EPA Employment
Benefits Information
Overall, EPA offers one of the most comprehensive compensation
packages in the country. The base salary is generally competitive
with, or higher than, similar employment opportunities. Plus,
we offer many benefits that make working with EPA as fulfilling
and rewarding as possible. For example, EPA has an incentive awards
program intended to encourage high productivity by acknowledgment
of superior performance. Recognition may be by means of cash awards
or special salary increases for performance, or even cash awards
for outstanding suggestions.
The annual leave allotment is 13 work days per year during the
first three years of service, 20 days during years four through
15, and 26 days thereafter. Sick leave accumulates at the rate
of 13 work days without limit. There are also 10 paid holidays
during each year. Additionally, we offer hospitalization, injury
compensation, and a strong retirement plan.
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 five
through twelve, there are higher salary rates. Under the Federal
Pay Comparability Act, salaries are adjusted annually.
Other amenities include the many Quality of Worklife Programs.
These programs were developed with the knowledge that a well-balanced
and stress-free person is a happy and productive employee. EPA
recognizes the importance of providing employees with maximum
opportunities to complete their work in an environment that is
sensitive to personal needs and professional goals. EPA continues
to develop a compensation package which is consistent with improving
the quality of worklife.
Quality of Worklife Programs currently include:
Career and Personal Development
Employee Training is both encouraged and available in different
forms. Whether or not you go to classes or conferences, your most
important ongoing training is on the job itself. As you learn
more about your work, you are advancing your knowledge, skills,
and abilities. EPA encourages and promotes professional development
and training, as well as personal development. The Agency also
encourages employees to participate in EPA's Learning Institute
Program and in professional societies.
Flexible Work Schedules
EPA continues to lead other federal agencies in developing and
implementing programs which allow employees to tailor work schedules
compatible with their personal needs and professional goals. Flexiplace
is a relatively new program which offers some employees the opportunity
to work at home or off-site during part of their work week. This
may be necessary due to medical concerns or for personal reasons.
Leave Sharing/Leave Bank
The Leave Sharing and Leave Bank program allows employees to "invest"
a small number of hours of their annual leave allotment to participate
in the benefits of a kind of insurance covering catastrophic leave
demands. It also allows employees to donate their leave to the
aid of fellow employees who have extraordinary circumstances.
Visit the OPM website for more information on Leave
Bank
and Leave
Transfer .
Fitness Center/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 to help keep employees in sound
physical conditioning. The Employee Assistance program provides
a helping hand to employees dealing with personal problems and
stresses. This program offers confidential assistance to employees
with problems or concerns related to substance abuse.
Childcare
Child care is available at a growing number of EPA facilities
around the nation.
Eldercare
Eldercare is a relatively new program which provides an alternative
for employees who are responsible for the care of a dependent
senior. EPA provides referral assistance for identifying a caregiver
to relieve employees while they are at work.
Medical Monitoring Programs provide periodic on-site screening
for such medical concerns as high blood pressure, cancer, and
sickle cell anemia.
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