Bureau of Land Management highlights diversity in STEM careers during conference

The conference, held in Phoenix in late October, is one of the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) diversity conferences in the country. The conference helps prepare participants for their academic and professional paths in STEM. 

During the conference, the BLM and other Department of the Interior (DOI) employees connected with college-level students and professionals over the course of three days. In particular, the BLM took part in the Academic and Career Expo as well as participated in several panels. 

During the Academic and Career Expo, conference attendees got to speak to a variety of Bureau of Land Management scientists and other employees. These included BLM hydrologists, engineers, and more as well as a district manager. There were many engaging conversations between the BLM and attendees, including about the different opportunities and challenges the BLM faces in the sciences. 

“This was the first time I attended SACNAS. It was refreshing and exciting to see the number of upcoming professionals in the field of STEM, and more importantly to me, as a Native American woman, the diversity of this conference was wonderful,” Jolene Tallsalt Robertson, a BLM hydrologist, said. “It was an honor to speak with those that visited our BLM booth about our career opportunities and stewardship to the land.” 

Connecting emerging professionals with established scientists encourages mentorship and networking, which are also crucial for professional growth and opportunities. 

Beyond the Academic and Career Expo, the BLM participated in several panels, including “Navigating the Federal Internship Seas - Where to Look and How to Apply.” During this session, attendees were given an in-depth look at different career paths as well as USAJobs, the federal government’s official job website. Students were encouraged to bring their resumes for feedback as well any questions that they might have about finding a STEM-oriented career in the federal government.

"SACNAS is about empowering students to break down barriers in STEM,” Brooke Wheeler, BLM Arizona state youth, volunteer and education lead, said. “By sharing the practicalities of applying for BLM internships and offering feedback on resumes, I hope I gave attendees the confidence to pursue these opportunities and understand that their potential as the next natural resource employees and leaders of the BLM is possible." 

Scott Feldhausen, BLM Arizona Gila District manager, took part in a panel discussion called “Adapting to the Future: Working to Ensure the Resilience of U.S. Public Lands” alongside representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Geological Survey. During the panel, attendees learned about different approaches to managing public lands across the United States. 

“I was honored to share insights from my 30-plus-year federal career on how hard science and ‘soft skills’ such as effective communication are necessary to bring disparate groups together to achieve restoration goals across the landscape,” Scott said. "This type of outreach is critical in helping us to attract the next generation of responsible land stewards.” 

The BLM’s participation in the conference was supported by a coordination group consisting of Headquarter’s Human Capital staff, the Office of Civil Rights, and the BLM’s National Science Committee’s Subcommittee for Recruitment. This group is exploring ways to strengthen and advance the Bureau’s recruitment capacity, and attending the 2024 SACNAS NDiSTEM conference was a priority for both the BLM and DOI.  With nine Bureaus represented, 85 DOI staff were in attendance representing the Department of Interior as one entity with many opportunities.

The vision of SACNAS to accurately and proportionately reflect the demographics of the population in STEM – which aligns with goals of the BLM and DOI. By doing outreach to diverse communities (such as those present at the SACNAS conference), the BLM can find new voices and compelling solutions to the challenges it faces.  
 
“The BLM is laying the groundwork to create a strong pipeline for emerging talent in STEM careers,” Karen Prentice, BLM national science advisor, said. 

Learn more about the BLM’s careers in STEM.