ASAP is partnering with the USDA Forest Service to create a structured education and training program for Forest Service staff, update ASAP's Knowledge and Competencies Framework, and create a model for improving climate literacy that can be applied in multiple federal agencies.
Project Background
This project will increase the use and value of existing Forest Service climate change training and educational resources by organizing them into standard learning programs with specific learning outcomes by position. The project will broaden the climate literacy of the general workforce and keep the professional staff with immediate access to new climate science knowledge, strategies, and applications. These resources will lead to more effective and climate-responsive work on the ground by the Forest Service. The project will be adaptive, creating opportunities at each stage for iteration by using processes to allow for flexibility as climate change science and strategies advance. Climate change materials will be holistical, considering both mitigation and adaptation. Products created will introduce standardization while maintaining flexibility to accommodate the agency needs. The program will bring focus to Forest Service staff on environmental justice, diversity, and inclusion and application in climate work.
Project Activities
Year 1: Use Knowledge and Competencies Framework to analyze the depth of knowledge and level of competency that is required for priority positions within the Forest Service workforce. The analysis will be used to identify specific training needs by staff role.
Years 2 and 3: Review changes to staff positions and correspondingly update list of training criteria.
Year 1: Catalog existing Forest Service climate change education and training resources and reference those resources in the Knowledge and Competency Framework and the training criteria identified. Identify gaps within existing resources to fulfill all training criteria for each position.
Years 2 and 3: Assess the extent to which gaps have been met; identify new gaps.
Year 1: Choose 1-2 priority resources or trainings to augment and address gaps in content. Create plan for out-years to augment additional resources and create new resources as needed.
Years 2 and 3: Create new and plan for additional content.
Year 1: Create training programs for 1-2 positions, including assessments and certificates of completion.
Years 2 and 3: Create additional training programs for other positions.
Years 2 and 3: Monitor learning outcomes, participant experience, and advancements in climate science and climate change strategies. Update the training and education programs to optimize learning outcomes and participant experience while integrating the most up-to-date science and strategies into the content.
Learn more about ASAP's Workforce Program, see our Training and Education for Adaptation and Resilience Professionals, or download ASAP’s Professional Guidance Resources.