General Information

Overview

The NOWCC SEE Program is based on two (2) important principles:

1. People 55 and older have a wealth of talent and experience and many are qualified to fulfill a wide variety of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assignments.
2. These individuals provide an experienced and talented supplemental resource to help the EPA meet its environmental objectives.

NOWCC SEE Program participants, or enrollees, assist EPA at its headquarters offices in Washington, DC, in regional offices and laboratories. Enrollees serve in technical areas such as science and engineering and a variety of administrative and other assignments.

As a proud member of this talented group, you will be helping EPA and local communities to preserve, protect and enhance our global environment.

For complete information about programs, policies and procedures, your Monitor and NOWCC Field Office are available to answer questions and to assist you.

Ask your Monitor to help with:

• clarifying assignments
• determining regular assignment schedules
• authorizing overtime
• approving official records and reports
• scheduling vacation time/Individual Holiday
• resolving initial problems

Contact your NOWCC Field Office if you:

• have problems filling out your e-timesheet or have miss the deadline for e-timesheets
• have questions about the use of sick leave and vacation time or any other payroll questions
• return to your assignment after an extended medical absence
• have a problem you cannot resolve with your monitor
• have concerns about your health or safety
• are injured while on the job working
• or have other questions about your service as a SEE enrollee 

Enrollment Agreement

Under the federal statutory structure of the SEE Program, SEE Enrollees do not have employee status with either EPA or NOWCC. Enrollees are not eligible to receive the benefits accorded to Federal government employees nor NOWCC employees.  Enrollees are eligible to receive benefits listed in this enrollee handbook.

Before an enrollee can begin an assignment under the SEE Program an Enrollment Agreement must be executed.  NOWCC SEE Program Enrollment Agreements are for a one year period and may be renewed annually by the Monitor. When an agreement is renewed, there is a fifty-cent per hour increase until a maximum wage for the position level is reached.

Wage rates increased effective 01/02/2010

Please note that EPA sets the wage structure. However, minimum wage requirements are implemented in designated locations. 

Effective October 1, 2021,  EPA has transitioned the SEE Program wage structure from four levels to three tiers (A, B or C).  This transition will take place from October 1 through January 1, 2022. During this time, position descriptions for all active and vacant positions will be reviewed to determine the appropriate new tier based on the tier descriptions. Position hourly wages will be based on the designation new tier.

EPA’s New Wage Structure as of October 1, 2021:

Health and Safety

Report any accident, injury or illness immediately to your Monitor and contact the NOWCC Field Office with details. The NOWCC SEE Program's workers' compensation insurance carrier will be notified by the NOWCC Field Director.

Preventive Measures

• Know the safety rules and follow every precaution to protect yourself and your colleagues from injury and illness.
• Know the standard procedures for the tasks you perform and use all required protective equipment.
• Report all unsafe conditions, practices and equipment.
• Obtain first aid for every injury, however minor it may seem.

Workers' Compensation

Report any work-related accident, injury or illness immediately to your Monitor who will contact the NOWCC Field Office with details. The NOWCC SEE Program's workers' compensation insurance carrier will be notified by the NOWCC Representative if necessary.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if seriously injured. For instructions on how to locate the hartford's Preferred Providers and Paharmacies click here. 

If You Leave the Program

A resignation should be submitted in writing and provide two weeks' notice. Remember to address your resignation to your NOWCC Field Office and copy your Monitor.

Even though two weeks' notice is the accepted practice, there are times when it is appropriate to give less notice. Ask your NOWCC Representative for guidance.

Prior to Leaving:

• Travel advances must be reconciled and repaid to the NOWCC SEE Program.
• All agency identification and EPA property must be returned to your Monitor.

Last Paycheck:

Payment for any unused vacation will be included in your final paycheck. Final paycheck will be issued to you in the same manner you have requested for your paychecks to be issued. 

Additional Information

Monitors and EPA may recommend dismissal, but only the NOWCC has the authority to terminate your enrollment.

• Return to Handbook Table of Contents
• Return to Enrollees homepage

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