Why It's Great Working for the USGS
Working for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) gets you much more than just a paycheck. Below is a sampling of what USGS has to offer. Visit the Helpful Pay and Benefits Links page for more detailed information.
Competitive Compensation
The USGS offers pay rates that are competitive with the private sector, which includes annual pay increases, longevity raises, and the possibility of cash awards and bonuses. Salary for new employees depends on the grade and geographic area of the position you are selected for, as well as any prior Federal service you may have. For an exhaustive list of Federal pay schedules check out the Federal Pay Tables.
Insurance Benefits
As a new/newly eligible Federal employee, you may be able to enroll in health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and/or apply for long term care insurance.
Retirement Programs
It's never too early to start planning for retirement in order to ensure it goes smoothly. We have information to help evaluate your personal situation, develop a viable retirement plan, and guide you to the resources you need to make informed decisions.
Thrift Savings Plan
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees. The purpose of the TSP is to provide retirement income. It offers Federal civilian employees the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations offer their employees under ''401(k)'' plans.
The USGS is committed to helping employees balance career and family. Various programs help employees cope with balancing the dynamic complexities of today's work and family life, including:
Flexible Work Schedules and Hours—Striking a balance between work and life obligations requires some of the more difficult decisions of anyone's career. The USGS allows for telecommuting and flexibility in scheduling working hours to better fit the rest of your life.
Telework—The USGS offers telework to employees to provide more flexibility in meeting personal and professional responsibilities, reduce energy use, and reduce work/life stress.
Transportation Subsidy Program—Do you carpool or use public transit to get to work? If so you may be eligible for reimbursement when you work for the USGS.
Annual Leave— All full-time employees earn from 2.5 to 5 weeks of paid vacation per year. Part-time employees accrue leave hours depending on their work schedule.
Sick Leave— Full-time employees accrue 13 paid sick days per year, which can be used for personal illness, care of sick family members, adoption, and medical appointments.
Family Friendly Leave— Allows an employee to use up to 13 days of their available sick leave per year to provide health care for a family member or to plan or attend a funeral of a family member.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)—As an employee of the USGS you and your eligible family members may choose to receive benefits from your local Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider. Most of these benefits are free. Benefits vary according to which organization provides the services for your area, but services include: advice on work related issues, marital/family counseling, relationship issues, drug/alcohol abuse help, and many other benefits.
Holidays — Full-time Federal employees enjoy 10 paid holidays per year.
The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively recruits qualified applicants who share its commitment to cultural diversity in the workforce.
