jwalker

It's called a flame pack because there is a small flame inside the hand piece. It's more of a "sniffer". You wave the wand over the gas lines and it "sniffs" out leaks. The flame is not dangerous. It just part of what make the unit be able to sniff.

Flame pack is handheld, 6lbs. Tank to recharge flame pack, 50-ish lbs. (tank stays in your vehicle, you don't carry it).

You work where the maps they give you tell you. Sometimes they are in bad parts of town, sometimes in the country.

You generally walk 2-5 miles a day (sometimes shorter, sometimes longer). The walking is not usually continual, but it really depends on the map you have for the day and how many leaks you find.

John Beale...

The normal everyday tools you use to do the job do not require much lifting. However, you do need to be able to lift the charging cylinder into and out of your vehicle when it needs to be recharged. It weighs about 40 lbs. If you have trouble with that amount of weight, you could always ask someone to help you lift it.

Air-Quarius...

Although having a truck might be a bit easier to use, it is not a requirement for the job. Most everyone I worked with had cars or SUV's. I always found cars and SUV's easier to work out if because you had somewhere to put all your tools where you could lock them up. Some people used pickups but they had a cover over the bed that they could lock.

An RV is not required but you won't make enough per diem to pay for a place to stay (hotel, motel, etc) if you don't already have an RV to live in. Thus why these jobs are good for RV'ers. You could go to them just with your truck if the job was close enough so you could get back home at night... and not use to much gas getting to and from job site and "home". SCC will not pay over a certain amount for your fuel, so you need to be as close as possible to where you are working in order for it not to cost you money to work.

For both of you...

The main thing with SCC is you have to hound them to get a job there. If you just fill out the paperwork and wait for them to contact you, you'll be sitting there till the end of time.

If you are interested, fill all paperwork, then keep calling till they give you a firm yay or nay.

If you drop the ball, they will not pick it up!

+1 in agreement with bobsea's post above.

Everything you need to know about getting hired and working for SCC is in this thread. Take some time to read through it and you'll find the answers you seek.

I am very confussed still...from reading thru the post it looks like the money is good with the perdiem..and they pay for relocation..You have cost for gas going to work pretty much anywhere you work... Do you use this job for your soul support? And do you work alone or with both of you full time..

We also were looking forward to one day working together at SCC

delsorp...

Your statement "looks like the money is good" is arbitrary. What may seem "good" to you may not be good for others. All of us have different needs as far as compensation is concerned.

They do not pay for "relocation". They pay you a set rate per mile for fuel to travel to the city you will be working in. If you don't use all of what they give you, you can keep it. If you do use all of it or go over, you are at a loss.

The cost of gas while you are working is a set rate. Again, if you are able to stay within that, you are ok. If not, you lose. One should keep in mind, the "fuel allowance" is for more than fuel. It includes upkeep and the extra insurance you have to pay to drive your personal vehicle for business purposes. In this case, most of the time what they give you will not cover your expenses. You can get close, but will most likely pay out more than you get to offset the total vehicle costs.

Some people use this job for their sole support. Some use it as something to do.

We worked both full time. But as I already wrote in my post above, we drove 2 cars and/or rented an extra car to be able to do that. On the CA job, the cost of a rental was no problem. On a regular job, we wouldn't be able to have done this. We would have ended up paying them to work!

Again, for the 9000th time... if you want to work for then as a husband/wife/ team either full or part-time, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WORK TOGETHER IN THE SAME CAR!!! You will have to have 2 SEPARATE WORK VEHICLES PLUS YOUR RV!

If another job like the CA one comes up, and you get sent there, then maybe you can rent a car for the 2nd one. But on a regular job, you would only clear about $500 a week. And that includes all pay, per deim and fuel allowance working a 50 hour week! A rental car will cost you at least that much, thus really not feasible on a regular job. You'd be working just to pay for the rental.

The posts in this thread are quite comprehensive and explain fully what it is like to work for SCC. Anyone coming here to find info should go back, read the entire thread, and most, if not all your questions should be answered.

