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Joining the Team

Your First Day

The information provided here is for you to better understand what to expect on your first day and to help make your first week go smoothly. You might want to start with our Employee Resources Guide; it's got a lot of information about our organization and what it means to work for us.

Starting a new job comes with a bit of anxiety. That’s ok, just roll with it. It also gives you the opportunity to learn and ask a ton of questions. Questions are good.

​Before you start work at OPRD, there are a few things you can do to make your first day run smoothly.

First Day Forms
You will complete and submit many forms on your first day. Check the candidate profile you set up when you applied for the job to complete key information you’ll need for your first day.

Here are some tips to be prepared:

  • Bring identification card(s) with you. The Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services form. Acceptable forms of identification are listed at this website.
  • Have your emergency contact information. You need to let us know whom we should contact on your behalf in the event of an emergency. This person should be able to make medical decisions for you and be at least 18 years old.
  • Know your federal and state withholding elections. You will fill out tax withholding information that will affect your take-home pay.
  • Bring a voided check or bank deposit slip. You’ll need this to sign up for direct deposit of your paycheck.

​You will be met by your manager or a designated person on your first day. If you work in Salem headquarters, expect to have your picture taken for the internal employee directory and badge (as applicable), so be photo ready. If you work in a field location, you’ll be issued your uniform on your first day.

Don't forget to bring the appropriate identification for the I-9 form and a voided check for direct deposit.

A lot of your first day will be familiarizing yourself to your new surroundings, co-workers and colleagues.

Here are some tips to make your first day the best it can be:

  • Ask questions.
  • Try to relax.
  • Understand that you don’t have to remember everything you learn on the first day.
  • Make note of things you want to further explore.
  • Check out parking ahead of time.  Salem/Portland parking help

Compensation and Benefits

Oregon state government offers its employees generous compensation, a range of benefits, and rights. Employees have options when it comes to choosing a plan for core benefits such as a medical plan. The state also offers a variety of optional benefits, flexible spending accounts, retirement benefits and paid leave options.  

The benefits listed are based on an eligibility determination. OPRD Payroll can help you determine if you are eligible.

​Paycheck
Paychecks are issued twice a month (generally on the first of the month and mid-month). Specifics of your appointment will determine how often you will receive a paycheck.

Direct Deposit
Available through most bank and credit unions. Current State of Oregon employees that use direct deposit can access their paystub information online.

Salary
Salaries for each classification are determined through the applicable collective bargaining process or Department of Administrative Service compensation policy. Salary ranges are associated with certain classifications and have multiple rates or ‘steps’. Talk to your manager or Human Resources contact for more information.

The benefits package for OPRD employees includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and their family. There are several plans to choose from at minimal or no cost to employees. It also includes a $5,000 basic life insurance coverage paid by the state.

  • Optional insurances are available with premiums paid by eligible employees:
  • Life insurance for employee, spouse/domestic partner or dependents
  • Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • Short-term & long term disability insurance
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts available

For full plan information go to: Public Employees Benefit Board (PEBB)  
​

  • ​Sick leave earned at the rate of 8 hours per month with no maximum accumulation if eligible**
  • Vacation leave earned at a minimum rate of 8 hours per month with accrual rate increases at 5-year increments
  • 24 hours personal leave earned each fiscal year if eligible**
  • Ten paid holidays a year if eligible**
  • Additional day off designated by collective bargaining agreement or Governor
Check with OPRD Payroll for eligibility.

​OPRD employees are part of the programs administered through the Public Employees Retirement System. Your eligibility is defined by the program and your hire date. There’s nothing for you to do to sign up.

For more information:  Public Employee Retirement System.

​Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Cascade Centers Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers information and resources to help today's busy people keep their minds on work. Services to OPRD employees include work-life counseling, along with homeowner, legal and family resources. It is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL benefit. The EAP provides professional counselors that can guide you over the phone or in office visits.

For more information: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Smart Commuter Program
The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) offers the Smart Commuter Program to encourage employees to use alternative modes of transportation in their commute. The goal is to reduce traffic volume and parking demand, improve air quality, and reward the efforts of state employees who leave their cars at home.
To qualify, an employee must commute to work by public transit, rail, vanpool, commuter bus, bicycle or walk from home or from a park and ride location more than half of their workdays each month. Permanent, temporary and contracted state employees may participate in the program. The program offers occasional parking permits, a coupon book for participants in Salem and a guaranteed ride home.

For more information: Smart Commuter Program

Oregon State Library
Resources and services are available to all State of Oregon employees. Order, borrow and renew books, request research assistance and attend training, orientations and events.

For more information: Oregon State Library

​The Oregon Savings Growth Plan gives you an opportunity to put away more money toward retirement if you choose. It allows voluntary contributions from $25 up to $18,000 per year on a pretax basis; this dollar amount changes depending on the option you choose.

All employees are eligible to participate at any time. Once enrolled, you have complete access to account information and transactions 24 hours a day.

For more information: Oregon Savings Growth Plan.