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EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Retirement
The Agency offers the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) 2.5% @ 55 retirement formula, and pays the employee’s portion of 8%.  The Agency also participates in Social Security. The Agency pays 7.65% and the employee pays 7.65% [6.2% FICA + 1.45% Medicare = 7.65%].

Health
The Agency contributes a minimum of $650 for employee only coverage and up to 95% of the CalPERS Kaiser Permanente family rate for employees with dependents for the purchase of health, dental, vision and/or life insurance.   Health insurance is offered through CalPERS, and enrollment is optional with evidence of health coverage from another source. Eligible employees who waive health insurance receive the benefit in a cash payment.  Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental and Vision Insurance
Agency offers two dental plans – Delta Dental and Western Dental Plan.  Enrollment in one of the plans is mandatory.  Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision insurance is offered through EyeMed Vision Plan and enrollment is voluntary.  Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan
Upon completion of the original probationary period, employees may participate in the Agency’s Section 125 Cafeteria Program.  Participants in this program may take advantage of tax savings offered through a medical care flexible spending account, a dependent care flexible spending account, or purchase supplemental disability, accident, heart & stroke and/or cancer insurance with pre-tax dollars.  In addition, employee’s can purchase supplemental life insurance with post-tax dollars.   

Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD & D) Insurance
Employees who are members of the Executive Management or Unrepresented groups, or members of the Supervisors’, Laboratory, or General Units are provided an Agency-paid $50,000 Life and AD & D policy.   Members of the Operators’ Unit are provided with an Agency-paid $30,000 Life and AD & D Policy. In addition, a basic $10,000 Life and AD &D policy is offered at the employee’s expense, and enrollment is mandatory.  Dependent coverage with a benefit of $1,500 is optional.  Coverage is effective the first day of the month following TWO full months of employment.

Disability Insurance
Regular employees are covered by an Agency-paid long-term disability insurance, which will provide income for an employee who is totally disabled from injury or accident.  The basic benefit provides for 60% of the first $10,000 of monthly salary, reduced by deductible income, after a 60 day waiting period.  Coverage is effective the first day of the month following TWO full months of employment.

Short Term Disability Insurance is available through the State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program. Workers covered by SDI are covered by two programs: Disability Insurance and Paid Family Leave Insurance.

Employee Assistance Program
Agency employees are eligible for participation in the Employee Assistance Program that provides confidential counseling services for employees and their immediate family.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available through Lincoln National, ICMA Retirement Corporation and CalPERS Deferred Compensation Plan.  Enrollment is voluntary and 100% employee-paid. Additionally, participation in a 401 (a) deferred compensation plan is available through the ICMA Retirement Corporation.

Flexible Work Arrangements
Whenever possible, the Agency strives to be flexible to help employees achieve a balance between work and home responsibilities.  Most employees participate in a 9/80 work week. Members of Operator's Unit work a 4/10 schedule.

TIME OFF
Holidays
The Agency offers nine (9) paid holidays. Additional paid holidays are available every fiscal year as follows:

  • Executive Management
  • Unrepresented Management
  • Unrepresented Specialized
  • Unrepresented Non-Management 
  • Supervisors’ Unit
  • Laboratory Unit
  • Operators' Unit  
  • General Unit 
  • 6 Floating Holidays & 6 Executive Leave days
  • 5 Floating Holidays & 5 Personal Leave days
  • 4 Floating Holidays & 4 Personal Leave days
  • 3 Floating Holidays & 1 Personal Leave days
  • 9 Personal Leave days
  • 7 Personal Leave days
  • 4 Floating Holidays
  • 4 Floating Holidays

Vacation Leave
Employees accrue 80 hours of vacation leave per year progressing to 200 hours per year, depending on length of employment.  Executive Management employees accrue 120 hours of vacation leave per year progressing to 200 hours per year, depending on length of service. Cash-out option available.

Sick Leave
Employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually. Cash-out option available.

Bereavement Leave
Employees may take up to five work days of paid bereavement leave to attend funeral or related services for an immediate family member; three work days for an employee’s extended family member.

Court Leave
Employees who are called or required to service as a trial juror, witness, or who is a victim of a crime or domestic violence will be excused from work during the period of such service or while present in court as a result of such a call.

