videos, met with your supervisor and discussed the items listed on the checklist, read the booklet Ethics, An Employee Guide, you should then take the quiz.  These steps should be completed within the first month.  The quiz will help you test yourself on facts about BLM and your responsibilities.

6. What should I do if my supervisor didn't develop an orientation plan for me?

If you are a new employee to the BLM, it is mandatory and you should meet with your supervisor and develop a plan.  If you are a BLM employee being assigned to a new location, an orientation plan will help you learn the formal and informal rules of the office in an organized fashion.  Talk with your supervisor or your sponsor and, at a minimum, develop an informal plan to help you get started.

7. What should I do if there is no Local Perspectives course given at my location?

The information presented in the Local Perspectives course is intended to give you a broad picture of BLM work outside of your local office that may impact your daily work.  Meet with your supervisor and plan how you might get more information about your state, center, or other offices.  Suggestions might include field trips, attending meetings outside your local area where BLM issues will be discussed or have your supervisor explain how certain issues impact other offices and what can be done to ensure that all your work is coordinated.

8. I have been with the BLM for a few years and am now accepting a position at a different location. Do I have to go through an orientation process?

Every office has their own way of doing things.  In order to help yourself be more productive, it is important for you to understand what the different processes are.  Your orientation may only take a few days but you should develop a plan with your supervisor to ensure that you have an opportunity to learn about the office.

9. I am a new employee to the BLM. Why do I have to send a completed checklist to the National Training Center when I am finished with my orientation plan?

The checklist is used by the National Training Center as a tool to ensure all new employees receive a consistent orientation to BLM.  After you have completed your check list and sent it to NTC, your name will be entered into a training data base showing that you have completed the training required by the Bureau and a certificate will be issued.  As requested by the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), all new employees will be tracked to ensure that they have received an orientation to BLM.

The checklist is also used by the NTC as an evaluation of the program.  Based on the comments received, the program will continue to improve to meet the needs of new employees.

10. How long will it take me to complete my orientation plan?

Each plan is individually tailored to meet the needs of the new employee.  Think of orientation as a process that will take up to one year to complete.  This will give you time to learn not just about issues affecting your office but also about BLM outside of your immediate office.

11. The handbook talks about a sponsor, but I wasn't assigned one. What should I do?

A sponsor is someone who can help you learn the formal and informal rules of the office.  Ask your supervisor to appoint one for you.  Your fellow employees can also serve as a great resource for you.  Ask them questions about things you don't know or don't understand.  They will be glad to help you out.

12. The handbook didn't give me enough information about an issue. What do I do now?

You have many resources available to you for additional information.  Your supervisor or personnel officer can answer many of the questions you might have.  Also, in the handbook and on the web site are listed web addresses for personnel issues, training opportunities, BLM planning documents, etc.  Become familiar with the variety of web sites that should help you with many of your questions.

13. If I attend the Local Perspectives course given in my location, should I still attend Pathways?

Yes, Pathways is designed to give participants a national perspective of BLM while Local Perspectives will focus on local issues and programs.  Another purpose for Pathways is to provide an opportunity to network with employees and managers from other states and offices.  Local Perspectives should be taken with the first year of employment with BLM and Pathways after having worked at least 3 years with BLM.