Bureau of Land Management

Nevada

Student Educational Employment Program

![](media/image1.wmf){width="4.743055555555555in"
height="4.313194444444444in"}![](media/image2.png){width="1.2333333333333334in"
height="1.0951388888888889in"}

![](media/image3.wmf){width="3.6951388888888888in"
height="3.6756944444444444in"}

Welcome

to the

Bureau of Land Management in Nevada!

[Table of Contents:]{.underline}

![](media/image2.png){width="0.3576388888888889in"
height="0.3173611111111111in"}

**About BLM . . .**

![](media/image2.png){width="0.3576388888888889in"
height="0.3173611111111111in"}

> **Your Employment . . .**

Your Work Schedule

Showing up and Being at Work

Getting Paid

Leave Benefits

Holidays

![](media/image2.png){width="0.3576388888888889in"
height="0.3173611111111111in"}

**In the Workplace . . .**

What Should I Do?

Phone Etiquette

What to Wear

Surfing the Net

Sending Email

Important Things to Know

![](media/image2.png){width="0.3576388888888889in"
height="0.3173611111111111in"}

**Program Evaluation**

Equal Employment Opportunity

Student's Evaluation

> **About BLM . . .**

Check out the following internet and intranet sites to learn more about
the Bureau of Land Management, its history, its mission, the
organization, facts and figures and more.

-   www.nv.blm.gov - Internet

-   [www.nv.blm.gov](http://www.nv.blm.gov/) - Internet

-   web.nv.blm.gov -- Intranet

*NOTE: Before surfing the internet, be sure you read the section of this
handbook on "Surfing the Net". Discuss with your supervisor if you have
any questions.*

**Your Employment . . .**

Your Work Schedule

Showing Up and Being at Work

Getting Paid

Leave Benefits

> \- Annual Leave
>
> \- Sick Leave

Holidays

**Your Work Schedule**

BLM offers a flexible work schedule. [Talk with your supervisor and set
up a work schedule that accommodates the workplace and tasks you will be
assigned, as well as your academic school schedule.]{.underline} Each
office and supervisor has different needs; therefore students' work
schedules will also vary.

Starting Time:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_![](media/image4.jpeg){width="2.048611111111111in"
height="1.7361111111111112in"}

Morning Break\*: 15 minutes

Lunch\*\*: Varies (usually 30 minutes)

Afternoon Break\*: 15 minutes

Quitting Time: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**\* Breaks:** - You are entitled to one 0.15 minute morning and one
0.15 minute

afternoon break if you are working a traditional 8 hour shift.

\- Breaks are [paid]{.underline} time off.

\- Be sure you notify the supervisor when you are leaving the workspace
to ![](media/image5.jpeg){width="1.2479166666666666in"
height="1.8597222222222223in"}

take a break.

\- You may not save your break time to extend your lunch or leave
earlier in

the day.

**\*\*Lunch:** - You are required to take at least 30 minutes for lunch.

\- Lunch breaks are [unpaid]{.underline} time off.

\- Be sure to discuss and arrange with the supervisor an

appropriate time for taking your lunch and for how long.

\- Be sure to notify your supervisor when you are leaving for your

lunch break.

**Showing Up and Being at Work**

You are expected to be at work each day you are scheduled, and to arrive
on time.![](media/image6.jpeg){width="1.71875in"
height="1.5284722222222222in"}

[First thing in the morning]{.underline}:

-   If you are [running late]{.underline} for work, call your supervisor
    within one hour from when you are supposed to start work.

-   If you are [sick]{.underline} call your supervisor within one hour
    from when you are supposed to start work.

-   If you have an [unexpected emergency]{.underline}, call your
    supervisor within one hour from when you are supposed to start work
    or as soon as possible.

> *NOTE: Be sure you talk with a person -- do not just leave a voice
> mail message.*

[During the day]{.underline}:

-   If you are sick and must go home let your supervisor know.

-   If you have an appointment (i.e. doctor) during the day, let your
    supervisor know as far in advance as possible.

-   If you have an errand to do during lunch, and you expect to be gone
    longer than your usual lunch period, let your supervisor know.
    Discuss leave options to be taken during the lunch period with the
    supervisor.

