Batboard

I am giving some thought to my next job move. I will be eligible to retire from my current job later this year and I might be interested in working in electronics. I have both a GROL and Amateur Extra license, but it sounds like that doesn't mean much. I am not real big on working inside, though. I might be interested in something where you are out and about checking on sites, etc. Where would be the best place to find out about openings like that? I am located in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro area. Would most jobs like that be with the cell phone companies? I suspect that the job title is Field Technician, or something similar, in many companies. I have both BS and MS degrees, but not in engineering, so I suppose that is not very helpful. Are jobs like this likely to require previous experience or a certificate from a technical school somewhere? Also, is the best way to learn about these by simply going to each prospective employers webpage or are there any other sites that might show jobs from various employers in areas like this?

Look to the government..... qualified radio techs are harder and harder to find these days... and the ones that do get found many times don't know their tucchus from a hole in the ground...

Thank you for the reply. Actually, I am in local government now and because of how our retirement plan works I can't go back to city or county employment in Minnesota without being penalized. I don't want to relocate, so I guess I can focus on the State of Minnesota or the federal government.

You may want to look at your local EMA office.

Will you be drawing retirement, and if so, will you be penalized if you work a "second" job?

If you will be getting a steady income, and it isn't jeopardized by working, then by all means go talk to the two-way shops in your area. You have several things going for you - maturity, an understanding of process, a background in radio, an appreciation for the vagaries it has, and you'll work cheap - you don't require top dollar. Especially if you get state medical, and you have no physical conditions or injuries that limit the work you can do. If you've got ten good years left in you, and you can face the public with confidence, then go seek out a job. Lay your cards on the table, let them know what your goals are, and don't be surprised if you aren't snapped up in a heartbeat.

We've hired a lot of gray backs, and they have always worked out well. Because of the salt in their hair, customers assume they have the most experience, and are the senior wizard in the shop. The smart ones knew how to maintain customer confidence even when faced with a question they couldn't answer immediately which is half the battle. Nobody, not even the smartest radio guys, know everything about everything. It's teamwork. If you can fit into the team, if you can offer a little leadership, if you can rub two brain cells together and get a little heat, then you are a good candidate. Employers will take a risk and hire a newbie old guy.

I say go for it.

Take a look at USAjobs as the Boarder patrol is looking for a ton of people all over the country. Just put radio tech
in the job search and stand back for the land slide. None of the normal jobs will show up till they get past the big hire.

Jim

Jim1348 wrote:I am giving some thought to my next job move. I will be eligible to retire from my current job later this year and I might be interested in working in electronics. I have both a GROL and Amateur Extra license, but it sounds like that doesn't mean much. I am not real big on working inside, though. I might be interested in something where you are out and about checking on sites, etc. Where would be the best place to find out about openings like that? I am located in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro area. Would most jobs like that be with the cell phone companies? I suspect that the job title is Field Technician, or something similar, in many companies. I have both BS and MS degrees, but not in engineering, so I suppose that is not very helpful. Are jobs like this likely to require previous experience or a certificate from a technical school somewhere? Also, is the best way to learn about these by simply going to each prospective employers webpage or are there any other sites that might show jobs from various employers in areas like this?

For anyone looking in the N.Y.C. Metro area, there are 3 positions available at MTA Metro North Railroad. Just go Google and type in Metro North Railroad and look under jobs. There will be more in the coming years as all the original employees retire, with their 30 years. The Rail Road is going to be 30 years in 2013, a good time to get in for that seniority.