Careers

We Offer Great Benefits

Health Benefits

Under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, group hospitalization insurance is offered by a number of carriers. Each carrier provides for individual or family coverage, and GAO pays a portion of the premium. Employee contributions are paid with pretax dollars. No physical examination is required.

Life Insurance

Individuals accepting positions with the federal government can select life insurance coverage. This coverage is based on annual salary.

Retirement

The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) guarantees each employee a specific monthly payment based on the employee’s age, length of creditable service, and “high three” average salary. FERS employees also pay Social Security taxes and may participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP is a tax-deferred retirement saving and investment plan that offers the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations offer their employees under 401(k) plans.

Holidays

GAO observes 10 federal holidays each year.

Flexible Work Schedules

With management-approved schedules, employees can adjust their work schedules around their personal lives.

Vacation / Leave

For the first 3 years of government service, employees earn 13 days of vacation each year. For 3 to 15 years of federal service, employees earn 20 days of vacation each year, and after 15 years of federal service, employees earn 26 days of vacation each year. Thirty days of annual leave may be carried over to the next leave year.

Sick Leave

Regardless of the length of service, employees earn 13 days of sick leave a year. The amount of sick leave that may be accumulated is not limited.

Other Leave

There are provisions for paid or unpaid leave to cover absences for maternity leave, military obligations, jury duty, and voting. GAO is covered by the provisions in the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Federal Employees Family Friendly Leave Act.

Telework Opportunities

With approved telework schedules, employees can work from their homes or from other approved locations. Participation in this program is voluntary and subject to management approval.

Other Appealing Factors

GAO’s Headquarters features a

    • fitness center,
    • day care center,
    • credit union,
    • cafeteria, and
    • snack bar.

GAO’s field offices are housed in modern facilities, and some of them have fitness centers and day care centers.

Transit benefits are available to employees who take public transportation to and from work.

GAO also permits business casual dress at the office.

Student Loan Repayment Program

GAO’s Student Loan Repayment Program is a great benefit for employees who have student loans to repay. Many newly hired employees are eligible to participate in this program, which allows GAO to repay lenders for student loans when recipients sign employment service agreements to remain at GAO for 3 years. This is a great opportunity for college graduates just beginning their professional careers.

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