[One day, two days, weeks ahead of time]{.underline}:

-   If you have a pre-arranged engagement, let your supervisor know as
    far in advance as possible. Discuss leave options to be taken for
    the engagement with the supervisor.

-   See the section on *Leave Benefits* for more information.

**Getting Paid**

As an employee in the federal service, you are paid once every 2 weeks.
This 2-week-period is referred to as a pay period, which begins on a
Sunday and ends on a
Saturday.![](media/image7.jpeg){width="1.179861111111111in"
height="1.2722222222222221in"}

[How much do I get paid per hour]{.underline}?

Generally, a high school student with no work experience is paid at the
salary level equivalent to a GS-01. This year, in Nevada, the annual
salary for a GS-01 is \$17,328. The hourly rate is \$8.30.

[Time and attendance information]{.underline}:

At the end of every pay period, you must complete an electronic Time and
Attendance Sheet (T&A) detailing the time you worked each day. Be sure
to confirm with your supervisor how they want you to annotate your time.

[When do I get
paid]{.underline}?![](media/image8.jpeg){width="1.304861111111111in"
height="1.4444444444444444in"}

It is important to know that before you receive your first pay check,
you must first work one pay period; meaning you will receive the first
pay check in the second pay period after your start date.

Thus, your first payday will be 14 days after the close of the first pay
period in which you began work.

Your paycheck is directly deposited to your bank account. It should be
posted to your account on the Tuesday after the end of the previous pay
period. Contact the bank or make use of your banks online services to
ensure that your paycheck was received.

[Leave and earnings statement]{.underline}:

Each pay period you will receive in the mail a Leave and Earnings
Statement (LES) showing your gross pay for the pay period, the amount of
each kind of deduction, your net pay, your current year gross earning to
date, and other important information. The LES also shows the amount of
annual and sick leave earned, used, and available, as well as any other
type of leave that you may have used. You are responsible for reviewing
the LES to ensure the data is correct.

Contact your servicing Human Resources staff to correct any errors.

[Deductions from your pay]{.underline}:

Some deductions are required by law and others are authorized by you.
Common deductions include:

-   Taxes -- Federal and State taxes are withheld from your gross pay.
    At the end of the year, you will receive a W-2 Statement of your
    earnings and the amount of taxes withheld for use in preparing your
    annual income tax return.

-   Social Security -- required by law

-   Medicare -- required by law

-   Health care insurance (if enrolled) -- you authorize

-   Life insurance (if enrolled) -- you authorize

-   Retirement / TSP (if enrolled) -- you authorize

If any questions about deductions you observe from your pay, may be
discussed with your supervisor, Field Office/Field Station
administrative support assistant, or the Branch of Human Resources at
(775) 861-6431.

**Leave Benefits**

[Annual Leave]{.underline}:

Annual leave (also known as vacation) is provided for each BLM employee
who has an established tour of duty or work schedule and whose
appointment is for [90 days or longer]{.underline}. The use of annual
leave is charged in increments of 15 minutes.

> [Full-time]{.underline} employees earn annual leave each pay period in
> increments of 4, 6, or 8 hours, depending upon the total years of
> federal service. With less than 3 years of federal or creditable
> military service, you will earn 4 hours of annual leave every pay
> period or every 2 weeks.
>
> [Part-time]{.underline} employees earn annual leave based on the
> number of hours worked. With less than 3 years of service, you will
> earn 1 hour of annual leave for every 20 hours you work in a pay
> period.

[Annual leave may be used
for]{.underline}:![](media/image9.wmf){width="1.9416666666666667in"
height="2.1875in"}

-   Coming to work late

-   Running personal errands that can't be done during lunch break

-   Taking an extended lunch break

-   Taking 1 or 2 hours off

-   Taking a day-off

-   Taking a vacation

-   Non-medical appointments

-   For supplementing sick leave as necessary

[Simple rules for using annual leave]{.underline}:

-   Request for leave must be submitted to and approved by your
    supervisor.

-   If an emergency requires you to be away from work without prior
    approval, you must notify your supervisor as soon as possible on the
    first day of your absence.

If you have any unused annual leave, you will be paid a lump sum at your
current hourly pay when your temporary job ends or upon
resignation/termination.

