HQ Function

Serves as the primary administrative and leadership center, coordinating national research programs, data dissemination strategies, policy implementation, and overall agency operations.

Notable Features:

The John Wesley Powell Federal Building, named after the agency's second director and famed explorer, is a significant federal facility. It houses administrative offices, some research laboratories, extensive data centers, and the USGS Library, one of the world's largest earth science libraries.

Work Culture:

The work culture at the USGS headquarters is characterized by a strong commitment to scientific integrity, objectivity, and public service. It fosters a collaborative environment among scientists, technicians, and support staff dedicated to rigorous research and the dissemination of impartial scientific information.

HQ Significance:

The Reston headquarters is central to the USGS's mission of providing unbiased scientific information to inform decision-making by policymakers, emergency responders, resource managers, and the public on critical national and global issues.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters reflects the core values of the USGS: scientific excellence, objectivity, public trust, national service, and a profound commitment to understanding and protecting the Earth's resources and environment for future generations.

Location:

While primarily focused on the United States, the USGS has a significant global presence through international collaborations, data sharing initiatives, and capacity-building programs with geological surveys and scientific organizations worldwide. The agency operates and contributes to global monitoring networks for earthquakes (e.g., Global Seismographic Network), volcanoes, and magnetic fields. USGS scientists also conduct research in various international locations, often in partnership with host nations, and provide scientific expertise for international disaster response, resource assessment, and environmental monitoring efforts.

Street Address:

12201 Sunrise Valley Dr

City:

Reston

State/Province:

Virginia

Country:

USA