Author Topic: Need some help getting a job  (Read 474 times)

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Offline Slateman

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Need some help getting a job
« Topic Start: November 09, 2011, 05:29:36 PM »
Hello all

Some of you may know me, but I'm Slate. I am currently unemployed and looking for some help in this regard.

I currently live in Fairfax, VA ). I'll give some experience and skills first.

Enlisted in the Marine Corps in May of 2007 after graduating George Mason University with bachelors in History and Psychology.

I was trained as a Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, Radiological Defense Specialist. In February of 2008, I was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment (an infantry battalion). It was made clear that while I was a CBRN guy, I was expected to do more. I was rolled in to the Operations and Training section, where I spent a lot of time "getting things done." Scheduling and coordinating training exercises and events was usually the primary job.

However, I had an officer who didn't believe in letting my CBRN knowledge fade. I was sent to the Army's Technical Escort/HAZMAT Escort course, where I was the honor graduate. Basically, it specializes in classifying and eliminating WMDs as well as HAZMAT incidents/issues. Interesting course, and got me experience in Level A and Level B suits as well as industrial type spills and confined space rescue

When I came back, I was rolled in to the Combat Operations Center. It is, essentially, the brain of the battalion. It controls, manages and analyzes information from the entire battalion, while coordinating with outside entities. On a regular basis, I was required to sort through information in a faced paced environment and ensure its accuracy. After a while, I excelled at the position and was given a billet far above my actual rank. I was routinely required to brief my commanding officers on what was going on, as well as coordinate with high ranking officers in adjacent and higher commands.

I assisted in creating new standard operating procedures and training all new personnel. Essentially, everyone who was part of the COC on my first deployment left, except for myself and my officer. We pretty much trained everyone, including the Operations Officer and Chief (O-5 and E-9) on how it worked. As a result we ended up with one of the highest evaluation grades in Marine Corps history at Exercise Mojave Viper.

I was also made the CBRN/WMD Defense Chief/Senior Instructor after my first deployment. All CBRN training and readiness fell on my shoulders. I wrote and prepared classes, created and scheduled training and was the point of contact and subject matter expert for the entire battalion.

In addition, I also became a combat marksmanship instructor. I taught over 200 Marines and Sailors, the basics of marksmanship as well as advanced marksmanship techniques. Qualified Expert on Pistol and Rifle.

Actually, being an instructor is probably my biggest strength. I ended up being the one to give DUI and sexual harassment briefs before along weekend. I'm experienced at instructing in a formal classroom setting, or out in the field in an improvised environment.

On my last deployment, to Afghanistan, I volunteered to be in a provisional rifle platoon for my battalion's main logistics base. After a month, I was made the squad leader, due to my previous squad leader's immaturity and lack of competence. Being the only non-infantryman squad leader, I got a crash course in infantry tactics. I led over hundred combat patrols and oversaw security preparations for over fifty meetings between ISAF commanders, Afghan National Army commanders, and GIROA leaders.

Security Clearance: Secret



So, now that I've wrote all that (and its a summary of my resume), I need some help.

For one, if you work in the DMV area and can help me out, I would appreciate it. Even if its just to give my resume to your manager or HR rep, every little bit helps.

If you happen to know of a position that is open and looking to hire, I would appreciate a heads up and maybe a resume bump

And finally, if you can think of anything I should look in to, any career field or even search words I can't think of, I would appreciate it too..

Why am I doing this? Because I've been out with May and had no luck and I'm getting to the point where I might be in trouble, financially, soon.

Thanks guys

Offline Vega

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Re: Need some help getting a job
« Reply #1: November 09, 2011, 05:31:55 PM »
You sound pretty badass.

Offline Obed_Marsh

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Re: Need some help getting a job
« Reply #2: November 09, 2011, 05:34:30 PM »
You can add me on LinkedIn but all jobs go through my company website. I don't think the company is a good match but I do wish you the best.

