For a number of years now, the United States Department of Labor’s O*Net program has listed industrial ecologist as an occupation. The ISIE leadership believes that it is important to maintain this designation because it gives credibility to having educational programs and faculty covering the field of industrial ecology.
If you agree that having the U.S. Government continue to consider industrial ecologist as an occupation is important and you are U.S. based, please consider helping.
You may recognize that this announcement is similar to ones from last year. This is because the way that the system works is that a minimum pool of “industrial ecologists” is required to provide the feedback on the current characteristics of the occupation. That minimum threshold was not reached last year which is why your help is again being requested.
Please read the following announcement on how you can help:
Dear Colleagues:
The O*NET Data Collection Program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, is seeking the input of expert Industrial Ecologists. As the nation's most comprehensive source of occupational data, O*NET is a public resource for millions of job seekers, employers, veterans, educators, and students at www.onetonline.org.
You have the opportunity to participate in this important initiative and your participation will help ensure that the complexities of your profession are described accurately in the O*NET database for the American public.
O*NET Description of Industrial Ecologists:
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
You are considered an Occupation Expert if you meet all the following criteria:
- Have at least one year of professional experience working in the occupation.
- Have a minimum of 5 years combined in one or more of the following: practicing, training, teaching, and/or supervising others who perform the occupation.
- Are currently actively involved in the field and based in the U.S.
How to Participate
If you meet these criteria and are interested in participating, please contact Jumoke Dickson at RTI International, the O*NET data collection contractor, at jdickson@onet.rti.org.
Please provide the following:
- Full Name
- Mailing Address with City and State
- Daytime Phone Number
- Email Address
- Company Name and Title
Process and Participation Incentive:
A random sample of experts responding to this request will be invited to complete a set of questionnaires. Experts who are selected and agree to participate will receive a $40 VISA gift code and a certificate of appreciation from the U.S. Department of Labor.
We encourage you to keep information about your profession accurate and current for the benefit of our colleagues and the nation. Thank you for your support.
Privacy:
All O*NET data collection procedures were approved by RTI’s Institutional Review Board which protects the rights of research participants. To maintain privacy, your expert input will be combined with that provided by other occupation experts and will be used to define work values and worker characteristics for this occupation. The O*NET data is published and released at the occupation level only and/or reported in aggregate form only.
Summary:
We encourage you to consider helping to keep information about your profession accurate and current for the benefit of our colleagues and the nation. Thank you for your support.
