How to Become a USGS Emeritus

How to Become a USGS Emeritus Volunteer: A Simplified Guide

The USGS Emeritus Program is guided under the Departmental Manual Chapter 6 Volunteer Policy (301 DM 6) and the USGS Volunteer for Science Handbook issued by the Office of Human Capital.  It is the policy of DOI to encourage, use, and recognize volunteers, where appropriate, within the terms of applicable legal authorities and to maximize extent commensurate with program needs, to enhance the ability of its bureaus and offices to carry out mission-related activities.  Bureaus and offices will conduct all volunteer activities in full compliance with applicable laws and other authorities, including the statutes authorizing volunteer use, as well as ethics statutes, regulations, and relevant policies.  Volunteers must meet mandatory training requirements in areas such as IT security, safety, ethics, and anti-harassment.   

How to become a USGS Emeritus Volunteer:

1. Discuss Your Interest Early: Talk to your immediate supervisor before your retirement about your desire to become a USGS Emeritus.
2. Obtain Approval: Ensure that you have clear approval from your supervisor and the appropriate director (Center or Office Director). Discuss any logistical needs, such as office space, email access, and funding needs for projects.
3. Choose Your Emeritus Type:
   • Active Scientist Emeritus: For those volunteering 100+ hours per year, allowing access to resources like email and office space.
   • Honorary Scientist Emeritus: For those volunteering less than 100 hours per year, with fewer responsibilities.
   • Administrative Emeritus: For non-scientific roles requiring 100+ hours per year, offering similar privileges as Active Scientist Emeritus.
4. Complete the Volunteer Service Agreement: Work with administrative staff at your center to complete the necessary volunteer agreement.
5. Update Your Profile: Work with your science center to create or update your USGS staff profile page to reflect your Emeritus status.
6. Notify Appropriate Support Offices: Work with administrative staff in your center to complete additional forms and notifications, including IT support and security processing.  (Information about these steps is located on the USGS intranet).
7. Receive New ID Card: Await instructions for picking up and activating your new identification card.
8. Final Steps: IT support will assist with updating your computer access with the new ID card.  Follow their instructions for accessing your account; typically this must be done in-person at a USGS facility. 

Additional Information:

USGS Emeritus Program

USGS Volunteer for Science Handbook

USGS Volunteer for Science Program Q&As