So what’s going on with KBR today-Hiring Freeze?
This is a portion of a comment I received today. Can anyone fill us in on what’s going on here?
Called my recruiter to get my flight information and he said that all contractors for transportation and construction jobs are canceled, that I would not be returning to Houston. He said he had never in his tener (tenure) with KBR seen them do this.
Ms Sparky
Other Related Posts From Ms Sparky
- Agility Unit Sues U.S. to Lift Freeze on Military Contracts (with links to court filings)
- Convicted and short on cash? Hue Technology is hiring in Kandahar!
- Closing arguments set for today in Jamie Leigh Jones rape case
- Jamie Leigh Jones rape case against KBR/Halliburton begins today (Updated)
- KBR Cancels Jobs For LOGCAP
Tuesday, February 24th 2009 at 6:45 am |
I have also received info that KBR has a freeze on not only drivers,but logistics coordinators,and the warehouse. Can anyone verify this.
Wednesday, February 25th 2009 at 1:11 pm |
Mrs Sparky,
Just confirming what you are saying as far as Truck Drivers. There is also concerned related to constructions jobs. Its a mell of a hess, loads of truckers hired and even given dates for processing in March–some who already made arrangements to leave, by leaving current jobs, are now being told, truck jobs are no longer available. Very sad.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
It would appear so. And other construction jobs as well. I don’t think this applies to electricians as of yet. They may be trying to make room for people who want to transfer from Kuwait before Dyncorp takes over. Just a thought.
Wednesday, February 25th 2009 at 6:00 pm |
This comment was left on another post by “billgc”: So I moved it here!
“Looking for work afghanistan,iraq
I was ready to go for a job with kbr on the 22nd but they stopped and pulled all construction.
How does dyn corp hire, NO LISTINGS FOR CARPENTERS /CARPENTER FOREMEN ON THE DYN CORP SITE.
I really need intel now for FLUOR and DYN CORP \\\
What are the companies they hire through??
any help would be great”
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I am going to cross post this comment to another blog post that applies. The info below was left by “underpaidtrade” – For Fluor jobs…Google “Fluor Jobs” then click on the one for jobcentral.com. They list all of Fluors jobs. If you just go to jobcentral.com you will only get jobs listed in the states.
Wednesday, February 25th 2009 at 6:42 pm |
I’m an electrician, and went to houston for processing, got a little problem with my BP, went back home to see my doctor, I resolved my medical, and try call my recruiter, but it seems it does not care to let me know what is going on, now im out of job, can’t find any work, so im suggesting that dont quit your job yet,im heading for kuwait supposebly, and finally she emailed me last week that there no more available position for me in kuwait, reply the email that im willing to go to afghanistan also, but until now no response and call her everyday also but no answer
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Good to know that electricians are included in that as well. I have nothing good to say about how KBR treats their emplyees. I am very sorry. Try Fluor or Dyncorp. And Keep hammering on KBR.
Wednesday, February 25th 2009 at 6:51 pm |
They have to check worldwide, in the job search location, it will then display all jobs international
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks!
Wednesday, February 25th 2009 at 8:08 pm |
Mrs Sparky, they still appear to be hiring electricians and rushing them through. They are saying many of these will be going to southern Iraq–which is I believe related to recent contract they got Camp Adder way. I do note that others who have come back from processing in Houston owing to med problems are having problems getting hooked back up again. But it appears also that KBR is tightening it belt right now– and owing to the hard times of the economy, are getting even more applicants–that said, seems as if they can be more and more selective.
Wednesday, February 25th 2009 at 11:59 pm |
http://www.jobcentral.com/e-Fluor-jobs.asp
Link for Fluor jobs
Thursday, February 26th 2009 at 7:22 am |
I heard from a reliable source in TTM who is still in country that they haven’t heard anything about a hiring freeze . . but this person did say that one of the new companies hiring for Iraq is ManTech International. Their website is http://www.mantech.com . I checked out the postings for Iraq and didn’t see any Trades or Craftsman jobs, but there are other overseas opportunities and I didn’t check out all of them yet.