Hi JWalker.....I have one real good question.....how can you work out of seperate cars when you only have one tow vehicle attached to your RV?????? do they expect you to buy another one when you get to where your going to be working??????......and I understand about the money aspect....but sometimes in life their is a trade off to get a different life style.....etc...anyway thanks for all your time and information and answers.....have ah good one

 

Susan

sperrymail2@yahoo.com

Well Susan... I have some good answers for you

In our case, in the beginning, we traveled with an additional car, i.e., RV towing one car and one of us driving a 2nd car following. Our 2nd car was a Honda Insight hybrid so, the additional gas to bring a 2nd car to and from the worksites wasn't too much of an issue (these cars get 50 mpg)

Btw, along our travels, we met many RVer's who did the same thing. Especially people towing 5th wheels. The 2nd vehicle was usually for the female spouse who didn't work and didn't want to be stuck at the campground all day while her husband worked or were uncomfortable driving a big ol' truck. (many older women still will not even consider driving a pickup truck)

After the 1st year, we were sent to the famous CA job to start our 2nd year work. (it is famous because the pay on that job was nowhere near what SCC usually paid) We had already decided not to bring along 2 cars because we no longer wanted to drive separately.

In the beginning of the CA job, we were allowed to work out of the same car. That lasted about 2 months. Then they decided we could no longer do that. So, since the pay was so good, we decided it would benefit us to go ahead and rent a car for one of us to work out of while the other one worked out of our tow vehicle. As long as we both got full pay, we were still able to clear a huge chunk of change even with having to pay out $500 extra a month for a rental car.

There were other husband/wife teams on that job. They did the same thing...paid for a rental car, although some did actually buy a used car while they were there, then sold it when the job was finished.

The CA job was not a normal SCC job. The pay was 5 times higher than what they regularly pay. On a normal SCC job, you would not even come close to being able to pay for a rental without losing money.

Also, one big bone of contention with quite a few people who are no longer with SCC was when fuel prices started to skyrocket, SCC refused to up the vehicle allowance pay. And, as we all know, when gas prices went up, so did most everything else (such as campground fees and things like that). SCC refused to up the hourly pay or per diem to compensate for the higher living expenses. So, a lot of people just moved on to other things instead of continually fighting for pay commensurate with the costs they were encountering. The people that stayed were the ones that were working there mostly for something to do and not because they need the money to survive. (they all had some sort of other money coming in, such as retirement pension, etc.)

Bottom line is, if you want to do a job, any job, it is your responsibility to figure out a way to get the job done. The employer's responsibility is to tell you want they want done and how much they are going to pay you to do it.

If it's not economically feasible for you to do the required job for the offered pay, then you shouldn't take the job.

Would like to know if husband and wife could both work for SSC at the same time and same location..What is the odds you can work year round? We would need this for our soul income to live on and pay a rv payment...We have entertained this ideal along time and think we will be ready spring of 2011. We are looking for work that will totally support us.

I know this post is old, but just came back to find it here. For some reason I haven't been getting my notifications.

Anyway, here are the answers to your questions...

Yes, husband and wife teams can work together if there is enough work in the area where they send you. You can request to work sites with enough for the 2 of you.

However, you must work out of separate cars. You will not be riding around together in one car.

On rare occasions (VERY rare) they may have some transmission line work where you both can work out of the same vehicle, but even then, only one person will be paid full pay. The other one will get $6 hr, no per diem or fuel allowance.

There have been instances where they let 2 techs ride in one vehicle, but that is usually when there is work in very bad neighborhoods and it is otherwise unsafe for only 1 tech to do the work.

Yes, you can work year round. Just let them know you want to work year round and they will try to find work for you all year.

In previous posts, I've answered your questions about what you can expect to make. You can go back and read those posts to find the rest of the info you need.

I just received a call from a front person who was responding to my application. She is sending a test via email, that should be followed up by a supervisor if I pass the test.

 

Question is, will is be worthwhile for me to travel to Georgia from California for the training? It will cost me almost $700 in diesel fuel just to get there.

 

And then only $92 per week for using my own vehicle during the week for transportation.

 

It sounded like a good idea when I applied.

 

Any answers from those who are working for Southern Cross?

You don't have to come to GA for training. They can train you other places closer to where you are. They are supposed to pay for your transport to the training place anyway (at least a minimal amount). They've got tons of people in CA right now and many others in the western US that could train you.

You have to be VERY persistent when it comes to these things. If they (SCC) think you don't know about the paid transport or training in other, closer places, they won't say anything to you about it.