Offline MarquisDeSade

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Re: Need some help getting a job
« Reply #3: November 09, 2011, 05:37:49 PM »
A couple of points to consider:

- You have a clearance, start, if you haven't already, going to the cleared job fairs every chance you get if possible.  It would surprise you who will be there and what they're looking for
- You don't mention what you would like to do or what you've already started applying for.  Give us some ideas, it might surprise you what people on here are involved in/guide you to
- What other experience do you have outside of the military? 
- What resume format are you using? 
- What "soft" and "hard" skills are you listing on your resume?
- Are you opposed to travel? 

Offline JCA-CrystalCity

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Re: Need some help getting a job
« Reply #4: November 09, 2011, 05:39:40 PM »
I don't do hiring, and my field is legal, not technical, but several US agencies work on CBRN clean up issues.   What you may want to look into is being an On Scene Coordinator (OSCs) either for EPA, Coast Guard, or perhaps the chemical security side of DHS.  Also, I know that OSHA is involved in some chem safetry issues from the standpoint of rules and enforcement of worker safety.  My impression is there are a fair number of OSCs. I don't know the turn over rate, and whether they would require being flexible in terms of location. That said, I'd imagine that between W. Va, Va., and Md., there are a number who may operate out of this area even if their home office in Philthy or Cape May.  Sorry to say, this may mean messing with USAJobs again for you.   There are also perhaps some HQ programs coordinating the coordinators, but I'm not sure if HQ programs offer long term stability with the current budget (being a vet will give you preference in a RIF, I think).

Offline MarquisDeSade

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Re: Need some help getting a job
« Reply #5: November 09, 2011, 05:46:20 PM »
An old roommate of mine was a "cost analyst" for cleanups at Superfund sites and got to travel all over the US to exciting locals like Texarkansa and the upper peninsula of Michigan.  He got burned out on being on the road all the time but he made pretty good scratch since he pocketed most of his per diem money and got a ton of overtime.  If you're interested PM me and I'll pass you his email address.

Offline Frau Mau

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Re: Need some help getting a job
« Reply #6: November 10, 2011, 02:49:20 PM »
Have you considered looking into a position with law enforcement instructing marksmanship? Or working with a hazmat team? Might not be what you are thinking of, just throwing it out there. You might also check out the NIH website.

http://www.jobs.nih.gov/

Offline PANatsFan

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Re: Need some help getting a job
« Reply #7: November 10, 2011, 02:54:14 PM »
Clearancejobs.com

They need people in all kinds of support roles w clearance if you need a short term income.

Offline Frau Mau

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Re: Need some help getting a job
« Reply #8: November 10, 2011, 02:57:40 PM »
Here's another that you probably have already looked into, but I'll post it anyway:

http://www.armycivilianservice.com/content/veterans

USAMRIID

Offline Dave B

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Re: Need some help getting a job
« Reply #9: November 12, 2011, 11:06:51 AM »
A couple of points to consider:

- You have a clearance, start, if you haven't already, going to the cleared job fairs every chance you get if possible.  It would surprise you who will be there and what they're looking for
- You don't mention what you would like to do or what you've already started applying for.  Give us some ideas, it might surprise you what people on here are involved in/guide you to
- What other experience do you have outside of the military? 
- What resume format are you using? 
- What "soft" and "hard" skills are you listing on your resume?
- Are you opposed to travel? 

http://www.securityclearanceexpo.com/
http://www.targetedjobfairs.com/tjf/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wl/jobs/Content?Content=/Career_Fairs/index.html
wapo actually has a clearance one coming up

Offline MarquisDeSade

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Re: Need some help getting a job
« Reply #10: November 12, 2011, 11:14:52 AM »
Mos def. it would surprise you who is looking for anyone with a clearance to do basic office crap for ridiculous wages.

Offline imref

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Re: Need some help getting a job
« Reply #11: November 12, 2011, 03:46:15 PM »
have you checked out this company - http://www.urscorp.com/

i have a friend (not real close) that works there managing cleanup of superfund sites.