TMT Observatory provides a full benefits package for you and your family. As an employee, you enjoy generous health and welfare benefits, retirement benefits and savings plans. In addition, there are privileges and programs offered through partner institutions, including employee assistance programs; professional development and training opportunities; and access to educational, cultural, and recreational facilities.

Vacation
Vacation is earned at the rate of 1 3/4 day per month (21 days per year). The accrual of hours accrued for vacation are determined by the number of hours paid. Part-time staff will have vacation pro-rated.
Eligibility: First day of work
Who Pays: TMT

Holidays
Twelve paid holidays per year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, two floating holidays and one personal day.
Eligibility: First day of work
Who Pays: TMT

Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at the rate of 1 "day" per month. The actual hours accrued for sick leave are determined by the number of hours paid. Part-time staff will have sick leave pro-rated.
Eligibility: First day of work
Who Pays: TMT

Direct Deposit
Employees may have their paycheck deposited directly into personal checking/savings accounts.
Eligibility: First day of work

Medical Plans
Health care choices offered: Blue Cross PPO, Blue Cross HMO and Kaiser Permanente
Eligibility: First day of the month coincident with or next following hire date
Who Pays: You and TMT

Dental Plans
Dental care choices offered: Delta Dental or Safeguard.
Eligibility: First day of the month coincident with or next following hire date
Who Pays: You and TMT

Basic Life Insurance
Basic Life Insurance at no cost to eligible employees in an amount equal to one times annual salary to a maximum of $50,000.
Eligibility: First day of the month coincident with or next following hire date
Who Pays: You and TMT

Supplemental Life Insurance
Additional Supplemental coverage is available for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 times annual salary to a maximum of $1,000,000. Cost for voluntary coverage is based on the amount purchased and age, and is fully paid by employee. Coverage is also available for spouse and children.
Eligibility: First day of the month coincident with or next following hire date
Who Pays: You

Personal Accident Insurance
Coverage can be elected in amounts ranging from $10,000 to $500,000. Employees pay the cost. Dependents may also be covered under this plan.
Eligibility: First day of the month coincident with or next following hire date
Who Pays: You

Long-term Disability
After 6 months of disability, TMT pays basic coverage for a benefit equal to 40% of regular salary. Employee pays (if desired) for supplemental coverage to a total benefit equal to 60% of regular salary.
Eligibility: First day of the month coincident with or next following hire date
Who Pays: You and TMT

Health Care Spending Account
Employees may elect to make voluntary pre-tax contributions to a Health Care Spending Account. The money you direct TMT to set aside for your spending account is not subject to federal or state income taxes, or social security tax. You may use monies in these accounts to pay for eligible health expenses with tax-free dollars.
Eligibility: First day of the month coincident with or next following hire date
Who Pays: You

Dependent Care Spending Account
Employees may elect to make voluntary pre-tax contributions to a Dependent Care Spending Account. The money you direct TMT to set aside for your spending account is not subject to federal or state income taxes, or social security tax. You may use monies in these accounts to pay for eligible dependent care expenses with tax-free dollars.
Eligibility: First day of the month coincident with or next following hire date
Who Pays: You

Retirement
Contributions are made by TMT to the TIAA-CREF Retirement Plan beginning at 12% of salary and 15% starting at age 55. Vesting is immediate.
Eligibility: First day of the month coincident with or next following hire date
Who Pays: TMT

Tax-Deferred Accounts
Employee may elect to make voluntary pre-tax contributions to Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Account. Employees are permitted to tax-defer a portion of their salary into a TDA plan and pay current Federal and State taxes only on the reduced salary.
Eligibility: First day of the month coincident with or next following hire date
Who Pays: You

Tuition Support
Tuition support available, as specified in the Tuition Reimbursement Policy.
Eligibility: Probation completion
Who Pays: TMT

TMT Gym
An on-site gym facility is available to all TMT employees.
Eligibility: First day of work
Who Pays: TMT

Caltech Braun Fitness Center
A full service athletic facility is open to all TMT employees on hire date.
Eligibility: First day of work

Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union
The Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union is available to full– and part-time TMT employees and their families. Loans are available after six months.
Eligibility: First day of work

NOTE: The purpose of this summary is only to provide a brief overview of TMT’s benefit plan and policies. It does not replace the legal documents that establish the plans and describe policies and procedures related thereto. Final interpretations of any provision will be governed by the master benefit policies and service agreements, which are on file in the office of the Administrator of the plans.  This summary is subject to change at the discretion of TMT.