Thursday, February 26th 2009 at 12:12 pm |
Two Alaskan contracting firms won a lawsuit and are taking over some work for kbr at most sites except the “b” sites,also kbr is hiring tcn’s so they dont have to pay good wages, the marines will not let tcn’s work on anything so that is why americans are still there. This is a fact as it was going on when I took off in December.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I would love to know more about that lawsuit. pleeeeeze Is it an O&M contract?
Thursday, February 26th 2009 at 12:28 pm |
want to re-apply again for kbr,been in texas last jan 4 09, sent back home ‘cuz of my blood preasure,my doctor give me a go signal that im alright,but my recuiter never called me back yet and trying to call her everyday and sent an email also but no reply.is there any other recruiter that i can call, im a journeyman electrician. please help im out of job right now
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Just keep hammering on them. Try Fluor and Dyncorp.
Sunday, March 1st 2009 at 11:59 am |
I am cross posting this comment from another post. This is a classic example of how KBR treats their employees.
marc,
Hey, I was told i was going to to Iraq to do Electric work as an apprentice. So
over the course of about 2 months i had ben faxing paper work back and forth, you
know all the red tape. Talking to the KBR rep over the phone the whole time. So
then the last couple of weeks before i left i double checked, “are you sure this is
going to really happen, so i can quit my jobs now and move out my apt.” and he said
“yessss of course, everything will be fine, just relax you have nothing to worry
about.” So ok, i trusted the man and did just that, quit the jobs and packed up and
out. So i make it to Texas and then after being there for 5 days I get the word
that “they cant take me as an apprentice, you can be a labor forman instead” (making
less than half of what i was suppose to make!) Then that was it, they couldn’t do
anything for me. So now here i am, Stuck with out a job, cant collect unemployment
because i had quit my job and not gotten laid off. And i have been couch surfing at
friends places for the last month. So yes, they left me high and dry with empty
promises. And I don’t think i even need to tell you how hard it is looking for a
job now in the trades with this economy. Thanks for your time and i would love to
hear some feed back on this.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I wish I could say I haven’t heard this before. I try to warn people when they are applying with KBR. They are all about the money and if it suits them, they just throw you under the bus!! At least you are not stuck in Iraq. There are supposedly some 300 people at Camp Victory with no place to go. Things are changing quickly. It appears KBR may be losing contracts.
Monday, March 2nd 2009 at 5:45 am |
Does anyone know what camp is G3, I have a friend reassigned to Iraq,I’ve haven’t heard from him since last week. feed back any one???
Monday, March 2nd 2009 at 11:28 am |
I worked in Balad Iraq with another scam contractor Al Morrell. They have 6 water bottling plants in Iraq. With “ghost” employees and Indian workers paid 300.00 a month and stacked in racks like rats to sleep, this is one company that overcharges our goverment!!! I worked there for 9 weeks and was let go after I questioned certain pratices and tried to streamline production pratices to keep costs down. They have the name Oasis water in Iraq. What a scam…Thanks for the advce on KBR I almost went with them.
Tuesday, March 3rd 2009 at 10:32 am |
Ms Sparky I just want to know how is it that a person can arrive at BIAP drunk as a skunk get terminated and is still eligible for rehire. Iam a former KBR employee that worked as an Operations Sprcialist at the BTC.
I worked at BIAP everyday from sun up to almost sun down. Ispent more time at BIAP than anywhere on the project. One day while at work at BIAP I was given a call informing me that I need to contact KBR security when I returned back on base. When I got back to the BTC KBR security was there waiting on me. At this time I was escorted to KBR security at Camp Parker and then I was told that a random room search was done in my room. Please keep in mind that I have roommate and you know how much space you have. Anyway I was told that they found alcohol and steroids was found in my room but I was the one that got terminated nothing happened to my roommate. I know the 0 tolerence policy I had to recite it everyday to the passengers returning to Dubai for what ever reason. After returning back to the States I find out that my roommate when to KBR security and told them that she was uncomfortable with me as a roomamte because of my sexual preference. Ms. Sparky I know that neither one of those substances did not belong to me.
