Benefits

Pay

Most EIA employees are paid according to the standard Federal General Schedule (GS) pay system, while our executives are paid according to the Senior Level (SL) or Senior Executive Service (SES) pay scales. All positions have an assigned pay grade (from GS 1 through GS 15) that determines their pay range. Within each grade, a series of "step" levels (from step 1 through step 10) determines the exact salary. For example, an employee offered a job as a GS-12, step 1, would be paid $75,621 according to the GS pay scale. However, most entry-level jobs at EIA are usually at the GS-7 level or above depending on education and experience.

Holidays, Annual & Sick Leave

• Ten paid holidays per year.
• Vacation or "annual" leave that varies with the length of Federal service (13 days of annual leave each year the first three years of employment, 20 days per year for three to 15 years of service, and 26 days per year after 15 years).
• Thirteen days of sick leave each year. Sick leave not used accumulates year after year and protects employees from loss of salary due to an extended illness.

EIA participates in a Leave Transfer Program which allows employees to donate their annual leave to fellow employees who have used up their own sick and annual leave and would otherwise be in a non-pay status.

Flexible Work Schedules & Telework / Flexiplace

• Alternate Work Schedules permit many employees to work schedules which vary from the eight-hours-a-day, 5-days-a-week standard.
• Telework arrangements allow eligible employees to work off-site rather than commuting to the office one or more days per week.

Mass Transit Subsidy

The Subsidy for Energy Employees' Transit (SEET) program is designed to promote the use of public transportation to conserve energy resources. EIA SEET participants receive a quarterly benefit that can be used to help offset the commuting fares of participating regional transit providers such as Metro.

Insurance

• EIA employees have a choice of an extensive array of health insurance plans (including dental and vision), with costs shared by the agency. Employees are eligible to enroll in a wide variety of health insurance plans, including fee-for-service plans and health maintenance organizations. The employee's portion is paid through payroll deductions.
• Low-cost life insurance coverage is also available. This coverage will be based on annual salary and includes payments for loss of limbs and/or eyesight in addition to accidental death.

Retirement & TSP

• Social Security Benefits
• Basic Benefit Plan
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP provides a tax-deferred retirement savings plan for Federal employees. Benefits include:
  • Tax deferral on contributions of up to 11% of earnings
  • Choice of six investment funds
  • A loan program
  • Portable benefits if you leave Government Service
  • A choice of withdrawal options
  • Automatic 1% agency matching

Flexible Spending Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) enable eligible employees to pay for certain medical and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Student Loan Repayment

EIA may offer student loan repayment assistance and in exchange, employees are required to commit to at least three years of employment at EIA. Eligible employees must have served at least one year with EIA and have received a satisfactory performance rating. EIA limits the amount of loan repayment for a full-time permanent employee to a maximum of $10,000, of which not more than $5,000 will be paid in any calendar year. 

Child Care

The Energy Child Development Center, also known as Sheila Watkins Child Development Center at the Forrestal Building, offers quality child care services for children from three months to five years old. Tuition assistance is available to eligible parents. The center operates between 7:15 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.

Exercise Facility

The Forrestal Occupational Health Organization (FOHO) is staffed by full-time fitness professionals and is equipped with a complement of cardiovascular and strength training equipment. A variety of services are offered, including cholesterol and blood pressure screening, individualized exercise programs, and an annual health fair. The fitness center also offers classes or seminars on many topics. FOHO is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Health Unit

• Walk-in care. Provides assessment, nursing care and follow-up for minor illnesses and injuries on a walk-in basis.
• First-response. Provides emergency treatment to any employee, contractor or visitor needing immediate care.
• First aid. Treatment of non-life threatening injuries or illness.
• Wellness seminars. Offers a variety of workshops designed to educate participants on a wide range of health issues.
• Lactation Room. Provides nursing mothers with a dedicated lactation room and access to a Certified Lactation Specialist