Anyone here work for MDC/USACE?

[MrGiggles]

I seem to recall that there a couple on here that did.

I've been feeling increasingly burnt out lately. 8 months without a day off will do that you I guess. This job is not worth it anymore, wouldn't be worth it for twice the pay. 

I'm an operator, and the lead mechanic at a large cattle operation. Been doing it since summer of 2010 when I was in high school. Was supposed to just be a temporary job while in college, but didn't end up staying that way. I do okay, there are good parts of the job and bad parts, my commute is about 5 steps, housing is provided, I'm home every night, there is never a shortage of work, but there are no benefits, it's hard on the body, and there is nowhere else to go from here, I am as high as I will get.

I have an associate's in Automotive from OTC. I knew I didn't want to be a mechanic quite a while before graduation, but decided to finish what I started anyway and have something to show for it. I went back to school briefly and have maybe 1/4 of a bachelors in mechanical engineering. Gave up on it when tuition and scheduling became an issue, there aren't any night classes for that program, and tuition is close to $500 a credit hour. About the only way to accomplish it would be to take 3 years off of work and only go to school, which is not in the cards. 

I have split tractors, done engine rebuilds, HVAC work, electric diag and repair, hydraulics, a lot of things. Very seldom do I send something away for outside repair, only when my work load is too large and we need it. Some experience with heavy equipment, undercarriage work, hydraulic repairs, cooling systems, etc. 

I have 1000s of hours in the skid steer, more than that in tractors. Minimal experience with a dozer and excavator, but some. A lot of experience driving a single axle dump truck, but I do not have a CDL, although it would not be an issue to get. 

I can stick and wire weld, have a lot of experience fabbing and building cattle working facilities. I do not have any welding certifications to back that up. I don't enjoy that type of work and wouldn't want a position where that is the primary focus.

Wrench even said he would hire me once, he may have revoked it, but still. 

I have a clean driving record, just turned 28, healthy, not married, no kids, will pass a drug test with flying colors. 

I have been looking at different positions, I know a young lady that is a fisheries tech at Lost Valley in Warsaw. It sounds like a dream job, but I don't know that a hayseed like me would ever stand a chance at getting in. I figured that there is probably a long line of people with relevant degrees and internship experience waiting for that one to open up.

Government jobs appeal to me the most because of the benefits, I am not getting any younger and don't want to neglect my body any more. Plus the tuition assistance that many offer might open the door to college again. 

I suspect that a lot of these jobs are filled internally and are never posted, knowing someone on the inside is probably best, is that correct?

The time to look was probably a couple months ago before unemployment ran out, now everybody is looking.

 

[oneshot]

MDC has a list of Jobs with qualifications. Most I seen were wanting Agricultural Field but they I’m sure need Equipment Taken care of.

oneshot

[Dutch]

7 minutes ago, MrGiggles said:

I seem to recall that there a couple on here that did.

I've been feeling increasingly burnt out lately. 8 months without a day off will do that you I guess. This job is not worth it anymore, wouldn't be worth it for twice the pay. 

I'm an operator, and the lead mechanic at a large cattle operation. Been doing it since summer of 2010 since I was in high school. Was supposed to just be a temporary job while in college, but didn't end up staying that way. I do okay, there are good parts of the job and bad parts, my commute is about 5 steps, housing is provided, I'm home every night, there is never a shortage of work, but there are no benefits, it's hard on the body, and there is nowhere else to go from here, I am as high as I will get.

I have an associate's in Automotive from OTC. I knew I didn't want to be a mechanic quite a while before graduation, but decided to finish what I started anyway and have something to show for it. I went back to school briefly and have maybe 1/4 of a bachelors in mechanical engineering. Gave up on it when tuition and scheduling became an issue, there aren't any night classes for that program, and tuition is close to $500 a credit hour. About the only way to accomplish it would be to take 3 years off of work and only go to school, which is not in the cards. 

I have split tractors, done engine rebuilds, HVAC work, electric diag and repair, hydraulics, a lot of things. Very seldom do I send something away for outside repair, only when my work load is too large and we need it. Some experience with heavy equipment, undercarriage work, hydraulic repairs, cooling systems, etc. 

I have 1000s of hours in the skid steer, more than that in tractors. Minimal experience with a dozer and excavator, but some. A lot of experience driving a single axle dump truck, but I do not have a CDL, although it would not be an issue to get. 

I can stick and wire weld, have a lot of experience fabbing and building cattle working facilities. I do not have any welding certifications to back that up. I don't enjoy that type of work and wouldn't want a position where that is the primary focus.

