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Careers: Benefits
Federal employment benefits are among the most comprehensive programs available anywhere. At EPA, our goal is to be considered by all as an "employer of choice." We are committed to paying people well and providing progressive incentives and excellent benefits.
Annual Leave and Sick Leave
You will earn annual leave based on years of service:
- 4 hours per pay period for the first 3 years of service
- 6 hours per pay period for 3-15 years of service
- 8 hours per pay period for more than 15 years of service
You will earn sick leave at a constant rate regardless of the length of service:
- 4 hours per pay period, and all hours carry forward
Federal Retirement Plan
Retirement benefits include three distinct parts:
- Social Security base,
- an annuity based on earnings and length of service, and
- the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)*, a portable tax deferred savings
plan.
Employees are required to pay about 1% of their salary and they are vested after 5 years of service (18 months for disability). * The contributions that you make to your TSP account are voluntary and are separate from your contributions to your annuity.
Health Benefits
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP)
A wide range of plans are available. Choose the one that best meets your needs and those of your immediate family. There are no medical examinations or restrictions for pre-existing conditions under any health plan.
Your biweekly contribution to health benefits varies with the plan you choose and you have an opportunity every year to change plans or enroll. The government pays part of the premiums.
Follow the "Health Benefits" link above to visit the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) website for more information on such topics as enrolling, changing plans, dropping enrollment, choosing a plan and getting the most benefit from your plan.
Health Insurance Premiums
Use Pre-Tax Dollars
You can use pre-tax dollars to pay health insurance premiums for your
selected insurer through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
Incentives
EPA celebrates superior performance through various awards. Recognition
may be additional pay, special salary increases, medals, etc.
Life Insurance
Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) provides several levels
of coverage for employees, plus optional coverage for your spouse and
children. Most federal employees, including part-time employees, are
eligible for coverage under FEGLI. Low rates are available and the U.S.
Government pays a portion of the cost. For more information on FEGLI,
visit OPM's website at the link above.
Long-Term
Care Insurance (FLTCIP)
Long-term care insurance is NOT just for older people. Forty percent
of the persons receiving long-term care are working adults between the
ages of 18 and 64, with many of these people receiving it as they recover
from an accident or crippling disease. The cost of the insurance is
based on your age when you apply - the older you are when you apply,
the higher the premiums. Certain medical conditions, or a combination
of conditions, will prevent some people from being approved for coverage.
For more information on FLTCIP, visit OPM's Website at the link above.
Paid Holidays
You will enjoy 10 paid holidays annually:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday
- President's Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Salaries
Like other government agencies, most salaries in EPA are paid under
the General Schedule. The
grade level at which an individual enters a job depends on the specific
position and the individual's qualifications. For positions classified
in the engineering occupations - grades 5 through 12 - there are higher
salary rates. Under the Federal Pay Comparability Act, salaries are
adjusted annually.
Quality of Work-Life Programs
These programs were developed with the knowledge that a well-balanced and stress-free person makes a happy and productive employee. We recognize the importance of providing you with the maximum opportunity to complete your work, in an environment that is sensitive to your personal needs and professional goals.
Employee Learning and Development
Employee learning and development are both encouraged and available
in different forms within the Agency, whether in a classroom setting,
mentoring, coaching, or attending conferences, as well as the most
valuable ongoing development, the job itself. As you learn more about
your work, you are increasing your knowledge, skills, and abilities
and adding greater value to the overall goals of the Agency.
Childcare
Childcare is available at a growing number of EPA facilities.
Childcare Tuition Assistance Program
EPA has a Childcare Tuition Assistance Pilot Program. The program targets employees whose annual family income is $69,000 or lower and will be available to all eligible employees on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eldercare
Eldercare is a relatively new program that provides an alternative
if you are responsible for the care of a dependent senior. EPA provides
referral assistance for identifying a caregiver to assist dependent
seniors while employees are at work.
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance program provides a helping hand for dealing with personal problems and stresses. This program offers confidential assistance with problems or concerns related to substance abuse.
Fitness Centers and Stress Labs
Fitness Centers and Stress Labs are important components of the employee
health program. These facilities provide an array of classes and workout
equipment.
Flexible Work Schedules
EPA continues to lead other Federal agencies in developing and implementing
programs that allow you to tailor your work schedule with your personal
needs and professional goals. Flexiplace is a relatively new program
that offers some employees the opportunity to work at home temporarily
or during a part of their workweek.
Leave Sharing (Transfer)/Leave Bank
EPA employees may join and contribute to a voluntary leave bank.
Members of the leave bank may receive annual leave if he/she experiences
a personal or family emergency and has exhausted all of his/her paid
leave. It also allows you to donate your leave to fellow employees with catastrophic leave demands. Visit the OPM Website for more information on Leave Sharing and Leave Bank.
Student Loan
Reimbursement
In some instances, EPA may offer highly or uniquely qualified candidates
assistance in paying off their student loans. In exchange, these employees
are required to commit to at least three years of employment. The
benefit was designed to cover both existing loans and potential loans
for future classes and degrees.
Tuition Assistance
You can get tuition assistance for courses, seminars and conferences
that directly relate to your job or to the Agency's mission overall.
If your studies last longer than 120 days, you must agree to stay
with EPA or the federal government for three times the length of your
classes.
Medical Monitoring Programs
These provide periodic on-site screening for medical concerns such
as high blood pressure, cancer and sickle cell anemia.
Transportation Subsidy
EPA pays up to $100.00 of your commuting costs if you use mass transit
(e.g., vanpools, commuter rail, buses).