Employment Benefits
Compensation
EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) offers one of the most comprehensive
compensation packages in the country. The base salary is generally competitive
with, or higher than, similar employment opportunities in the private
sector. 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.
Salaries are adjusted annually for cost-of-living. Furthermore, we offer
many benefits that make working with OPP fulfilling and rewarding.
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 offers
some employees the opportunity to work at home or off-site during part
of their work week.
Leave Programs and Paid Holidays
The annual leave allotment is 13 work days per year during the first 3
years of service, 20 days during years 4 through 15, and 26 days thereafter.
Full-time employees accumulate sick leave at the rate of four hours per
pay period with no limitation on the total accumulation. There are also
10 paid holidays during each year.
The Leave Sharing and Leave Bank program allows employees to "invest"
a small number of annual hours per year (depending on the employee's leave
earned category) to cover catastrophic leave demands. It also allows employees
to donate their leave to the aid of fellow employees who have extraordinary
circumstances.
Health Insurance
An impressive selection of health insurance plans are offered. All plans
are subsidized by the Federal government.
Fitness Center
OPP’s new fitness center is an important component of the employee health
program. Located on-site in OPP’s building, this facility offers an array
of classes and workout equipment to help employees reduce stress and keep
fit. The fitness center includes locker rooms and showers.
Competitive Retirement Plan
Our retirement benefits package consists of a basic annuity, Social Security
coverage, and a portable, tax deferred investment plan called the Thrift
Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP offers our employees the same type of
savings and tax benefits as 401(k) plans in the private sector. To encourage
payroll savings, the Federal Government matches employee savings up to
5 percent of the employee's salary.
Transit Subsidy
To encourage employees to use public transportation, EPA offers a transit
subsidy for those who commute to work by train, bus or vanpool. By reducing
the number of cars on the road, this program benefits both the environment
and our employees' checkbooks.
Career and Personal Development
OPP encourages and promotes professional development and training. Employee
training is available in many forms. Whether 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.
Living in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area
EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs is located in Arlington, Virginia -
across the Potomac River from the nation's capital. Whether you live in
the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia, the Washington Metropolitan
area has something to offer everyone. You will find a wealth of cultures,
neighborhoods, museums, restaurants, parks, and universities that well
represent the area's superb local hospitality. For information on living
in Washington, DC, visit www.washington.org
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