Awards & Recognition

The Department of the Interior’s Awards and Recognition Program rewards employees for exceptional performance, exemplary work, and acts of bravery. Department Awards include:
  • Honor Awards
  • Monetary Awards
  • Performance-based Awards
  • Non-Monetary Awards
  • Other Department Awards
  • External Awards

Contact your Servicing Human Resources Office for more information about nominating an individual or questions about the awards program.

Policies

DOI Honor Awards Convocation

The 77th Department of the Interior Honor Awards Convocation was held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 in the Stewart Lee Udall Building Yates Auditorium in Washington, DC. Secretary Haaland and members of the Department’s leadership team honored our colleagues and partners who exemplify the spirit and mission of the Department through their service, bravery, and dedication. Watch the recording Microsoft Teams. 

View the 77th Convocation Program to read about our honorees and their incredible accomplishments, service, and acts of heroism. The following awards were presented at the 2024 Convocation:

  • Safety and Health Award of Excellence: These awards recognize individuals or groups that have performed an outstanding service for or made a contribution of unusual value to, the occupational safety and health of employees, visitors, and volunteers.
  • Department Award for Outstanding Contribution to Aviation Safety: Presented to employees in recognition of an individual, group, or organization for outstanding contribution to aviation safety or aircraft accident prevention within DOI.
  • Environmental Achievement Awards: These awards recognize Department employees, teams, and DOI partners (contractors or external organizations) who have attained exceptional environmental achievements. Award recipients in the following categories will be recognized at Convocation: Climate Champion, Greening the Fleet, Environmental Justice, and Cultural Resources Protection.
  • Secretary’s Diversity Award: These awards recognize and honor employees or groups of employees who have provided exemplary service and/or have made significant contributions to the Department in its efforts to increase diversity at all levels.
  • Distinguished Service Award: DOI’s highest honorary recognition that is presented to employees for outstanding contributions made during an eminent career with DOI or exceptional contributions to public service.
  • Citizen’s Award for Bravery: Given to private citizens for heroic acts or unusual bravery in the face of danger. Recipients have risked their lives to save the lives of DOI employees or the lives of other individuals while on property owned or entrusted to DOI.
  • Valor Award: Presented to employees who have demonstrated unusual courage involving a high degree of personal risk in the face of danger while attempting to save the life of another (may or may not be related to official duties).
  • Outstanding Service Award (for Political Appointees): Established in 1972, the Outstanding Service Award may be granted to non-career employees for outstanding performance in a policy or personal staff relationship with the Secretary or the various Secretarial offices.

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