Below are notes from a meeting of a current KBR employee at Kabul, Afghanistan. The meeting was held on October 6, 2009 and was about the Fluor / ITT / KBR transition and how it will affect current KBR employees. The notes are as I received them except for minor formatting changes and I added “(Flour)” in several places for clarification. There is also some “scuttle butt” that KBR LOGCAP III Afghanistan will now report to Houston and not Baghdad. Can anyone confirm or deny that rumor.
GENERAL INFO
- (Flour)Taking Over 62 FOB’s and Starting 20 New FOB’s
- They(Flour) Will Make Us Verbal Offers First, If Accepted, And then They Will Notify KBR for KBR Out Processing.
- Pay 80% Uplift on 1st 40 Hours
- Bi Weekly Pay Periods – Pay Direct Deposited Into Bank(s) of Choice
- No Cash Advances
- Must Apply Online
- Sign-On Bonus $2,500.00 (In Your First Check), Must Be Returned If You Do Not Complete Your Year.
- End Of Year; You Get A Completion Bonus Of $3,000.00
R&R’s
- You Get 4 R&Rs Per Year (1 Every 91 Days)
- R&R has to be taken Every 6 Months. (Fluor / ITT Make You Take 1 At Least Every 6 Months)
- $4,250.00 Paid for R&R; You Must Buy Own Ticket From Dubai. 40% uplift While on R&R on for Weekdays, Weekends Not Counted.
- Free Trip to Dubai (They (Flour) Pay For 1st Day Out and 1st Day In From R&R plus Per Diem For Food)
- R&R’s Are 9 Days Plus 4 Travel Days (They (Flour) Don’t Count Weekends In Your Nine Days, And You Don’t Get Paid For Them Either)
- 4th R&R You Get The $4,250.00 And The $3,000.00 End of Year Bonus. (If You Decide To DeMob Before 45 Days
- After End Of Years R&R, They (Flour) Take Back The $4,250.00 But Pay Your Ticket Home)
BENEFITS
- 401K (Not Matched Dollar For Dollar)
- Medical / Dental
- Vision
- Company Paid 50K Life Insurance
- Company Paid 50K AD&D Insurance
- Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability
- EAP Assistance
I can not confirm the accuracy of these notes. If anyone else wants to chime in with what they’ve been told, that would great. If you have a question, ask it in the comments. If you know the answer….answer it. That way everyone gets the info.
Ms Sparky
Good question: What does Flour base the trades test on UPC UMC NEC? What about the Engineering, CAD and GIS technicians or is that jobbed out to another company such as RMS/IAP and CH2M-HILL? I do know a person has to have an upper level clearance to work for those companies.
You can make thisjob for what is or leave it! I understand Ms. Sparky more than you know thanks for the break-down welcome to Americas way of doing things! Can you do better in the United States! These jobs are compensated far well over our armed forces,if you’re looking for justice,then come back and work in our country! And while you’re at it,volunteer to help the elderly,homless and other dire situations HERE! Good luck in your quest for fairness!
NCCER
fluorsuper,
i spoke to my rec yesterday and was told not all trades have to take the nccer test, im going in as a hvac mech, and they said i do not, what do you think on that note..
HHHMMM, well when I went thru, HVAC, Plumbers, Electrical were having to take it. All HVAC were Foreman and above, Plumbers were basic to Superintendents.
well im soon to find out, with your info i will just be well informed and ready, rec always dont tell you everything, i found that out with kbr, may i ask how do you like it with fluor?
My husband loves working with Fluor coming from KBR! I hope that this will improve,morale,behavior,respect,WSC,and intelligent in general conversation. It is no picnic over there! Something you have to understand, These are Federal Global projects. Adhere to them,and do your upmost best. War is big business and whether we have a opinion,we leave that to our superiors. The white House,so forth and so on. The list is endless. It’s a sacrifice to help support our armed forces and their familys! So shut up and put up. Follow orders if not abused. Conditions are bad. But Afgh is not the Hoilday Inn,man up and do your job! And make the best of your conditions as a civilian representing Enduring Freedom!
As long as the company (any company) is not abusing the employee, SCW/TCN’s or the client and is not committing fraud or putting out shoddy work that endangers our troops and our civilians, is not violating their contract or whatever laws apply then….yes….suck it up, Afghanistan is not “Jamaica man”.
If any of the above mentioned issues are happening then yes…raise hell. Working in the middle east is not for everyone.
Exactly! The ME is not for EVERYONE! Not only dirty,waiting for showers dealing with other mangers chain,don’t do this ,can’t do this . It’s also your CLR level too. of command in your duties it’s a b****finding time to do simple things,allowing the time to take care of yourselves and families! It is harder on some families back home to put up with this BS.. as well! I am an ex-USAF brat so i’m flexiable! But I still don’t like the life of being a wife whose husbands’ always away! It is what it is. Certifications,know hows and all that jazz does mean something!Good luck to all you and hope you find the answer within yourselves!
nikki,
I have been to afghan, Iraq both with KBR. also i have learned with KBR to do my job and make zero waves.. if you get my drift. i will be going back as a hvac tech so im going to be busy. that is a good thing..thanks for the info on what it like for your husband thats a good thing to hear.
As you can tell i was raised in the USAF. I don’t mean to come across a wild woman! But running a household and a relationship miles a way is the preverbial B*** buster. We always try to be up beat and positive no matter what. I support the Fed. civilians who are trying to make a better place for ALL! While enduring Freedom. and lets leave it as that.. Thank-you for well taken feed-back! Continue success!
yes you do take the NCCER test – it is not an opt.
if you don’t pass -so what – if you don’t pass it by the time you leave then your pay is reduced to a helper grade { 3rd country}
To: FlourSuper,
I can see were a few might have an issue passing the NCCER Test Assessments. It looks like it’s based upon what is taught in UMC, UPC and NEC Code classes, maybe with a few areas that aren’t covered in great detail. This will no doubt weed out most of the pretenders.
