Onboarding, Phase 3: Start Your New Job
Welcome to the Forest Service! You’ve completed all the requirements and are ready to start contributing to the important mission of the Forest Service!
The following resources will help you take care of important tasks and to get set up for success. Be sure to monitor your email for other important messages.
Your supervisor or onboarding specialist will guide you through your first day onboarding activities.
Forms:
Complete the Federal Oath of Office and Appointment Affidavit (SF 61).
Update and sign the OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment.
Verify your US citizenship documents (Form I-9). Make sure to only upload these files to USA Staffing. Do not share by email or Teams.
Position Description
Review your position description. Talk to your supervisor about the duties.
eAuthentication
If you are a new, first-time employee, you will receive an email to register your eAuthentication account. The subject line will be “eAuthentication: Action Required – Internal User Account Registration.” The email comes from DoNotReply.ICAM@ocio.usda.gov. If you don't find it, please search your spam, and junk folders.
If you were previously employed by the Forest Service or another USDA agency, you must recover your account. Call 1-877-372-7248, select option 2 and follow prompts for help.
Your supervisor will show you around the office and introduce you to your colleagues, either virtually or in person, and familiarize you with local office procedures. You can expect to complete the following during the first two weeks on the job.
Computer Setup
You may need a computer upon, or very soon after your arrival. As soon as it arrives, call 866-945-1354 to ask for the contact information for your assigned Onboarding Tier 2 specialist. You will NOT need to establish a new ticket because it has automatically been created for you. Your assigned Tier 2 specialist will help enable your user account, give you your username, help you establish a password, set up a LincPass exemption on your computer, set up Windows Hello, and any other general computer setup that you may need.
Other Computer Information
Setup your official email signature block (internal link).
Update your contact information in the Global Address Book.
Update your profile and manager information in the EEMS Identity Manager.
Sign into MS Teams and download a virtual meeting background if desired.
Access Pinyon (Box) for sharing files. Review the Pinyon user guide if you need help.
Set up VPN (virtual private network) for remote access.
Install local printers.
Work with your supervisor to gain access to SharePoint sites or other systems that you need for your job.
Human Resources Setup
ConnectHR
This single sign on application allows you to access all your human resource-related applications including Paycheck8 for time and attendance reporting, AgLearn for training, eSafety for reporting on-the-job injuries, your Employee Personal Page, and more.
Paycheck8
Access through ConnectHR: To get paid on time, set up your profile in Paycheck8 to enter your time and attendance during your second week. Your supervisor or local administrator can help you find the following information: your supervisor’s full name and email, your work schedule, job code, override code, and the time & attendance contact for your unit. You may receive a prompt to make the update when you first log in, if not update it under “Profile Information.” Review the Paycheck8 Onboarding Video. Call
1-877-372-7248, option 4, if you have any problems.
Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Card
All permanent USDA employees must obtain a PIV card to access computer systems and buildings. Permanent employees get a LincPass, while some temporary employees get an AltLinc. If you are a temporary employee, check with your supervisor to figure out if you need one.
Look in your personal email inbox for a message from HSPD12Admin@usaccess.gsa.gov. The email will include instructions for how to enroll for a PIV card. If you have not received the email notification to begin the LincPass enrollment process by the end of your first pay period of employment, you or your supervisor can create an HR Help ticket through the HRM Contact Center by calling 877-372-7248, option 2. Your HR Help ticket will be routed to the HRM Personnel Security team for prompt action by the staff's LincPass credentialing team.
You'll have two separate appointments.
Enrollment – In this step, you will need to visit an enrollment station. After scheduling an appointment to enroll, you will attend in-person at the enrollment station where they will request your fingerprints and take your photo. Make sure you take the correct identification documents.
Activation – Activation happens when you pick up your card and activate it for use. Again, you must take the right identification documents with you.
Performance Plan
Your supervisor will give you performance expectations and set up a performance plan within your first 30 days.
Probationary and Trial Periods: Discuss this with your supervisor. Many employees serve probationary or trial period for the first year or two. During this period, your supervisor provides you with support and reviews your performance, conduct, and attendance to make sure you're on the right track. If you satisfactorily complete your probationary or trial period, you'll earn status as a permanent federal employee. If you're having challenges, your supervisor will provide you with direction. Separation from the agency is a last resort. Review your Official Job Offer and SF-50 to figure out if this applies to you.
Benefits
If applicable, refer to potential Federal benefits that may be available to you.
Telework
Your supervisor will issue you a telework agreement, if appropriate.
More Resources and Potential Requirements
Some links below are only accessible on the Forest Service network intranet pages. Before you receive your computer, you can always call 1-877-372-7248 to request this information if you can't access it. You can also try a supervisor or a colleague who may be able send it to you.
If you have Forest Service housing, you will need to code the Quarters deduction in Paycheck8 following these instructions: Under Pay Options, enter the number of days in quarters and select save.
If a quarters action has not been processed for you yet, you will not be able to code days in quarters. In that case, have your supervisor contact human resources to confirm the status. Call 877-372-7248, option 4 for help.
Check with your supervisor to figure out if a government driver’s license is a requirement for your job. Your supervisor or your unit’s fleet manager or safety officer can explain the licensing process for you.
If your supervisor said you qualify for a uniform allowance or a safety boot allowance, you can request these through the Uniform website within ConnectHR. You will need to request reimbursement within 45 days of purchase. Review the Uniform and Safety Boot Allowances intranet page.
If you must travel for work within the first few days or weeks, the Travel Help Desk can help with authorizations and arrangements. Call 877-372-7248, option 4.