Longevity Leave
An employee receives paid longevity leave on his/her designated anniversary date beginning at the year ten, then again at five year intervals; the amount of leave varies depending on bargaining group.

EXTRAS

Vehicle Allowance
Executive Management and Unrepresented Management employees receive a monthly vehicle allowance.

Safety Shoes
Unrepresented employees and members of the Supervisors’, Laboratory, Operators’, and General Units in authorized classifications receive an annual safety shoe allowance equal to $150 per fiscal year.

Safety Glasses
Members of the Laboratory Unit shall be provided with safety glasses.  Payment shall be on a reimbursement basis, not to exceed $250 per fiscal year.

Cellular Telephone Usage
Executive Management and Unrepresented Management employees who are assigned an agency-owned cellular telephone shall be provided with personal minutes per month; the amount of personal minutes varies depending on bargaining group. Employees occupying the position of Operation Supervisor who are assigned an Agency-owned cellular telephone shall be provided with up to 150 personal minutes per month.  

Professional Membership
An employee who joins and maintains membership in an Agency-approved professional organization related to the employee’s work is eligible to receive an annual reimbursement ranging from $150 to $1000; the amount of reimbursement varies depending on bargaining group.

Performance Awards
All Executive Management and Unrepresented Management employees may receive a Performance Award between 1% and 15% of the employee’s base salary.  Specialized unrepresented employees may receive a Performance Award up to 10% of the employee’s base salary.  Members of the Supervisors’ Unit may receive a Performance Award up to 10% of the employee’s base salary. Performance Awards shall be awarded based on performance during the previous fiscal year and shall be paid in a lump sum payment during pay period 22.

TRAINING PROGRAM
Technical Enhancement And Management Succession (TEAMS)
TEAMS is a multi-level, multi-phase in-house training and development system to fit the demanding work life of each IEUA staff member.  Courses focus on both fundamental and advanced supervisory skills that are specific to IEUA and will enhance the employee’s ability to become a more effective supervisor and manager.  Courses are facilitated by outside consultants, as well as Agency staff members.

Educational Reimbursement Program
The Agency may reimburse eligible employees up to $2,500 annually for the cost of educational courses related to the employee’s work at the Agency. Members of the Supervisors' Unit are eligible for up to $2,200 annually. Members of the Laboratory Unit are eligible for up to $2,000 annually.

GENERAL UNIT
Driver’s License Incentive
Each employee possessing a valid California Commercial Class A or Class B drivers’ license shall receive an annual incentive payment of $750.

Certification Incentives

  • 12kv: Electricians who successfully complete an Agency approved 12kv training course will receive an annual incentive of 5% of their annual base pay.  
  • Backflow: An employee who is certified as a backflow prevention inspector will receive an annual incentive payment of $500. 
  • Hazard: An employee who is certified in confined space entry will receive an annual incentive payment of $250.
  • Crane: An employee who is certified as a crane operator will receive an annual incentive payment of $600. 

SUPERVISORS’ UNIT
Certification Incentives

OPERATORS’ UNIT
Certification Incentives

  • Eligible employees receive a one-time incentive payment of $2000 upon their receipt of the next level of wastewater treatment certification. 

Gym Membership
In order to encourage a healthy lifestyle, the Agency shall pay the membership dues at 24 Hour Fitness for eligible employees and one dependent.

Computer Loan Program
Eligible employees may receive an interest-free loan up to $3,000 to purchase a personal computer.

Entertainment Discount Cards
Various discount cards for reduced admission rates to many cultural and entertainment attractions, including Knott’s Berry Farm and Magic Mountain are available to employees.

MISCELLANEOUS
Pay Periods
All employees shall be paid biweekly.  Pay stubs shall be distributed every other Friday by 10:00 a.m., and compensation will be made by the use of direct deposit.

Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.
Employees may purchase membership in Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.  Monthly membership dues are deducted from the employee’s pay.

CalPERS Long-Term Care Program
Employees may apply for Long-Term Care (LTC) coverage offered through the California Public Employees’ Retirement Program.  Upon approval of the employee’s application, premiums are collected through payroll deduction.

This benefits overview is a summary, and is not to be considered all-inclusive or applicable to all employees.