I was told that I could reaply for employment after 6 months and here it is almost a year. I was told that I was eligible for rehire. After almost a year I was just wondering why it was hard for me to return back so I decided to email Mr. Larry Lust and he informed me that I was not eligible for rehire. That was a slap in the face for me. Mind you my roommate is still emloyeed there. So once again why is it that certain people can do whatever the hell they want to do and get 6 months off and able to return to work and I’m totally knocked out the box for something that was not mine. Mind you they would not give me a drug and alcohol test even after I asked I was told the only way they did that it would have to be a work related injury.
I just feel as if I was treated unfair and I just wanted my story to be heard. Now I’m here in the States still with job and looking everyday.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I hear that all the time. I’m sorry. It’s a “Good Ole Boy Club” you know that. They labor laws don’t apply. We are working to change that. Contact your Congress Person and Senator. In the mean time you’re out of work and the DoD writes KBR a blank check. It sucks.
Tuesday, March 3rd 2009 at 10:48 am |
Is anybody hiring for Afghanistan?
Tuesday, March 3rd 2009 at 1:25 pm |
Ms. Sparky,
My husband is leaving for Houston next Monday, and after processing on to Kuwait. I have been reading that KBR is possibly losing their contract there? Is there any updated news on this? What happens to the employees that are employeed under KBR if they lose the contract?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Those are all very valid. Questions. Yes, KBR has lost their LOGCAP contract to Dyncorp. I would suspect that KBR employees will be transferred to other countries such as Iraq or Afghanistan. It’s possible that Dynorp MIGHT pick up some of KBR’s people. I don’t really have anymore info. Nobody is talking. It’s very likely that he won’t even make it to Kuwait. He will very possibly be redirected to Iraq or Afghanistan.
Wednesday, March 4th 2009 at 5:33 am |
I’m a british spark going on the 8th to houston any advice??
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Did they tell you where you are going? Kuwait by chance?
Wednesday, March 4th 2009 at 1:42 pm |
If you wind up in Kuwait, there will be some good british/scottish sparks on board. They’re some really good guys and I’m sorry they have to go back to that shit hole instead of finding work at home.
Wednesday, March 18th 2009 at 11:28 pm |
Tisk Tisk Tisk….the reason you cant find FLUOR jobs is because they are not hiring EXPAT americans to do anything but manage…you think KBR has issues then wait until FLUOR takes over work and all the labor is done by indians,sri lankans,pakastanis,and philippinos. I have friends who’ve gone too FLUOR and if your not a manager your not getting in. This includes all TRADES and Services. Like I said you complain about KBR but the other companies comming in will lose their contracts at the rate they are going and alot more people will get hurt because quality of work will not be up to American standards
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Personally, these are US Military bases in a war zone. Only Americans should be hired. All iring TCN/SCW’s does is promote Human Trafficking by these slave brokers. I’ve seen the conditions these people lived in, the food they eat and how some suffered at the hands of their US Supervisor. And yet, KBR turned a blind eye.
Make no mistake about it. If US soldiers or civilians are injured or die because of shoddy work from Fluor or Dyncorp. I will make sure it is reported here and will forwarded to Congress. I probably have more soldiers reading this blog than anyone.
Monday, March 23rd 2009 at 3:34 pm |
-LadyJ
“I am a former KBR employee that worked as an Operations Specialist at the BTC.”
If you worked at the BTC, I’m glad that you’re on the street. Interfacing with you people at the BTC was the worst part of an R&R. Every one of you were so full of yourselves and the “I can fire you” BS. It was almost as bad as those brain-dead jerks in Dubai.
You never got it through your heads that an employee’s R&R was golden.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
You’re right. Going through BTC was the worst of the worst. Attitude!! At first there wasn’t even any shade. That in itself would keep me from going back.
Tuesday, March 24th 2009 at 7:33 am |
And nothing like being stacked 6 deep in a room with ‘bugger-eating morons’ who would turn on every light to get up to go take a piss. Or trying to get your laundry done within 4 hours in broken down washers and dryers. There was more hot air at HQ than those dryers put out!!!
