NukeWorker Forum
Career Path => Getting in => Topic started by: RyanPease on Feb 26, 2012, 07:33
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Hey folks, I just had a few questions on the likelihood that I might be hired as an AO (specifically at Palo Verde) as an Air Force Power production technician... I work with diesels only and work with 5kW to 1.25 MW diesel units. High voltage experience. We run mini power plants in austere locations (Antarctica and Afghanistan for example). I have an AAS in mechanical and electrical technology. I have taken math up to calc I and chemistry II. Plan on taking physics classes and more math... still have 3a years of my enlistment. How does that look and what else do I need to do to be more competitive? Thanks in advance!
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Looks like you'd be competitive to me, and you have a good plan for bolstering your resume in the next 3 years. What it will come down to is timing and the size of the applicant pool. Good luck.
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Cool thanks for the heads up! Is there any certification I should try and get or schooling that will give me an edge?
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If you could manage turning one of your aas into a 4 year degree, that would help. And see if you can find some nuke tech classes.
Justin
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Unless you are dead set on operations, consider trying for an I&C position. We have a former AF power production tech in our shop and he does just fine. Of course his father also works in the shop, so that may have given him a slight edge.
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Yes, I have definitely considered I&C. What are hours like? Any overtime? How is the pay? I know PVNGS has a position avail for $34 an hour. Would it be advisable to apply for both positions? I think ultimately ops is the direction I would like to go in.... I think. Lol. Thanks for all the helpful tips btw!
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Apply for what you want to do. It isn't always easy to cross to other departments, but it is doable.
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As far as hours and overtime, each facility varies. I have no first hand knowledge of Palo Verde, but I do have friends working there. Even if you are dead set on operations, it still might be a good idea to explore a maintenance position. It could be easier to move from one department to the other than to get into the one you want to start with. And if you do get into maintenance vice operations, you might just come to your senses and stay there. Good luck and thank you for serving.
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Haha! Well I sense a bit of rivalry. I'll tell you what, I will definitely look into both and not be so closed minded about the whole thing. Thanks for the input and your insights!
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Haha! Well I sense a bit of rivalry. I'll tell you what, I will definitely look into both and not be so closed minded about the whole thing. Thanks for the input and your insights!
That is the best thing to do.
No rivalry here..., people need to do what they want and be happy. Period.
Justin
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still have 3a years of my enlistment. How does that look and what else do I need to do to be more competitive? Thanks in advance!
It's good that you are looking down the road! However, a lot changes in three years, (from your other posts - wages, posting/hiring cycles, etc.), based on the needs at the time! They are generally looking for someone that will be available in 30 to 60 days.
As Justin responded: Turn one of those AS's into a BS and you have several options open. By then you may have a different viewpoint, i.e., not wanting to work rotating shifts typical to OPS or wanting to persue the Electrical/Mechanical Engineering side of things.
Good luck!