Wrench even said he would hire me once, he may have revoked it, but still. 

I have a clean driving record, just turned 28, healthy, not married, no kids, will pass a drug test with flying colors. 

I have been looking at different positions, I know a young lady that is a fisheries tech at Lost Valley in Warsaw. It sounds like a dream job, but I don't know that a hayseed like me would ever stand a chance at getting in. I figured that there is probably a long line of people with relevant degrees and internship experience waiting for that one to open up.

Government jobs appeal to me the most because of the benefits, I am not getting any younger and don't want to neglect my body any more. Plus the tuition assistance that many offer might open the door to college again. 

I suspect that a lot of these jobs are filled internally and are never posted, knowing someone on the inside is probably best, is that correct?

The time to look was probably a couple months ago before unemployment ran out, now everybody is looking.

 

We have one that I know of who works for the USACE and I’m pretty sure one used tp work for MDC.  I spent quite a bit of time in the farming industry so I have an inkling of what you are talking about.  Good luck on your quest.

[MrGiggles]

1 minute ago, Dutch said:

We have one that I know of who works for the USACE and I’m pretty sure one used tp work for MDC.  I spent quite a bit of time in the farming industry so I have an inkling of what you are talking about.  Good luck on your quest.

Thanks. 

Ag seems to be a losing proposition in all fronts. Your profits are dictated by things out of your control, mainly the weather and the corporations that buy your product. Similar corporations supply your inputs, the game is rigged is against you. Better be extremely passionate about it, that will be the only thing driving you.

[MrGiggles]

7 minutes ago, oneshot said:

MDC has a list of Jobs with qualifications. Most I seen were wanting Agricultural Field but they I’m sure need Equipment Taken care of.

oneshot

I have been checking. There are some openings, but only temporary ones with no benefits. There would be no point in taking one of those.

[tjm]

You looked here ? https://jobs.mdc.mo.gov/

And followed all the links? what about this? https://jobs.mdc.mo.gov/job/Eminence-Equipment-Shop-Technician-MO-654669714/719643000/

Most guys start hourly as - https://mdc12.mdc.mo.gov/applications/recruitment/Recruitment.aspx?strRoute=x/

 

[MrGiggles]

9 minutes ago, tjm said:

You looked here ? https://jobs.mdc.mo.gov/

And followed all the links? what about this? https://jobs.mdc.mo.gov/job/Eminence-Equipment-Shop-Technician-MO-654669714/719643000/

Most guys start hourly as - https://mdc12.mdc.mo.gov/applications/recruitment/Recruitment.aspx?strRoute=x/

 

Yep. Have alerts set up too.

Eminence is a long ways from me. The fisheries tech position in Branson is appealing, but again, too far to commute.

 

[tjm]

Aha, I thought you were looking for new work, in my 72 years that has always meant leaving home. In fact the old folks had a saying when someone  left the house, "Write when you find work, won't ya?" 

If you are stuck in a place, just look for local ads, I'm sorry I butted in.

[MrGiggles]

8 minutes ago, tjm said:

Aha, I thought you were looking for new work, in my 72 years that has always meant leaving home. In fact the old folks had a saying when someone  left the house, "Write when you find work, won't ya?" 

If you are stuck in a place, just look for local ads, I'm sorry I butted in.

Don't be, all input is appreciated.

I'd prefer to stay where I'm living now, especially if going for a temporary position which may not pan out. I have connections here that would allow an easy fall back if needed. I am not necessarily stuck here, but am not ready to throw caution into the wind and pack up for a temporary position.

I have my own place at the farm, if I quit, would need to pay rent, but staying shouldn't be a big deal for a while anyway.

I don't mind a commute up to an hour an hour or so, that would put locations like Clinton, Bolivar, Nevada, Camdenton, Hermitage area, Stockton, Warsaw, all on the table.

[oneshot]

1 hour ago, MrGiggles said:

I have been checking. There are some openings, but only temporary ones with no benefits. There would be no point in taking one of those.

Yes I worked Temporarily.

My wife did OTC for Computers she also went to school in Medical Field. She finally found a Job she likes with DHS.

Me I worked for a few years as Supervisor and Seedsman but because I didn’t have classes needed I didn’t make top pay. Thing is I already knew the job. But it was a great Job for the fact I could work the hours I wanted.

Could have went to work at the State Hospital in Mt. Vernon but I wasn’t wanting to move down here than I’ll be dang if I didn’t move here. LOL 

oneshot