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I got a visual on that….thank you very much!! There are a few advantages to be female in Iraq. Most of the women were just not that disgusting. I did sleep 6 to a room in the barracks when I first got there. The biggest issue was…the breaker kept tripping because of the blow dryers!!
Tuesday, March 24th 2009 at 1:43 pm |
Hello, Ms Sparky
Im a UK Master Equivalent electrician, I have been trying to get a start with KBR, SBH or DYNCORP but no one seems to be hiring a the moment, I see that there may be a hiring freeze but my kbr recruiter says this isnt so? They just have no openings at present.
Do you have any news on this subject? and if there is a freeze, when will it be over
Ms Sparky’s Response:
It depends on which recruiter you talk to. Some say there is a freeze and some say they are just not hiring. There is a lot of stuff going on in Iraq right now with the transition to LOGCAP IV. Know really knows when they will be hiring again like they were.
Friday, March 27th 2009 at 11:30 am |
any word on in/out air cargo jobs in Afghanistan applyed 2months ago with kbr aswell as other jobs
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I know nothing about air cargo jobs. I know KBR has slowed down in their hiring.
Monday, March 30th 2009 at 6:08 am |
Jimbo
First of all you really don’t know me like that to put me in the same basket with the rest of the people that work at the BTC. I treated people how I wanted to be treated and that was with respect do not put me in the same boat as the others and for you to say that you are glad that I’m on the streets is a cruel thing to say but that is your opinion. Trust my life still goes on. Have a good one Jimbo and God Bless You.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I ran into some decent people at BTC and then some jerks. My Emergency Leave when my mom died was a nightmare!
Thursday, April 9th 2009 at 12:06 am |
Hi, I was told by a manager in Iraq that I was requested to go work in the property section. It’s been about 3 weeks, how long does it take to get contacted once requested?.
Ms Sparky’s Response
That manager may have not been authorized to tell you that. EVERYTHING goes through Houston. Houston is the one that will contact you and right now they are pretty much at an all time low for hiring new people except critial positions. Keep applying for positions at kbrjobs.com
Thursday, April 9th 2009 at 1:22 pm |
Thank you. It did seem a little odd. He said I would be a direct hire and that he spoke to the people in houston. I used to work there before so he told me not to worry. I guess I’ll have to go another route. Thanks again.
Sunday, April 12th 2009 at 10:52 am |
Love your website. I don’t want to seem ignorant, but what exactly happened to cause this hiring freeze at KBR. I heard because the contracts were going to be divided up and then I heard something completely different.
But if the contracts are divided up then who will be hiring to replace truck drivers and equipment operators that will need to be replaced? Were one of the ones whom was told we were hired and then never heard from KBR again. We didn’t quit our previous employer we were replaced with a scab….So were some of the americans who are now 6 months unemployed and have nothing to look forward to.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Personally I think there should be a “Hire American Act” when it come to war zones and DoD contractors and anything using US tax dollars. There is a Fly America Act. Americans need the jobs. Take a look at this post I just did. It may answers some of your questions. If not let me know. http://mssparky.com/2009/04/no-logcap-iv-in-iraq/
Tuesday, April 28th 2009 at 11:06 pm |
I see KBR is hiring again. What info do you have on this. Also I hear LOGCAP is not to include Iraq so is KBR going to get its contract extended in Iraq. I don’t see Iraq shutting down by 2012. Thats what politicians are saying I just don’t see it happening. Iraq is still in too much turmoil.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
The only info I have is KBR is hiring some essential replacement personnel. But, they are fire people left and right in Iraq.
