Dozers, Backhoes, Graders, logging trucks, snowcats etc

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Originally Posted by BFD

In my 15 years of working heavy construction I didn't see this. I worked for superintendents I liked. A good super puts together a crew that works well together. I spent around a dozen years with the same crew. No one ever got hurt on our jobs. Although I haven't worked construction out of the hall for 5 years my old bosses still call every spring to see what I am doing. Yes it can get pretty old running fill cat for 20 years. If your good at it and with a good company they will put you in good equipment as they know you will make them money with it. I take pride in the jobs I have done and enjoy driving down a road and telling my kids I built it.
to the OP. I wasn't thinking of highway trucking. I was thinking of other options, such as snow removal, landscaping,small construction outfits. One of the key people on a construction crew is the laborer. Someone with a CDL that can drive the water truck or feul truck when needed. Most important thing is to get out there somehow and build experience and connections.

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Well Sir, you have had a very charmed life. You were on the same crew for 12 years? Ive worked for easily 30-40 different companies in 5 different states. I ran mainline excavator for Mid-Mountain, 25 deep down the middle of Sammamish blvd, utility crossings every 5 feet, My super figured I was the dude. The next company I worked for told me I should probably stay off the excavator, I wasnt that good. But they thought I was the best grade setter they've ever seen (I am). Im not trying to bag on your friends, my point is running heavy equipment is a very subjective trade. Some guys are amazing, they go without saying. Most people are at the same skill level and depending on whether the boss hunts and you hunt or fishes and you have a boat or you wear carharts or wranglers or if you just kiss better ass is what makes the grade. Yes there are great people in the industry and awesome crews, but "fitting in" is almost always the key, not being skilled. Thats the shit that drove me crazy. Ive been in OE 3 for 18 years and have suffered enough to make this claim without hesitation. Thank god I was smart enough to go to school, get a degree and stay in this industry in a capacity that is sustainable.

BFD are you still on a dirt crew? Your post seems past tense, wasnt that great after all, eh?

I began as a construction surveyor, working as a subcontractor to the general contractor. I realized I could make more money working as a grade checker directly for the general so I began doing that. Most supers no very little about the surveying end. The super I hooked up with realized it is beneficial to have a grade checker that can also survey. I never did fit into go to the bar after work and talk about work crowd. I worked hard, was not above laboring if that what was needed that day, communicated and worked well with the operators. Bottom line was I made the company money.
I moved to a small coastal community 8 years ago. The first year I had to travel to another area for union work. I realized I did not like being away from my family. I purchased a commercial fishing permit and became a fisherman. The first few years I worked dirt after the fishing season ended. The last 5 years fishing has begun to payoff. Now I fish and work locally as a surveyor. I did actually reinstate with the union and pay my dues up this fall. However I didn't take work. Thinking when my youngest son is gone I will get back in to build my retirement.

bump for a stack of "regret to inform you" letters in the mail yesterday.

http://images.memegenerator.net/inst...x/10308536.jpg

ugh. I'm about 98% decided on just giving up a few years to learn to drive trucks and get some experience. I mean, it's been a good run with skiing and surfing and stuff...can't have fun forever.

You should talk to Hermann Brothers, they haul chips, I think they are a little east of Sequim, and I heard they treat their drivers well.

I doubt they will hire you with no experience, but find out what they want... normally it is a year or two of hell, and you can get hired just about anywhere. You could also get your foot in the door with heavy equipment by hauling it, or delivering for a building supply company, and you will learn to drive the boom truck, the mini boom, etc... it is boom right? The deal that lifts the roofing up to the roofs?

I really hate to encourage trucking because I hate it so much, but it is one of the quickest ways to get a job that pays decent. PM if you need info.

Lie.

http://www.sanmiguelcounty.org/depar...ces/index.html


YEAR-ROUND
Road and Bridge Department
Equipment Operator - FTYR
Starting Pay: $2,957/mo;
Benefits Package
Closing Date: 10/16/2011

Performs a variety of duties associated with the operation/repair of road construction and equipment as well as the repair, maintenance and construction of County roads, bridges and right-of-ways. Previous experience required in the operation of motor graders, dozers, backhoes and trucks. Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) preferred with; flagging certification helpful. Must be able to perform strenuous manual labor. Pre-employment and random drug tests mandatory.

http://www.co.gilpin.co.us/Employmen...id%20Waste.pdf

nice, those are both awesome...thanks.

One more. Wish I was this good at finding jobs for myself.

http://www.telluride-co.gov/index.aspx?page=216

Yetiman, I might possibly have an opening for someone to press skis in a month or two, if you're interested. It's a steep learning curve in which even the best fuck shit up, so you have to have presence of mind to an exceptional degree. Lemme know, bro.

ok thanks, I'll be in touch if nothing works out here.

I just had a 2nd interview for a real job and I'm kind of scraping by getting a shift here and there at 2 different places and working toward generating some income teching skis. Trying to just keep hustling and rustling here and hoping not to have to move.

edit: never mind that 2nd interview. :(

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Originally Posted by jonesy

Otherwise be prepared to get fucked over in ways you never thought possible.

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This always crosses my mind whenever yet another astonishing situation is brewing. It's true, I never could have imagined some of the shit that goes on.