[Sick Leave]{.underline}:

Sick leave is provided for each BLM employee who has an established tour
of duty or work schedule. The use of sick leave is charged in increments
of 15 minutes.

[Full-time]{.underline} employees earn 4 hours of sick leave every pay
period.

[Part-time]{.underline} employees earn 1 hour of sick leave for each 20
hours of duty.

[Sick leave may be used for the following
purposes]{.underline}:![](media/image10.jpeg){width="2.1756944444444444in"
height="3.011111111111111in"}

-   You are sick.

-   You are injured.

-   You have a medical, dental or optical appointment.

[Simple rules for using sick leave]{.underline}:

-   Use sick leave for the proper reasons.

-   Sick leave cannot be used to supplement annual leave.

-   If you are too sick to work, notify your supervisor within 1 hour of
    the time you are scheduled to report for duty.

-   Inform your supervisor in advance when you want to use sick leave
    for medical, dental or optical appointments.

-   Submit a medical certificate signed by your doctor for a period of
    sick leave that last for more than 3 days, or if requested by your
    supervisor, for [any]{.underline} sick leave.

If you violate any of these rules, you may be charged Absent Without
Leave (AWOL) rather than sick leave and will not be paid for those
hours.

[Leave Without Pay]{.underline}:

Leave Without Pay (LWOP) may be granted under certain conditions when
your annual leave or sick leave is used up and without undue
interruption to the work of BLM. A request for LWOP must be for personal
reasons, illness or for other reasons that are in the interest of the
government such as for educational purposes and it must be in writing.

[Absence Without Leave]{.underline}:

If you are absent from work without approved leave, (annual, sick or
leave without pay) you are considered to be Absent Without Leave (AWOL).
You receive no pay for this unauthorized absence. The AWOL may also
result in a disciplinary action such as termination or suspension from
your position.

[Other types of leave]{.underline}:

Contact the Branch of Human Resources for more information, at
775-861-6431.

-   Administrative Leave

-   Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

-   Federal Employees Friendly Leave Act (FEFLA)

-   Funeral Leave

-   Court Leave

**Holidays**

The following holidays are observed in the federal service:

New Year's Day January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday 3^rd^ Monday in January

Presidents' Day 3^rd^ Monday in February

Memorial Day Last Monday in May

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day 1^st^ Monday in September

Columbus Day 2^nd^ Monday in October

Veteran's Day November 11

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November

Christmas Day December 25

When your regular tour of duty falls on a holiday, you will be paid at
your regular pay rate, as long as you were in a pay status either the
day before or the day after the holiday.

**In the Workplace . . .**

What Should I Do?

Phone Etiquette

What to Wear

Use of Government Equipment

Surfing the InterNet

Sending Email

Other Important Things to Know

Equal Employment Opportunity

**What Should I Do?**

-   Take initiative

> Ask what you can do.![](media/image11.jpeg){width="0.84375in"
> height="1.2708333333333333in"}

-   Ask for clarification of assigned tasks

> Make sure you understand what is expected of you.
>
> Make sure you understand the assignment.

-   Be prompt

> If you are unable to meet the deadline, discuss it with the supervisor
> or designated staff person who gave you the
> assignment.![](media/image12.jpeg){width="0.8881944444444444in"
> height="0.80625in"}

-   Be thorough

> Check and double-check your work.

-   Be a self-starter

> Don't wait for an assignment.

-   Show responsibility

-   Act and conduct yourself professionally

-   Dress professionally

![](media/image13.jpeg){width="7.5in"
height="9.411111111111111in"}**Phone Etiquette**

![](media/image14.wmf){width="2.06875in" height="2.015972222222222in"}

Ring-g-g-g

-   Answer the work phone within 3 rings.

-   When answering the work phone, be sure to identify your office, then
    identify yourself:

> \- "Human Resources, this is Sue."
>
> \- "Human Resources, this is Sue. May I help you?"
>
> \- "Human Resources, this is Sue. How may I direct
>
> your call?"

-   Ask your supervisor how he/she would like the phone

> answered in your office.

[Taking messages]{.underline}:

-   Who's the phone call for?