This is one of the reasons we decided to look for work elsewhere. A lot of people get perks there that others don't get because if you don't say something about getting them, SCC won't tell you your eligible. Cheaper for them to say nothing and only give to the ones who know they should be paid for such things.

FYI, if you pass the training, you can plan to make the equivalent of about $15 an hour (wage, vehicle allowance, and per diem combined) Of course, then you must subtract your expenses (mostly fuel) from that to get your final number.

What kind of test are they emailing you?

Thanks. I have applied to them, faxed in my paperwork, background check info, etc etc and have heard nothing. Ive followed up a couple of times but still no answer. Im 58 Y/O, been out of work a looong time, much of the reason Im not working, besides economy, I feel is due to my age. 2-3 years ago I could get a job in a couple weeks, even had people calling me to work, now everytime I interview I get the distinct impression from interviewer, once they see/know my age, Im too old. Im not a fat, out of shape 58 YO, Ive even taken to sending pictures of myself w/applications to show people that, none the less, here I am still unemployed. Im thinking its probably the same with SC. Maybe I will contact them again next week anyway, thanks for the info.

Walt

Walt,

You obviously don't know much about SCC and the people they hire to do gas line work. Probably 85% of the people that work as gas line techs for them are over 65. I worked with people that were in their late 70's!

They advertise on Workamper.com, whose main demographic is retired folks who travel in RV's.

It is well known that you have to pester SCC constantly to get them to do anything. Go back and read this entire thread. It will tell you exactly what to expect and how to get them to respond to you.

In short, you will have to hound the crap out of them. They are very lax on calling people back even if they are in need of workers. And I know for sure they are in dire need of workers at the moment.

Just FYI...One thing that will keep them from hiring you is bad handwriting. That's why they have you fill out the application on paper and send it to them. So they can see if your handwriting is legible.

Whats up with Southern Cross lately? Anybody heard if they may be having any work out on the west coast?

Thanks

Call them. They are hiring for California

Husband emailed me the link to this thread and it has me considering. However, we have two small children (ages 5 and almost 1 yr) with another due next month. The idea of being able to work and travel really appeals to me. Are there any parents of younger children on here that could answer some questions for me?

Thanks!

I don't have young kids but have many RV'ing friends that do traveling jobs with their small children in tow (no pun intended).

I could probably answer some questions for you. You're welcome to post them here or email me directly at:

janree at aol dot com

(of course remove the words "at" and "dot" and insert the proper symbols before sending )

Bob

 

I recently bought my rig and am looking for a workamping job now, hadn't thought of something like this till I saw your post. still with them? happy? was curious if anyone took your advice and joined the company and how it worked out.

 

Bill

Bill,

FYI, the OP (Bob Arnold) seems to have long ago forgotten this thread, so I doubt you will get a response from him.

My suggestion to you would be to read this entire thread from the beginning. Most anything you will want to know will probably have already been asked and answered.

I used to work for SCC. All the info in this thread still applies, good and bad. Nothing much has changed with how they do things there, what the job is like, and the pay. All phone numbers and website are still correct for contacting the company and you will still have to hound them to get a return phone call. Everyone does so I think they expect to be hounded.

If you have a question that hasn't been covered in this thread, feel free to ask. There are people still following it that currently work there, and I'm sure they will be happy to help answer any questions you have.

doggirl... I wouldn't sweat it (no pun intended)...The Ca work is supposed to come to an end in a few months. Key words are "supposed to". You never know tho.

Good Luck!

Did someone say that they hire helpers also? If so,can you give more details about being a helper? I checked out the SCC site and didn`t see anything about being a helper. My legs will no longer handle all that walking part but if there was another job available I would be interested. Thank you.

 

Carl

Sorry Carl. They do not hire helpers.

What you may have seen was someone talking about transmission line work. In some cases they have paid a female spouse about minimum wage, to help "car ferry" their technician husband on long transmission line runs.

I have hired on with Southern Cross as of April 13th. I m enroute to Norcross GA as I speak. Training begins April 21. I applied to both Southern Cross and Heath Ind. after Filling out apps and sending them in I contacted both company reps and followed up as instructed. Heath told me that for the first time in a long time, they had no openings for travelers. Southern Cross worked with my time frame and was straight forward during the whole process. if you're still interested contact Kelcy Faulk and tell her Barney Fife reccomended her. Barney

Hey Barnstormers... do you have a report for us as to how it's going with SCC?

