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Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / Inspector job in Alaska. Request for info
- - By awspartb (***) Date 01-14-2008 20:33
I may have a job offer to work as inspector in AK, pipeline work way out in the wilderness.
I'm a new CWI who has yet to work in the inspection field.  I'm an experienced welder and have worked in polar regions for the federal govenment so the weather is not a concern.  I've been in the welding trade for over 20 years and feel this would be a great way to break into the field.

I would appreciate any opinions on what to expect in a wilderness job location in AK.  What would be the minimum salary requirments for such a job, first hand experiences working in the wilderness, field camps, per diem, clothing allowances, meals,  work schedules, etc.

Also, are there any Pipefitter or Boilermaker trade union inspectors out there?  I know some inspectors insist on working under a union contract and would be curious to know how you go about negotiating this.  Or how you negotiate payscale and benefits. Do you work hourly or salary?  

Any help appreciated.  Please PM with details if you don't wish to post on the open forum.  I really could use some advice before I make such a big move.

Thanks
Parent - By webbcity (***) Date 01-14-2008 20:41
awspartb , e-mail me . good luck . willie
Parent - - By waynekoe (**) Date 01-14-2008 20:46
I would need to know who the job is with so I could better define the conditions you'll be facing. If your talking the slope, then conditions should be quite civilized. But, conditions out in the bush very wildly, from crappy to living hell. It's all going to depend on where your going and for who. As for wages, you should discuss that with the people who offered you the job. Per diem, clothes allowance??????? Work schedules are about the same for any bush job-7/12s So send more info!!!
Parent - - By awspartb (***) Date 01-14-2008 20:53 Edited 01-14-2008 20:59
I'm going to the interview in couple of weeks.  Just trying to get a heads up on what to expect.  I'll post more info when I get it but please post any personal experiences and areas you've worked.  The job lists it as a long term pipeline inspection project.

I've never worked in an Alaskan field camp so please be patient with my questions. I worked as a welder for federal government polar research projects many years ago and they provided all the cold weather gear and meals.  That's why I'm asking questions about what to expect. Thanks.
Parent - By waynekoe (**) Date 01-14-2008 21:25
Then most likely its on the slope. The last offer I received was 475.00 a day, 7/12s 6weeks on, 2 weeks off or 2 and 2. Camps are good, food is great, generally 2 to a room. Everything you need is there, and alot of stuff you don't-like politics. It's not a bad gig if you don't mind being away from home. But, I have this thing about sleeping in my own bed next to my wife every night, and have had my share of camp jobs. I,ve been housed in peoples houses and in state DOT storage sheds and have had to pack my own groceries for a weeks stay. Weather will always play a big part in what you do. Its not unusual to get weathered in for 3-4 days trying to get a flight, in or out. Its not unusual to have to take three different puddle jumpers to get into the job, but, Alaska isn't your usual place and its' not for whimps. The things you'll see and do will blow your freakin' mind. I'd say the most important thing you could bring would be your sence of adventure. Three things you can always count on having up here is rain, snow, and mosqitoes. So, good luck, and enjoy yourself. You won't regret it.
Parent - - By CWI555 (*****) Date 01-15-2008 13:10
awspartb

waynekoe has spoken truely and reflects some of my own experiences. However; I would add that I've also worked a couple of those polar research projects years ago albeit briefly. (1 month) syowa and mcmurdo areas to be exact. Alaska is a different animal, the only thing the polar services will have prepared you for is the dark/light depending on what time of year it is, and the cold. The people working the Alaska slopes and fields are a breed in and of themselves, and generally speaking, it will leave a mark on you. Whether that is a good or bad thing will be totally up to you. Keep an open mind, stay out of the politics, and keep your family and personal life out of public view and you'll likely do well.
As for pay, there are idiots who go up there for low dollar because they don't know any better, so don't get offended if one of them cuts you out of the job, if the company your interviewing for is worth working for, they'll be fair to you and won't be taking on any of those people. Fair being at least 450 a day, and good pay being 500 and up a day with rotation expenses covered. I do suggest you get allowances written into your contract for delays getting in and out on your rotation if you if can. You'll likely burn the better part of a week of your rotation just on that. Do read your contract very carefully.

my two cents worth,
Gerald
Parent - - By awspartb (***) Date 01-15-2008 13:34
thanks for the info.  I really appreciate it.  Please keep the comments coming.
Parent - By Pipeslayer (**) Date 01-15-2008 15:15
How does someone from the southeast find out more about these kind of opportunities?
Parent - - By Bob Garner (***) Date 01-15-2008 16:15
I worked on a hydroelectric project up there.  The first workers on the site were the surveyors.  Each surveyor carried a sidearm to protect themselves from bears.  The mosquitos are miserable.  The long nights and the long days will try to make you crazy.  Some of my best friends were Native Americans, I believe of the Tlingit peoples.  That's all I have to add.

Bob G.
Parent - - By awspartb (***) Date 01-15-2008 22:10
I've been to alaska three times but only as a tourist.  I've been to the Yukon down to Kodiak.  Total of about 5 weeks over three trips.  The natives are very interesting people but the drinking is a sad thing. 

Any other first hand experiences working in AK in the welding or Inspection field would be greatly appreciated.  I'm trying to get all the info I can as I love to hunt and fish.
Parent - - By webbcity (***) Date 01-16-2008 02:05
awsbartb , did you get my e-mail ? if it went thru i'll send more info . good luck . willie
Parent - - By awspartb (***) Date 01-16-2008 02:34
YEs, thank you VERY much for the info.  I'll know more when I go to the interview and I'm sure I'll have lots of questions.  Please send more info.  Thanks.
Parent - By dbigkahunna (****) Date 01-16-2008 13:23
Be sure you are VERY clear in understanding how and what will be paid for your travel. If you live in the lower 48 and the company is not willing to start and stop your pay form Seattle or LA then do not walk, run away from them. They throw the 7-12 pay and how you can make as much in 6 months as you do in 12. But figure the hours you work then figure the travel hours on your nickel. I have deep respect for those who work up there, but unless you are from there or are willing to re-locate up there, to me the downside is not worth it. There is as good or better $$$ in the lower 48 than up there. But Fords and Chevys.
If you go, good luck! 
Parent - By webbcity (***) Date 01-16-2008 16:30
awsparb , since that worked i'll send some web pages they may interest you . good luck . willie
Parent - By CWI555 (*****) Date 01-16-2008 23:02
I think they needed the sidearms for the mosquitos.
Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / Inspector job in Alaska. Request for info

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