ARA recognizes that our employees are our greatest asset .   We offer a comprehensive and generous benefits package* which includes medical, dental, life and retirement plans as well as a number of other company-paid and voluntary benefit plans.

Retirement Program

It is ARA's goal to contribute 15% of compensation to employee retirement plans each year and we have met that goal in each of the last 15 years. The ARA Retirement Program consists of two separate plans, the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and the 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

ARA is an employee-owned company. Through the ESOP plan, the company buys stock on behalf of eligible employees, allowing them to share in the company's success. The contribution has been equal to 9% of compensation each year.

401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust

Employees may defer a percentage of their salary on a pre-tax basis as a means of saving for retirement. For eligible employees who contribute at least 1%, ARA matches the first 1% on a dollar-for dollar basis. Additionally, the company historically has made a contribution of 5% of compensation on behalf of employees, regardless of their contribution level.

Health Care

Medical Care Options

We offer comprehensive coverage through a choice of two plans.   The PPO Plan provides access to services at discounted rates through a network of preferred providers. The Indemnity Plan allows participants to use any provider or hospital at the same rate.   Both plans include a prescription drug benefit.   ARA contributes generously to the cost of coverage and eligible employees may purchase coverage for eligible dependents, including domestic partners.   Coverage is effective the first of the month coincident with or following date of hire.

Dental Plan

Employees who choose the PPO or Indemnity Plan are automatically enrolled in the dental plan. Employees may waive medical coverage, but still enroll in the dental plan at no additional cost.   The plan is designed to offer preventative care as well as a broad range of services, including orthodontics for dependents up to the age of 19.

Opt-out Program

Some employees choose to opt out of our medical plan due to other insurance coverage such as TriCare, a spousal plan, or an individual policy.   These employees have the option to participate in our Individual Premium account and receive reimbursement for the premiums they pay for the alternate medical and/or dental coverage up to ARA's cost for employee-only coverage under our medical plan.

Vision Plan

ARA is pleased to offer vision insurance coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). The Vision Plan is a voluntary benefit and offers eligible employees and their dependents coverage for eye exams and prescription glasses/contact lenses, as well as discounts on laser vision correction.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Through a Health Care FSA, you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses that your health insurance plan does not pay for, such as co-pays, deductibles and coinsurance amounts, as well as some over-the-counter medications. ARA also offers a Dependent Care FSA option through which you may use pre-tax dollars to pay for dependent care expenses which allow you (and your spouse) to work or attend school full time.   Employee's who participate in the FSA account(s) make contributions on a pre-tax basis via easy payroll deduction.

Life, AD&D and Disability Insurance

Through a comprehensive coverage plan that includes life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, long-term disability coverage, as well as voluntary supplemental plans and voluntary short-term disability insurance, ARA helps to provide eligible employees and their families with substantial financial protection.   The affordable voluntary life and AD&D plans extend coverage to a spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children.

Work/Life Balance

Juggling your professional and personal life can be a challenge. ARA offers benefits to help employees maintain a balance between the two:

Paid Holidays - Most employees receive pay for 9 holidays each year.   Employees who work on-site follow the holiday schedule of the client.

Personal Leave - Employees accrue Personal Leave based on years of service and number of hours worked. Personal Leave gives employees a choice in how they spend their paid time off - it may be used for any reason.

LifeBalance Employee Assistance Program - Employees have access to experienced counselors who can assist with complicated work/life matters with information, resources and advice.   Employees access the plan independently with complete confidentiality.   Other services offered include legal and financial issues, parenting and child care.

World-wide Travel Assistance -   Provides assistance when traveling more than 100 miles from home including access to medical services, legal and interpreter referrals, and lost luggage assistance.

Professional Development

ARA encourages employees to improve their professional capabilities. ARA will pay for technical and professional meetings, seminars or college classes as approved by Division Managers to help employees meet their professional goals. ARA will also pay the annual fees for one professional organization, one professional journal, and one professional registration or certification for each employee.

Rewards and Recognition

ARA offers incentives to reward and recognize service and outstanding work. Rewards include:

Performance Bonus - awarded to eligible employees annually.

Spot Bonus - awarded at any time for outstanding performance or achievement.

Company and Distinguished Awards - awarded annually to honor teams and individuals in various categories. Awards include ARA stock, cash and formal recognition.

Service Awards - presented to all employees to honor service with ARA.

Technical Career Path Awards - ARA offers a career path for employees seeking the challenges of a technical, rather than a management, career track.   Engineers and Scientists begin with ARA as "Members of the Technical Staff".   As they advance in their careers and prove to be dedicated technical experts, they may be nominated by their Division Manager for the designation of "Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff" or "Fellow".   For the elite, ARA awards the top honor of "Associate".

Best Practice Awards - ARA encourages employees to share best practices and ideas via the Best Practices Program.   This program features a searchable web page on the ARA intranet where employees can learn about the creative and original ideas of their fellow employees that may be beneficial for their divisions or applicable to their work.   Awards are given annually to recognize the top best practices.

If you'd like more information, please contact Human Resources at 505.881.8074 or click here for Career Opportunities.

*All benefits are subject to plan eligibility requirements.

ARA is an Equal Opportunity Employer http://www.ara.com/careers/equal_opportunity.htm .   At ARA we recognize the benefit of attracting, retaining, and developing our staff from a diverse work force. We are sincerely committed to our Affirmative Action Plan goals.