OFMR is committed to staff development through a robust training program that ensures employees have the skills and knowledge necessary to best operate and maintain the facilities of the Smithsonian Institution. We are committed to teaching and reinforcing the skills needed to perform our important work to the highest standards and to provide a world-class foundation for OFMR organizational performance.
Included in our training offerings are several highly-recognized certificate programs. Our operating engineers take classes leading to the General Certificate of Engineering from the National Association of Power Engineers; our facility managers, assistant facility managers and some facilities supervisors take classes leading to the Professional Certificate in Facility Management from George Mason University; our administrative staff take classes leading to the Federal Administrative Support Professional certificate from the Graduate School, USA; and all of our employees take a class entitled Diversity Dialogue which ensures all OFMR employees are aware of the importance of self-leadership, constructive interpersonal communication and being a team member. It also provides skills training on networking and mentoring as well as coaching and problem-solving skills. OFMR has identified training for every job series that would benefit the employee and the Smithsonian Institution.
OFMR participates in the annual Smithsonian cross-training program called the Rotational Assignment Program (RAP) which provides developmental/cross training assignments that give additional opportunities for employees to broaden their skills, gain knowledge, and enhance their personal and professional growth. We have had many successes from employees participating in RAP which led them to new career opportunities.
In order to remain current in the many and varied professions found in OFMR, employees often participate in conferences, meetings and presentations from national and international organizations and associations. OFMR is active in many associations including the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers (APPA), the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the International Association of Museum Facilities Administrators (IAMFA), and the Society of Maintenance Reliability Professionals (SMRP).
