Marshall Islands Firefighter Contract

[sterngrove]

I was writing to get some information on a firefighter contract with the Marshall Islands. I've recently applied for a Firefighter/EMT position and also for the Lieutenant position. I have seven years of experience and all the IFSAC certifications necessary. I am currently a GS 7 with a federal department and am looking into an opportunity like the Kwajalein Atoll contract, but would like some background information from some of you contracting vets.

What is the pay? I have read on this site where someone said $9 an hour, but that was a few years ago. What are they paying now hourly/yearly salary. If you only know the hourly amount, what are the pay period hours and how many pay periods? I'm a GS 7 making $62k a year now so I'd like to find a good contract making similar pay.

What is the island life like and how are the living conditions? I understand that it is isolated, but are there still opportunities to have fun, specifically, meet women? These are not pre-conditions by any means, but I'm just trying to form a better general impression. Thanks for your time gents.

[emtguy625]

Question.. why are you looking to leave your GS-7, 62k job for the contract world?

[sterngrove]

Right now I'm just applying to attain information regarding the different contracts currently out there; that's also why I posted on here so I could get some insight from some guys who have been to these places recently. My GS-7 job pays well and having a job in this economy is a blessing, but there are BRAC rumors circling my base and if I'm gonna have to uproot my life because of a RIF or BRAC, I'd like to go for some good cash, a good experience and possibly keep doing it to see some of the world.

[GIFD01]

I just completed 20 years as a federal firefighter, the last 15 as a GS-9 and I can tell you that I never felt secure in my job. I just kept plugging away and eventually got the 20. If you get bracced you'll get put on the stopper list and if you are willing to move, you'll probably get placed. Hang in there...

[sterngrove]

Thanks for the insight. If you don't mind me asking, how'd ya get out after 20?

[SCIBR10]

DOD FF under CSRS is 20 at 50. Under FERS, its also 20 at 50 or 25 a any age. Just retired myself with FFD back in 09 with 30 years. Always concerned about Brac and so forth, but just kept working and thinking about my 20, then my 30 year mark. GS-7, Step 9. At least you are a step ahead with DOD certs in hand.

[firedawwg737]

If you're still interested, FF/EMT starts at $12.50/hr, and Lt starts at $14.12/hr. Don't know about the EMT's, but as a Lt, I averaged about 225 hours per 2 week pay period. Anything over 80 is considered OT, but there is no time and a half, it's all straight pay. That said, you get foreign income tax exclusing up to $96,500 (I think) as long as you spend more than 330 days outside of the states.

[lemarquis]

I have a few questions about the contract jobs offered by KRS on the Marshall Islands.

First, what type of security clearance is required? A simple background check, NAC, or Secret Clearance?

Second, I noticed that the age restriction of 37 years has been removed from the recent job postings at KRS - Job Opportunities. Does this mean that someone older than 37y is eligible to apply?

[eab943]

After I got out of the USAF I worked at Kwajalein back in 1986-87 as a FF/EMT on Roi-Namur. I retired after a 23 year career with a stateside dept finishing up as a fire Inspector this past December 2011. The job situation here is TERRIBLE. I see there is a Fire Inspector position listed on the KRS website. Can any one enlighten me on the fire prevention opening there?

[Gaven32]

I hope to be more than I am in my current field. I am a firefighter, but I want to be a Pump Operator and Promoted to a Leadership role in Making more decisions and Creating more of a Brotherhood.
aged care Toowoomba

[philfirerescue]

Why the link?