Key Principle 

• Federal employees may support project alignment and candidate exposure to the environment, but must not be involved in personnel decision-making 

What Federal Employees Can Do 

• Collaborate on developing the position description (define technical needs, scope, and expertise required) 
• Participate in non-evaluative engagement with candidates, such as seminars, presentations, meet-and-greets, and lab/unit tours 
• Share information about mission, priorities, and work environment 

What Federal Employees Cannot Do 

• Participate in any evaluative aspects of the hiring process beyond the position description 
• Review applications or candidate materials 
• Serve on search committees 
• Interview candidates in an evaluative capacity 
• Provide feedback or recommendations on candidates 
• Influence hiring or salary decisions 

Expectations for CIRES Hiring Managers 

• Ensure all recruitment activities and decisions are led by CIRES staff only 
• Do not solicit or accept evaluative input from federal employees 
• Use non-federal external subject matter experts if additional expertise is needed outside of CIRES 

Important Note 

• These requirements reflect the Department of Commerce and NOAA Cooperative Institute Administrative Office (CIAO) policy and expectations
• Federal employees should consult their own leadership with questions or reach out to CIAO directly. 
• CIRES employees can contact CIRES HR cireshr@colorado.edu with questions