I'm currently in the lagrange,ga area and i'm looking for ajob... my husband is on the verge of getting laid off due to hisjob going under>>> 10 yrs and now he's getting laid off!

 

anywho.. i was wondering do they give you a choice where you'll get ot wrok or do they just assign u to a place?

 

As a fulltime rv/worker whats an estimate income for someone like that? i was thinking of just me owrking and letting hubby collect a bit until i got the hang of it then seeing if he would join me later!

thanks for all the great info!

They don't give you much choice but you can ask for a list of places they have to go and try to pick one you like. Sometimes you get it, sometimes not.

Estimate, if you work 50 hours weeks, you would probably be able to clear $500 a week, maybe more depending on where you are assigned. If you go to CA, you will make more. But your gas expense would come out of that.

I don't know where the OP has gotten to. He seems to be MIA. I used to work for SCC.

The Yuma Sun just had an ad running for Heath stating starting salary $12/hour; benefit package including 401k; $196 weekly per diem; .505 per survey mile using personal vehicle; paid travel time between locations. A good driving record is required and job requires travel throughout the West coast. Length of stay varies from several days to 8 months. The ad further states "Ideal for people with motorhomes!" so it sounds like they are actively seeking RVers. Heath is headquartered in Tucson and accepts a downloadable application via fax or mail, obtainable at: heathus.com

Not to step on anyone's toes here, but...

The OP's original intent was for this thread to be about Southern Cross so he could get referral credit.

Let's not hijack the thread and start posting information about how to get hired with another company.

deleted double post

I am a new member to this forum, but a returning member to the Escapees.

 

This is a very interesting thread.

 

Up until last week I was working as a Land/ROW Agent for a proposed natural gas pipeline. THey have not received their FERC certificate yet, so I was let go. I will probably be rehired in a few months if the certificate goes through; that is, if I don't find another pipeline project to go to.

 

Pipeline pay is usually very good. Per diem (non-taxable) and mileage, plus you usually get paid for cell phone usage & computer usage (if they don't provide a computer & you use your own computer)

 

In the meantime it's good to know there are other options out there. I'm saving all this information.

MeasureMe...

DO NOT expect to get paid anywhere near the amount you are paid for the other job you mentioned. That would include both regular pay and per diem. Neither Heath nor SCC will pay as well. Also, although you will be given a company provided cell phone to use, that is all it can be used for. If you are out in a place where the company cell doesn't work, you have to use your own phone and will not be reimbursed.

No reimbursement for computer in any way. (unless you are a Project Supervisor/Manager)

shergry is correct in that Heath is more for people who want/need to work year round, full time. You can do the same thing with SCC if you want, but if you only want to work part of the year, you can do that more easily with SCC.

Total pay with SCC (based on a 40 hour week, including all per diem, vehicle allowance, mileage reimbursement) will be in the $500 a week range, before taxes on wages.

Pay with Heath, based on the same parameters, will be around $650 per week before taxes.

Keep in mind the above figures I listed are approximate. They could vary depending on certain other factors.

The big thing to keep in mind though, with both companies, is the wear and tear and fuel it takes to use your vehicle to work out of everyday. Both amounts listed above sound pretty good, especially for a "workamper" job. And they are good paying jobs. But you should realize about 1/3 of what you get per week will be going to pay for gas, up keep on your vehicle, and paying for your campsite.

We used to work for SCC so that is how we know the specifics about them. We had inquired about working for Heath and that is why we know some about what they do and require.

Though we no longer work for SCC, we did like the actual work and the exercise.

If anyone on this thread fills out an application with SCC, be sure to put Bob Arnold on your application in the blank where it asks "where you found out about SCC", so he will get the referral credit, since he is the one who started this thread.

Good Luck!

Working those 50 and 60 hours weeks while you are on the CA job will be your friend (or your bank accounts friend) once you are sent some place else, and your wages reduced.

Bob,

Chuck did the survey in Brownsville last year. It was set for 25 working days then too but ended up being almost 3 months, with some propane added onto the end. Just FYI.

I have an RV park in the Brownsville area I can recommend for you if you haven't already found one you like. It's Joy-O. Very nice people and the price was reasonable.

Regards,