USGS ESP Program
Enrollees Portal » Handbook

Overview

 

The Experienced Services Program (ESP), authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, and implemented in DOI United States Geological Survey Service (USGS) offices, is a legislative older worker program for those 55 and older. ESP is a grants-based program administrated through a 5-year umbrella agreement between NEW Solutions and USGS.

Experienced Services Program was modeled after the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program at the USDA-USGS and USFS.

NEW Solutions has developed this ESP Enrollee Handbook as an informational tool for the purpose of acquainting you with the policies, procedures, benefits and restrictions that affect your participation in the Experience Service Program. This Handbook is also a source of information for DOI-USGS Coordinators and Monitors.

Provisions outlined in the Experienced Services Program Handbook are not intended to bestow any rights or privileges on Enrollees or guarantee employment for any definite period of time. Enrollment in the Experienced Services Program is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an at will relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate his or her enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and DOI-USGS have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

NEW Solutions USGS Experienced Services Program Participants (Enrollees), assist DOI-USGS in fulfilling the agency mission. Enrollees serve in administrative, technical and professional positions to carry out a variety of assignments.

For complete information about benefits, policies and procedures, please contact your NEW Solutions Field Office Staff.

Ask your Monitor to:   Contact your NEW Solutions Field Office if you:
  • clarify assignments
  • determine regular work schedules
  • approve timesheets
  • approve leave
  • resolve initial problems
  
  • have problems filling out your electronic timesheet
  • have questions about the use of leave or other benefits
  • have questions about your paycheck
  • are returning 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 duty

Enrollment Agreement 

Under the federal statutory structure of the Experienced Services Program, ESP Enrollees do not have employee status with either USGS or NEW Solutions. Enrollees are not eligible to receive the benefits accorded to Federal government employees nor NEW Solutions employees.  Enrollees are eligible to receive benefits listed in this enrollee handbook.

Before an enrollee can begin an assignment under the ESP an Enrollment Agreement must be executed.  NEW Solutions Experienced Services Program Enrollment Agreements are between the Participant (Enrollee) and NEW Solutions.  Following are the wage range set for each position level:

Position Level Wage Range
1 $15.00 - $20.99
2 $21.00 - $39.99
3 $40.00 - $59.99
4 $60.00 - $84.99
5 $85.00 - $150.00

Workers's Compensation

 

Report any work-related accident, injury, or illness at the earliest opportunity to your Monitor and the NEW Solutions Field Office. The NEW Solutions workers' compensation insurance carrier (The Hartford) will be notified by the NEW Solutions Field Office if necessary.  You may also contact Benefits@NEWsolutions.org.   

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if seriously injured.  You can use https://www-sf.talispoint.com/htfd/external/ to find a local medical provider.

If You Leave the Program


A resignation should be submitted in writing, with notice, if possible. Remember to address your resignation to your NEW Solutions Field Office and copy your Monitor.

Prior to Leaving: All USGS property must be returned to your Monitor.

Last Paycheck: Your final paycheck will be issued to you in the same manner you have requested for all paychecks to be issued