How does one get a job in a contract lab in Hawaii

[MRD]

I applied back in March for a position at Hickham and got a Tentative Job offer for a WG-2602-8 position, the annual salary was lower than the stated range in the original listing.  I called a friend and when I found out that WG positions in HI were exempt from COLA I passed on it.  I don't know what they are thinking when positions in OK are paying more than HI.  Did the contractor really skew their perspective on the cost of living there?

[StoneColdK]

I am not sure where it got skewed. Cost of living is comparable to SF and NY.

[MRD]

I am not sure where it got skewed. Cost of living is comparable to SF and NY.

Are you aware they are offering $25.11/hr?  I'd be leary of any technician with more than 10 years experience accepting that kind of money unless they already own a house in Hawaii.  I look at it that you get what you pay for and $25.11 won't work in LA, let alone SF or NY.

[StoneColdK]

Already owning a home out here would be about the only way to make it. Unless your spouse had a job making the same amount of money, or a retired master seargent or something like that. Single income from civil service in Hawaii will not cut it, even for a single person.

[yonker08]

The last time I saw Yulista advertising the slot over there they were offering around $35 an hour(the same as their Alaska rate). Having spent a career in AF labs (civil service) the positions are always journeyman positions which start as WG-11s. A WG-8 should be a helper position which would not include repair or calibration. 

[MRD]

SALARY RANGE: $52,405.00 to $61,086.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 to Tuesday, March 20, 2012
SERIES & GRADE: WG-2602-08
POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:08
DUTY LOCATIONS: 2 vacancy(s) - Hickam AFB, HI United StatesView Map

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Status Candidates (Merit Promotion and VEOA Eligibles)

JOB SUMMARY:

The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win...in air, space and cyberspace.



To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Reach and Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.


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WHO MAY APPLY:  Click here for more information.  You MUST have one or more identified eligibilities in order to be considered.  **Air Force is not responsible for erroneous eligibilities you list or fail to list**

Air Force Employee (Current, Permanent, Competitive Service, Career/Career-Conditional Employee)

DoD Transfer (Army, Navy, DFAS, etc.--Excluding Air Force)

Employment of People with Disabilities

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)

Non-DoD Transfer (OPM, VA, Dept of Labor, etc.)

Other Appointment Eligibilities (TSA, FAA, Postal, etc.)

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA)

Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA)




KEY REQUIREMENTS


U.S. Citizenship Required
Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid

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DUTIES:
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The primary purpose of this position is to perform routine and repetitive work in troubleshooting, repairing, overhauling, modifying, testing, and calibration, of electronic measurement equipment.
Performs routine repairs and maintenance of chassis, subassemblies, and printed circuit cards of electronic measurement equipment of limited complexity, or assists higher grade mechanics to troubleshoot, repair, overhaul, modify, test, and calibrate a variety of more complex electronic test equipment.
Uses trade tools such as wire strippers, drill, files, soldering irons and microsoldering units to remove and replace parts.
Prepares all certification paperwork required and documents work assignments using PMEL Automated Maintenance Systems (PAMS) computer.


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QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
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EXPEREINCE: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C; (e.g. WG-2602, Electronic Measurement Equipment Worker). Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which they are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.



Ability to do the work of a Electronic Measurement Equipment Worker, without more than normal supervision from the supervisor.  (SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT)



KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):  Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

Knowledge of electrical and electronic theory and construction practices of electronic measurement equipment to recognize types and sizes of resistors, capacitors, wiring, and transistors.
Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures.
Skill in using and maintaining hand tools such as drills, chassis punches, wrenches, soldering irons, and microsoldering units to remove and replace circuit parts; and operating and applying computerized automatic test equipment, oscilloscopes, signal/pulse generators, frequency counters, and voltmeters.
Ability to follow directions and work closely with others.
Ability to learn to use published technical directives and equipment specifications that outline specific alignment and calibration procedures.
Ability to use computer terminals to maintain records and document actions.


PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.  You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.





ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle.  An appropriate, valid driver's license may be required for the position.
Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and/or overtime.
This work may require some exposure to work under adverse environmental conditions.
Incumbent maybe required to take part in mobility exercises and contingency operations.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
This position is designated as a KEY position.
Color Vision - Normal color vision as defined in AFI 48-123, Medical Examination and Standards.

[Tolerance]

Is the pay cut justified by increased benefits?

Better vacation, holidays, sick leave and retirement?

Will work conditions or recourse with HR be better as a Civil Service employee?

Job security is better? Not sure about this, since wasn't this civil service then contract and now civil service again?

[ZZ]

Wow...that's considerably lower than the current contractor pays no matter how you cut it. Good luck filling (or keeping people in) those slots.

[yonker08]

As you can see nothing in the government is for sure. It seems they want to push the envelop on the "worker" classification so they can keep the pay low. I retired from an Army depot where they had helpers and workers and their duty responsibilities were always less than journeymen levels. They really didn't sign off on any final product. 

[USMCPMEL]

I would think for those prices the only people they would get would be newbees fresh out of the service??

[StoneColdK]

Either newbees or retirees. Retirees would be the only ones that may actually be able to afford to live out here with the civil service pay.