Wednesday, April 29th 2009 at 12:15 am |
I agree with most everything being said. I am on my second contract with KBR after being rehired this past March. Yes, there are issues, but what you are not hearing is through KBR 10′s of thousands of people have and are making the kind of money they could only dream about before. labor foreman starting out at $80,000+ a year and these are people of all ages and walks of life. It always amazes me to hear people working over here for KBR constantly complaining about KBR when they would never be able to make this kind of money.With all their complaining, you don’t see them voluntary quiting. I say suck it up and think of the future. There is a hiring freeze at the Army is in the process of turning over bases to the Iraq Gov. When a base closes, the KBR personnel are reasigned to other bases.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I’m not sure what you consider “issues”. Shoddy electrical work that kills and injures soldiers and civilians, some KBR. Distributing water contaminated with God only know what diseases. Knowingly exposing troops and civilians to hexavalent chromium. Over charging the client, human trafficking and the list goes on. Are those the issues you are talking about? If you had been reading my blog you would know that it’s not about American making too much money. As a matter fact I have advocated most get paid more. It’s about contract violations, waste, fraud, abuse and crimes. Most of which do not involved the average everyday worker just trying to do their jobs and support the troops and their families. But please keep in mind I clearly do not believe that because the money is good…..anything goes. That is a “drug trafficker” mentality and belongs in Mexico not LOGCAP for any contractor let alone KBR.
Wednesday, April 29th 2009 at 3:58 am |
Ditto
Saturday, May 2nd 2009 at 8:22 pm |
Hi,
That’s KBR for ya!!!
I am presently working in Kuwait as a Op. Specialist I am truly sorry to be leaving Kuwait as i really enjoyed working here, however I had previously worked in Afghanistan for KBR and I have never in my life seen such a mess. KBR lost the contracts, why? Management!!! We had a pest control guy come in and work as a Materials supervisor, no knowledge of Materials and could care less, just there making his money and always on the phone and running off saying he had a meeting but we all knew he was going to meet his little girlfriend who was a laborer and when in the KBR village in afghanistan, he would rush over there. What a joke and he finally got canned after inventory. KBR management, BLIND leading the BLIND. I had Aghan co-workers who said, Hey you work to hard, if you work little you will get promotion and beleive me it is true! Now in Kuwait, we had a young girl come in as a laborer and after 4 weeks was put in the service desk. Guess what, little miss sexy pants got a job with Dyncorp and us more experienced didn’t. Yeah, some of you may say I am jealous, hell just mad at the fact the Men in Management would rather have a young chick to decorate the office than rather a hard knowledged worker. Girl did not even know how to attach an application. What a joke. Anyway, to top it off, yes DYNCORP would rather hire pakistanis, indians, phillipinos, etc. cheaper labor, but what about all the americans, these are american companies. Talk about trafficking? If they wanted to save money, hey i would taken a pay cut because most definately i would not be making this money in the states. I truly appreciate this opportunity but i still need a job!! So what i really plan on doing is going home to have breast augmentation and come back looking like Dolly Parton and I am sure I will get a some somewhere!!
Sunday, May 3rd 2009 at 7:29 pm |
hi i got hire with kbr for mhe and recruiter told only people in need electrian i need help anyone know any contractor hiring on the spot recruiter contact I have supply warehouse logistic sarss sams experience aviation
Sunday, May 3rd 2009 at 7:31 pm |
He said i suppose leave end of month dont believe i suppose to left on first this month
Tuesday, May 5th 2009 at 12:26 pm |
Lay off the sauce before you type brother. Yikes. I just got my dept. of state paperwork back from PAE, have a look over there.
Wednesday, May 13th 2009 at 5:45 am |
anybody can help me with finding job forklift warehouse logistic are sarss kbr lied to me i was hired not left yet also they say they waiting on a list from theater also somebody need to put that company on cnn
Wednesday, May 13th 2009 at 9:45 pm |
I got back from Anaconda JBB in Sept as a truckdriver and have noticed they don’t have squat for drivers or much of anything anywhere. Anyone got any info? I admit I have been out of the loop….KBR doesn’t truck anymore? Curious who is getting the TTM contract if KBR is no longer doing it, or has it gone all to TCN’s.
Tuesday, June 30th 2009 at 12:52 pm |
hey, i’ve been in contact with a recruiter and they emailed me and told me that i should be hearing something within the next 8-10 weeks is this true are they lifting the freeze.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
8-10 weeks? That’s almost 3 months. Things are changing all the time but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Get your passport and affairs in order in case they do call.
Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 2:58 pm |
Has anyone heard that KBR did not get the contract for logcap-4?
