Benefits Overview

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The Missouri Botanical Garden provides a comprehensive benefits plan for full-time, regular employees. In addition, part-time, regular employees are offered a very competitive package as described below. This is a basic outline of the Garden's benefit programs. The actual plans and/or policies are on file in the Human Resource Management Division and are the controlling documents in the event of errors or omissions on this outline.

Medical Plan
The Garden and the employee share in the cost of the medical plan.  Employees may choose from several plans. You must apply within 30 days of your employment start date to be covered.  Coverage begins the first day of the month following your hire date.  Dependent coverage is available.  Pre-existing condition limitations may apply.

Dental Plan
The Garden and the employee share in the cost of the dental plan.  Employees may choose from several plans.  You must apply within 30 days of your employment start date to be covered.  Coverage begins the first day of the month following your hire date.  Dependent coverage is available.  Pre-existing condition limitations apply if enrollment is other than when you first become eligible.

Vision Plan
A voluntary plan is available to employees to supplement the basic coverage within the medical plan. You must apply within 30 days of your employment start date to be covered.  Coverage begins the first day of the month following your hire date.  Dependent coverage is available.           

Flexible Benefit Plan
This program permits pre-tax contributions to be set aside for eligible dependent care and healthcare expenses. You must apply for coverage within 30 days of your employment start date.  Participation begins the first day of the month following your hire date. Flex Convenience Debit Cards issued to enrollees are used like credit cards wherever MasterCard is accepted and can be used for all eligible healthcare spending account expenses.  When you enroll in the Garden's medical, dental and/or vision insurance plan(s), your premiums are deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis.

Life and AD&D Program
The Garden pays the full premium for coverage equal to two times the employee’s annual salary to a maximum of $500,000 for both Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), respectively.  Coverage begins the first day of the month following your hire date.  Coverage amounts will reduce at ages 70 and 75.

Supplemental Life Insurance
This voluntary plan offers supplemental term life employee coverage up to five (5) times your salary in $10,000 increments, not to exceed $500,000. Spouse coverage is available up to 100% of the employee amount in $5,000 increments, also not to exceed $500,000.  Coverage on a child is available up to 100% of employee coverage amount in increments of $2,000 and not to exceed $10,000. In order to purchase coverage for your spouse and/or child, you must purchase coverage for yourself. Coverage amount(s) will reduce at ages 70 and 75.

Long-Term Disability (LTD)
LTD coverage is provided by the Garden and begins the first day of the month following your hire date.  Benefits begin after 90 days of approved disability.  The plan pays 60 percent of salary up to $9,000/month.  Benefit reductions may apply (Employer-sponsored Retirement Plans, Workers' Compensation and/or Social Security).

Short-Term Disability
This voluntary plan is available to employees.  If you meet the definition of disability, you would be eligible to receive a weekly benefit equal to 60% of your weekly earnings, to a maximum of $1,000 per week after 21 days of approved disability.

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
A 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan is available to eligible employees on a voluntary basis.  Participants may make salary reduction contributions in multiples of one percent and up to the lesser of 100% of compensation or the statutory maximum. The Garden makes contributions on behalf of each eligible employee who has reached age 21, has met the one year service requirement and contributes to the Plan.  The Garden contribution for eligible employees is equal to the amount of employee contributions made by a participant during the plan year, up to a maximum of 6% of the participant's annualized salary. Vesting is immediate.  The Garden’s plan includes both pre-tax and Roth after-tax contribution options.

Employee Assistance Program
The Garden provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to give staff confidential assistance to help them address life issues. Assistance is available for problems such as alcohol and drug misuse, marital/family discord or any concern that contributes to unsatisfactory job performance.  This service is also available to immediate family members.  Unless disclosure is ordered by law, confidentiality is rigorously maintained.
                                                    
Sick Leave
Regular, full-time employees accrue sick leave at the rate of six days per year.  Regular, part-time employees in positions budgeted to work 20 hours per week accrue sick leave on a pro rata basis, up to a maximum of three days per year.  Unused sick leave may be accrued up to a maximum of 30 days. Earned sick leave may be used after 90 days of employment. Medical evidence substantiating the nature and probable duration of incapacity may be required.  Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may apply.

Holidays
The Garden observes 12 paid holidays annually, which includes a Raven Holiday in December, and one floating holiday to be scheduled and approved in advance with your supervisor.  A new employee is eligible for the floating holiday after completing 90 days of employment.

Vacation
Regular, full-time employees accrue vacation based upon years of service in accordance with the schedule below.  Regular, part-time employees in positions budgeted to work 20 hours per week accrue vacation on a pro rata basis.  Vacation accrues up to a maximum of twice the annual amount.  Earned vacation may be requested for use after completing 90 days employment.

International Travel Assistance Programs
The Garden supplies emergency medical assistance and personal services through Assist America Travel Assistance Program for staff that travel more than 100 miles from home domestically or abroad. The Garden funds the memberships; however, inclusion in the programs is on a per-trip basis and some exceptions apply.  Family members traveling abroad with staff enrolled in the programs may be enrolled at the employee's expense.  Employees traveling on Garden business abroad may use BJC Traveler’s Health Services for immunizations and other health information and services.

Garden Membership
Employees receive a complimentary Garden Membership.  Benefits include free admission for you and a guest; and discounts on purchases made in the Garden’s retail shops, and in the Garden’s Sassafras Cafe.  Education fee discounts may apply for job related classes offered by the Garden’s Education and Horticulture divisions.

Workers' Compensation
According to Missouri Workers' Compensation Law, insurance provides benefits for employees who sustain covered injuries at work.  Questions and incident reports should be directed to Human Resources.

Social Security
Participation in this program is required by law.  Social Security provides financial assistance during retirement or permanent disability.

Unemployment Compensation
According to the eligibility requirements set forth in the State Employment Security Law, insurance provides benefits to employees who become totally or partially unemployed.

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This is a basic outline of the Garden's benefit programs.  Benefits noted are available to full-time, regular staff except where noted. The actual plans and/or policies are on file in Human Resources and are the controlling documents in the event of errors or omissions on this outline. The Garden reserves the right to change the structure of its benefits programs, including eligibility, at any time.

August 2009