New Employee Information
WELCOME to WSSC Water! We are excited that you have decided to come and grow your career with us!
Information To Know Before You Start
As a new employee, you are now a member of our diverse community of dedicated employees supporting our vision to be THE world-class water utility where excellent products and services are always on tap! We are pleased that you have chosen to be a part of our Team H2O family and look forward to your many contributions to our continued success.
This webpage provides information regarding the onboarding process and frequently asked questions before your first day of employment.
Important Information
- Welcome Letter
- Strategic Plan (new managers are expected to review)
- Benefits at a Glance
- Directions to WSSC Water
- WSSC Water Holidays
Before You Arrive:
Required Forms
WSSC Water distributes its New Hire Booklet via DocuSign. The booklet includes the forms listed below and should be populated with your employee ID#*. Complete all forms prior to New Employee Orientation (NEO). (*NOTE: Each new hire receives an individual email containing the assigned employee ID#.)
Forms:
- Form I-9 (bring required documents – see List of Acceptable Documents can be found in Frequently Asked Questions)
- New Hire Data Sheet
- Drug Free Workplace Statement
- Employee Confidentiality Agreement
- Assignment of Rights Agreement
- Purchase and Transfer of Retirement Service Credit Acknowledgement
- Direct Deposit Form (w/voided check or bank routing notice)
- Tax Forms (Federal, Maryland)
- Parking Permit Application (complete only if your assigned work location is RGH)
Review Benefits
WSSC Water offers a wealth of benefits for eligible employees — standard employer benefits such as health plans, retirement savings, and life insurance, and an extensive network of programs regarding wellness, work-life balance and other perks.
WSSC Water offers an excellent benefits package. Click here for a full summary of our benefits information. During NEO, you will hear directly from the Benefits Team about the many benefits programs available to you and have an opportunity to ask questions or seek clarification. The Benefits Team will provide the timeframe for you to enroll as a new hire and instructions for the benefits enrollment process. If you fail to enroll by the required date, you must wait until the annual enrollment period (held each fall for the following January 1 plan year effective date) or a qualifying event to enroll.
NEO Frequently Asked Questions
NEO Questions
Questions
Do I have to attend New Employee Orientation (NEO)?
Yes. All new employees must attend NEO on their first day of work. During NEO, new employees return all required new employee paperwork and provide documentation to support onboarding for the Human Resources, Payroll, IT and Security Offices. You will also receive your WSSC Water ID badge and information regarding benefits, including insurance and retirement programs in which eligible employees may enroll. At NEO, you will have an opportunity to ask specific questions of HR staff regarding general employment, benefits and other employment-related activities or services available to you.
Where is NEO held?
NEO sessions are held every other Monday, except holidays, at the Richard G. Hocevar (RGH) / headquarters building, 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD 20707. It is important that you arrive on-time, as we will begin promptly at 8:30 am!
Upon arrival, please check in with Security, advise you are attending New Employee Orientation and provide a photo ID. A member of the HR team will escort you to the NEO session.
Please review your welcome letter for the specific date and time you are required to report.
What should I bring?
New hires are required to bring the following to NEO:
- Identity and employment eligibility documents to complete Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Please review the List of Acceptable Documents below - Expired documents will not be accepted.
- Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificate for dependents to be covered on employee’s benefits
- Feel free to bring a light snack or lunch; snack may be provided during NEO. Vending machines are also available.
How should I dress for New Employee Orientation?
All employees are expected to dress appropriately for their job and daily work environment. For NEO, you may wear business casual work attire. If you work in a location other than RGH, please speak with your supervisor before your start date to ensure you wear or bring the appropriate gear for your assigned work location (i.e., work pants, work boots, safety shoes).
What if I have an emergency or WSSC Water is closed due to inclement weather?
If you have an emergency on or before your first day of work, contact Human Resources immediately at 301-206-8787. In the event of inclement weather, please call the Employee Inclement Weather Line at 301-206-7473 for closure or delayed opening information.
What if I am experiencing COVID-like symptoms?
If you are having any of the following COVID-like symptoms, you should not report to NEO:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Instead, you must call Human Resources at (301) 206-8787 and inform us that you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms. You should also notify your Talent Acquisition Specialist (i.e., Recruiter).
Credit for Prior Service
Questions
Can I get credit for prior service with the State of Maryland?
You are eligible to receive credit for your prior service employment with another governmental agency, division or municipal corporation of the State of Maryland, which is a member of the Employees' Retirement System of the State of Maryland, or a local retirement system established by such agency, division or corporation. Required documentation will be made available during NEO. If you have questions regarding the documentation needed, please contact Retirement at (301) 206-7106.
Can I get credit for prior Federal, military or District of Columbia government service?
No. Federal, military and DC Government service does not qualify as prior service for WSSC Water.
Contact Us Information
Contact your Talent Acquisition Specialist with any additional questions you have. You may also contact the HR Office.
Human Resources Office
Phone: 301-206-8787
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Last Modified: August 21, 2023, 9:05 am EDT