-   Name of caller -- have caller spell name, if unsure

-   Agency or company of the caller

-   Phone number with area code -- repeat it back to caller

-   Brief message about the call

-   Your name, date and time

-   Promptly deliver messages

[Calls forwarded to your phone]{.underline}:

Usually this happens when an employee is not at his/her desk to answer
his/her call. The voice mail usually indicates for the caller to press
zero if immediate assistance is required. So when this happens, the
caller may say, "I was trying to get in touch with Joe but he's not at
his desk and I wonder if you can help me or if you could direct me to
someone that could."

-   Assist the caller, if you can.

-   If you are unable to assist the caller right away, get the caller's
    name and phone number and have someone from your office/supervisor
    return the call.

[Voice mail]{.underline}:

Most office phones are equipped with voice mail. If you have a voice
mail, keep the message current:

-   "Hi, this is Jane. I am sorry I can't take your call but please
    leave me a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.
    If you would like immediate assistance, please press zero. Thank you
    and have a great day!"

-   "Hi, this is Jane. I will be out of the office from Monday, April 12
    returning on Wednesday, April 14. Please leave me a message and I
    will return your call when I get back. If you would like immediate
    assistance, please press zero. Thank you and have a great day!"

-   Hi, this is Jane. I' will be out of the office from Monday, April 12
    returning on Wednesday, April 14. If you have questions on
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, please contact Sue at extension \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ or
    leave me a message and I will return your call when I get back. If
    you would like immediate assistance, please press zero. Thank you
    and have a great day!"

> *\* Voice mail is intended to take messages while you are away from
> your desk,*![](media/image15.jpeg){width="1.8034722222222221in"
> height="1.8520833333333333in"}
>
> *not for screening phone calls.*
>
> *\* These calls must be promptly returned, usually within 24 hours.*
>
> *\* Instruction Memorandum No. NV-2004-032 dated February 20, 2004.*

[Transferring phone calls]{.underline}:

When transferring a phone call, give the caller the extension of the

person/office you are transferring the call to in case the call is

disconnected in the process.

[Putting calls on hold]{.underline}:

Do not leave any caller on hold longer than one minute. If you are not
able to assist the caller right away, take the caller's name and phone
number and call them back as soon as possible.

Also, let the caller know that you or someone else will call back if you
are not able to provide the assistance they need.

![](media/image16.jpeg){width="1.6319444444444444in"
height="1.6888888888888889in"}

[Rude phone calls]{.underline}:

Calmly ask the caller if he/she would like to speak to your supervisor.
If so, let the caller know you are putting him/her on hold while you let
your supervisor know or while you transfer the call.

[Personal
Calls]{.underline}:![](media/image17.wmf){width="0.3055555555555556in"
height="0.24930555555555556in"}![](media/image17.wmf){width="0.3055555555555556in"
height="0.24513888888888888in"}![](media/image17.wmf){width="0.3055555555555556in"
height="0.24513888888888888in"}![](media/image17.wmf){width="0.3055555555555556in"
height="0.24513888888888888in"}![](media/image18.wmf){width="0.26805555555555555in"
height="0.20972222222222223in"}![](media/image18.wmf){width="0.26805555555555555in"
height="0.20972222222222223in"}![](media/image18.wmf){width="0.26805555555555555in"
height="0.20972222222222223in"}![](media/image18.wmf){width="0.26805555555555555in"
height="0.20972222222222223in"}

> **[Personal calls are allowed only on a limited basis]{.underline}.**

Always be polite and courteous during any personal phone call. ****

![](media/image19.jpeg){width="1.2159722222222222in"
height="0.7715277777777778in"}

[What message are you sending when]{.underline} . . .

-   You answer the phone promptly? You make a favorable first
    impression.

-   You say "BLM" or use office acronyms? You come across as cold and
    bureaucratic.

-   You use your name? It makes the caller feel more relaxed.

-   You add an appropriate greeting such as "good morning"? You send a
    cheerful message.

-   You end your call by saying "goodbye" or "have a good day"? You make
    the last note of conversation cordial and pleasant.

![](media/image20.wmf){width="2.861111111111111in"
height="3.2222222222222223in"}

-   You let your caller know you were glad to be of service or that you
    are sorry you were unable to help? You convey willingness to serve.

