Vantaggi
The fact that it's a good government job is a top reason to work here. But, the best reason to work here is that a good number of your colleagues are intrinsically motivated to protect human health and the environment. The Agency offers a fair number of professional development opportunities (training, details, individual development plans). Highly motivated individuals will flourish in this environment, as long as they are resourceful and can learn to be patient and flexible.
Svantaggi
As with many technical organizations, the middle management team tends to be well qualified as a technical person, but not necessarily as a manager. Many middle managers lack skills, tact, and foresight to lead diverse, motivated teams. If you have a great supervisor, your job will be fantastic. But, there seems to be a lack of great first-line managers. The high political nature of the Agency leads to senior management keeps busy with managing "crisis" and fails to cultivate a culture of shared goals and common purposes. As with many government agencies, the budget situation is further reducing staff and squeezing resources.