Wasted potential - Program Manager ORAU Employee Review

2.0
Nov 9, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Ample parking. Free coffee. Excellent working environment. Plenty of opportunity to watch movies and videos during the work day.

Cons

Independent thought/thinkers not encouraged. Decisions made in a vacuum on the 4th floor. Many managers are not qualified to rule over others. Rampant sycophancy. HR resembles Pyongyang, but with slightly brighter clothes.. Straight answers appear to be against policy.

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5.0
May 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good contract work with the EPA

Cons

Contract got cut earlier than planned

1.0
Jun 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The pros heavily depend on your host facility, program manager and mentor. My mentor is great and allows me lots of freedom to do my work and develop my skills. Depending on your host facility you get to work with federal agencies and potentially get connections for a permanent job.

Cons

We are considered not employed, but a "participant in a program". Our salary is a taxable income. There is no benefits other than an offered health insurance that costs hundreds each month out of your salary for minimal coverage. There is no PTO. You have to ask permission if you want to take a day off or go on a trip. Any problems with the management goes unnoticed and you get told by ORISE to speak to the program manager even if they are the problem.

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