-   You use courteous phrases. You send a smile over the telephone.
    Phrases such as thank you; you're welcome; I'd be glad to help you;
    or please call back if I can be of further assistance.

-   You have sunshine in your voice? You send a positive impression of
    both you and the agency.

\* Positive impressions lead to positive attitudes and a more positive
work

environment.

\* Attitudes are contagious.

\* Little things make a BIG difference.

**What To Wear**

Summer is warm and a beautiful time of the year. However, keep in mind
the following when preparing and dressing for the workplace environment:

Check out the normal pattern of dress in your office by observing what
your fellow co-workers are wearing.

[Suggestions -- DON'T Wear]{.underline}:

-   Cut offs

-   Short shorts![](media/image21.jpeg){width="0.7833333333333333in"
    height="1.8090277777777777in"}

-   Clothing with messages about alcohol, tobacco, drugs or foul
    language printed on them.

-   Skimpy outfits

-   Short shirts where midriff is exposed

-   Flip flops or thongs

If and when in doubt, check with your supervisor!

![](media/image22.jpeg){width="2.4631944444444445in"
height="1.4159722222222222in"}

![](media/image19.jpeg){width="1.2159722222222222in"
height="0.7715277777777778in"}

**Use of Government Equipment**

![](media/image23.jpeg){width="7.376388888888889in"
height="6.19375in"}![](media/image19.jpeg){width="1.2159722222222222in"
height="0.7715277777777778in"}![](media/image24.wmf){width="3.9368055555555554in"
height="0.8791666666666667in"}

**Surfing the InterNet**

BLM has specific policies on the use of the Internet and electronic
mail.

[Please read it carefully and discuss it with your
supervisor.]{.underline}

Instruction Memorandum No. 2002-224
dated![](media/image19.jpeg){width="1.3118055555555554in"
height="0.8333333333333334in"}

August 9, 2002 - Internet Use

> Information Bulletin No. 1997-001 dated May 23, 1997 and June 13, 1997
> -- Internet Acceptable Use Policy

**Sending Email**![](media/image25.wmf){width="2.6819444444444445in"
height="3.082638888888889in"}

**Important Things to Know**

> [What]{.underline} [Who to call, talk to, inform, etc.]{.underline}
>
> Job Injuries Supervisor
>
> Branch of Human Resources, 775-861-6605
>
> Safety Concerns Supervisor
>
> State Safety Officer, 775-861-6405
>
> Building Security Supervisor
>
> Building Evacuation Supervisor (ask to provide you a copy)
>
> Employment Questions Supervisor
>
> Branch of Human Resources, 775-861-6547
>
> Discrimination State EEO Office, 775-861-6584

*NOTES: Questions about the topics above should be discussed with your
supervisor first. Your supervisor can assist and guide you in the
appropriate process.*

> *If you are unsure, do not understand, or do not know the office's
> policy or BLM's policy on issues, check with your supervisor or
> contact the additional resources provided by phone.*
>
> *If you are unable to obtain information, guidance, or clarification
> to your questions or concerns, contact the State Recruitment
> Specialist / Student Educational Employment Program Coordinator at
> 775-861-6547.*
>
> **Equal Employment Opportunity**

The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is an important goal of the
Federal government, and a variety of laws and policies impact every
Federal employee -- regardless of grade, position, or how long you have
been with the agency. The objectives of the EEO program are
straightforward:

> The first is to provide a full and fair opportunity for all employees,
> regardless of race, age, religion, sex, color, national origin, or
> handicap.
>
> The second is to provide a non-discriminatory treatment of all
> employees carrying out their duties.
>
> *[State EEO Office]{.underline}*
>
> Contact the EEO Office if you feel you have been discriminated against
> at
>
> 775-861-6584.
>
> *[Branch of Human Resources]{.underline}*
>
> Contact the State Recruitment Specialist / Student Educational
> Employment Program Coordinator if you have other concerns that you are
> not able to discuss with your supervisor at 775-861-6547. The State
> Recruitment Specialist / Student Educational Employment Program
> Coordinator have all program responsibilities regarding any student
> employment.

![](media/image26.wmf){width="3.56875in" height="1.2819444444444446in"}

BLM is an Equal Opportunity Employer