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Benefits of Working Here

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) offers a broad array of benefits programs and family friendly flexibilities to meet the needs of you and your family. We've listed some highlights below.

Salaries, Incentives, & Awards

  • Periodic Performance-Based Pay Adjustments (within grade/step increases)
  • Cost of Living Allowances — scheduled annual pay increases
  • Special Salary Rates for IT Professionals — higher rates of pay for IT staff
  • Recruitment and Relocation Bonuses — up to 25% of basic pay for hard-to-fill positions
  • Retention Allowances — up to 25% of basic pay to retain departing employees
  • Participation in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, administered through the Department of Education
  • Employee Recognition through our Incentive Awards Program
  • The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides additional details
    about Salaries and Wages

Leave & Holidays

  • Ten Paid Holidays per year
  • Thirteen Days of Sick Leave per year - accrued at a rate of 4 hours per pay period
  • Up to 26 Vacation Days per year based on your years of employment:
    • 13 days per year for less than 3 years of Federal service - accrued at a rate of 4 hours per pay period
    • 20 days per year after 3 years of Federal service but less than 15 years - accrued at a rate of 6 hours per pay period
    • 26 days per year after 15 years of Federal service - accrued at a rate of 8 hours per pay period
  • Family Friendly Leave Policies — provide flexibility for events such as military leave, birth or adoption of a child, care of a sick family member, or care of yourself in response to a serious health condition or emergency.
  • Voluntary Leave Transfer Program — a Federal program that enables one Federal employee to transfer leave to another Federal employee who faces a personal medical emergency or a medical emergency of a family member.
  • OPM provides additional details about Leave and Holidays

Flexible Work Arrangements

  • Flexible Work Schedules — numerous options are available, some of which will allow you to adjust your work hours in order to take a day off each pay period.
  • Telecommuting — allows you to work from home in certain circumstances.
  • Credit Time — allows you to earn time off in exchange for extra hours worked.

Health Insurance Benefits

  • Choose from an extensive array of health plans with costs shared by the Government.
  • No waiting period — coverage is immediate.
  • Medical examination is not required to obtain coverage.
  • No restrictions due to age, current health, or pre-existing medical condition.
  • Premiums as well as out-of-pocket costs can be paid with pre-tax dollars.
  • Eligible for Medicare Part A at no cost beginning at age 65.
  • Long Term Care Insurance Program.
  • OPM provides additional details about the
    Federal Employees Health Benefits Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

  • Health Care FSA — allows you to set aside up to $4,000 in pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket medical expenses and other benefits not covered by your health plan.
  • Dependent Care FSA — allows you to set aside up to $5,000 in pre-tax dollars to cover daycare or other expenses related to the care of a child or qualifying dependent adult
  • OPM provides additional details about Flexible Spending Accounts

Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

  • Three-part program that includes a social security benefit, a 401(k) type plan with choice of five investment funds and Government matching contributions up to 5%, and a defined benefit component based on years of employment and salary history.
  • OPM provides additional details about Federal Retirement Benefits

Life Insurance

Commuter Subsidy Programs

  • Public Transit Subsidy Program — offers up to $270 per month in checks or transit passes to encourage the use of public mass transportation
  • Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits — allows you to set aside up to $250 in pre-tax dollars to offset costs associated with using public mass transportation and parking at public mass transportation facilities.

Wellness, Fitness & Other Benefits

  • Fitness Centers, Daycare Facilities, and Health Services Offices at select NARA locations/
  • Eligible for membership in the GSA Federal Credit Union
  • Employee Assistance and Federal Occupational Health Programs
  • NARA Recreation Association — provides recreational, social, charitable, and educational opportunities and support to fellow NARA employees

 

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