Thursday, July 9th 2009 at 12:43 am |
roo
Read my previous thread about LOGCAP IV contract and the details. It’s in one of Ms Sparky’s blog categories.
In summary, KBR do have contracts in LC4 but not the big ones like Fluor and DynCorp are getting. KBR has not won any major Task Orders released for LC4 (previous Task Orders under LC3), but they will always be part of the bidding process for LC4 Contracts unless KBR backs out completely, or even if the USG decides not to include them; and I don’t see that happening. Well, they (USG) may want to, but its not that easy. Too many politics involved and red tape.
Thursday, July 23rd 2009 at 2:31 pm |
I have applied for a truck drivers position, does anyone know who is hiring in Iraq or kwaitt or afgan.? Please shoot me a email at dchanclor@gmail.com
Friday, September 4th 2009 at 9:44 am |
Hey ALLCON,
The 10 year CSSK (kuwait) contract with CSA LTD. will be ending at the end of September 2009. Does anybody know if the new Contract has gone out for BIDS yet?
The contract is HUGE and I heard that it will
be broken up into 3 or 4 parts. Also, the name
of the new contract is something like KBOSS.
(kuwait Base Operations Supply & Services).
Friday, September 4th 2009 at 9:48 am |
Here is my email if anybody knows about the
Kuwait contract CSSK with CSA LTD.
ufcpt08@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 23rd 2009 at 5:42 am |
Hey worked with you in Greenzone figured you would want to know the situation has not improved here. Several days ago they fired two Journeymen for first offense; moreover they had openly spoken out against management practices and HR not upholding policies.
Monday, October 5th 2009 at 6:04 pm |
I am 47 years old, I have a General Contractors License in Tennessee and had previously an Electrical License. After passing the test to get my Contractors License, I was told I no longer needed my Electrical License because any electrical work I did would be to covered under my contractors license, which included pulling electrical permits (I have pulled many permits in the past 15 years). Since then, I have also gotten my Commercial Drivers License, medical card and passport. I have applied with KBR twice in the last three years and have yet had a job offer. I am not to proud to take a laborers job. (I don’t want unemployment, I don’t want food stamps, I just want a job). Do you have any suggestions?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
KBR, Fluor, Dyncorp are now required to hire licensed electricians. Take the Labor Foremans job if necessary.
Saturday, October 10th 2009 at 2:28 am |
Ms Sparky, I’m glad that some of the contracting companies are requiring license in the Electical Trade. I kinda thought the electrician license was a prerequisite from the beginning?
Anyway, some contractor needs to OFFER an Electricians Training Course located in the Middle East (central location). It should be set up more as a “familiarization” course than NEW electrician training. Electricians coming over to the theater should already have the fundamentals of electricity. The rugged climate creates tough conditions for installation work, especially proper “GROUNDING”. Any thoughts out there??
Sunday, October 11th 2009 at 5:03 pm |
A General Contractors License doesn’t prove anyone is qualified tradesman. If you can’t read the construction specifications or don’t know what is required or know what the difference between a dwelling unit and guest unit is…. This includes the grounding and bonding requirements between residential and commercial work.
Friday, October 30th 2009 at 3:46 pm |
Hey anyone here paid anyone for hooking u up to get on with kbr if u have u have been ripped off I know that because I got ripped 5oo kbr doesnt charge a fee im headed to houston 15 november finally found a recruiter good luck and im reporting the scam artist to kbr
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I have had countless complaints of this. I just sent you an email. I would love to talk to you more about this.
Friday, October 30th 2009 at 4:09 pm |
Alabama,
Yes I have heard of the scam and several folks have been asked for $500, don’t waste your breath on reporting it to KBR. The folks I know that were contacted were told by the person that they worked for KBR in HR (seems the perp does have access to applicants names). If you have contact information from the person, report it to your local law enforcement or FBI. This has been going on for a couple of years now.
Saturday, October 31st 2009 at 7:24 am |
Yes I have the money gram and the receipt for sending it and several emails. Im using my cell phone now to give u this information but should be at a computer later today and will contact u
Saturday, October 31st 2009 at 4:16 pm |
Unable to get to computer tday will try tomorrow