To: Smitty:
If Flour HR even said you don’t have to take the test, I would wager most of the applicants failed the test as when KBR stopped using the WABI because of a similar scenario.
baboo,
Yes i remember the wabi test passed both times and i am very glad that they are doing something about peps that have zero clue about there jobs. i hated telling my foreman how something needed to be done becuase he didn’t understand how it worked. oh ya and to top it off when i was in iraq at a fob.. most of the other management told me to apply for a foreman job in my trade and my camp manager turned it down becuase i was not in country long enough, made me mad but i buckeled down and did my job.. i have cert in my trade and have been doing it for 5 years so im not to worried if there is a test or not.
Hello All,
Does anyone have a phone number or email address to a Fluor recruiter?. I’m currently a logisitcs coordinator working with KBR in Iraq. I would like to switch over and work for FLUOR as soon as possible.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
You must be kidding?That info should be obtained easily as Apple pie?! Are you familiar with internal professional networking? Give it a try! Good luck in your search.
Hi there,
I’m former KBR employee, unfortunately I was terminated from my supervisor for one stupid reason. Do you think that I will have problems if I try to get a job with Fluor?
I have been trying with Fluor for few months by no luck so far ?
Any respond will be greatly appreciated
Having recently departed Fluor as a member of the HR Transition Team in Afghanistan, I can tell you this in regard to your question regarding whether or not Fluor (or any other company for that matter) will choose to consider you as a candidate: it depends on the severity of the incident for which you were terminated.
Having had access to literally thousands of confidential files, and in my experience as the (former) HR File Room Lead for KBR at Joint Base Balad (June 2008 to September 2009), I can tell you that terminations for a first time infraction of policies, procedures, rules or regulations, were the exception, rather than the rule.
Usually, termination counseling’s were administered only after progressive disciplinary measures failed to make an impression sufficient enough to motivate the individual into voluntarily correcting their aberrant behavior, and acknowledge the expectation going forward, that they must conduct themselves in a manner which actively reflects acceptance of personal accountability for their actions.
In other words, people weren’t usually fired for a first time infraction of policies unless the infraction rose to the level of being particularly egregious in some way, (i.e. physical assault, certain instances of creating a hostile work environment, etc.), or, a safety violation which resulted in the endangerment of their life or others.
I would say 99% of the termination counseling’s I witnessed were the result of more than just one isolated instance of a momentary lapse in judgment, but rather were the culmination of a continuing pattern of behavior.
There was one case however, of a gentleman (and I use the term loosely), who “voiced” his displeasure with the curriculum of the TTM School House, by stepping to the front of the class room, and in front of everyone in attendance, unceremoniously raised one cheek of his derriere toward the instructor whilst simultaneously releasing a violent stream of flatulence, and proclaimed in a tone fraught with contempt said, (and I quote), “THAT’S what I think of your class.” (All caps intentionally used for emphasis.)
I wasn’t privy to the seating arrangements he chose upon his departure, post haste.
Visit me at logcap4jobs.com
So Logmaster what was your impression with the Fluor personnel and management. Pro/Con or yet to be seen? I enjoy your stories about your old experiences in Iraq.
Does anyone have a phone number or email address to a Fluor recruiter?. I’m currently a container managment working with Dyn-corp in Afg. I would like to switch over and work for FLUOR as soon as possible.
Do you have recruiter from Dyncorp.
first as with any contractor you MUST have your resume on there web site, http://www.workatfluor.com, then listen and network the phone numbers are useless unless jobs posted, apply on line and try to get a live phone, it a long process, more so then KBR so don’t jsut up and quit..otherwise your not treated like a “private” but are help accountable for your actions, good luck
Vision is not included with Fluors’ or how some call it (Flour)?! FYI. Listen to” all hands”,above mentioned. Any and all contracting done in the ME will always have bumps and curves. Is there a perfect society? If we want to act stupid and arrogant and lack of respect,ethos in theater that’s how you’re going to get treated. Its a balancing act with a fine line of tuning? Practice this with all certifications and degrees. You are there to support “Enduring Freedom”! That entails EVERY aspect of logistics and infrastructure. Adapt and you’ll be fine,especially the ones that have been there for some years. Again good luck in your quest!
Well everyone I must say that Never in a million years did I think it was going to be difficult in obtaining Employment in Afghanistan. “Oh how I was Wrong” I must have applied for nearing 40 req’s with Fluor/Dyncorp/ITT and PAEGroup in the IT/Telecommunication field thus far to hear NOTHING.. This is very frustrating..
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Try DRS Technologies – http://www.drs.com.
I just know that you are not the only one…I’m in same situation like you ziddo
Same as KBR, but you know … smarter, … learned from KBR’s mistakes.
Exactly Dejan…be patient! There is alot of people still waiting….
I am so frustrated with KBR and so is my husband. He is a carpenter; with more than 25 years of experience in this field and a general foreman back here in the states for several years in charge of several million dollar projects. It just amazes me that he can’t be promoted to something more in Iraq. He has been told several times it is because of the lack of experience of his supervisors and other co-workers that they need someone in the field that actually knows what they are doing.
The pay is not that great, and recently he was informed that Fluor will be taking over the contract in Iraq by August 2010.
Would it be to his benefit to apply now to Fluor or wait until the transition in August? I would also like to see him in a position that he is qualified for too, and wondering what he should apply for. Please let me know. Thank you.
To the best of my knowledge the LOGCAP IV contract for BLS North and South in Iraq haven’t been awarded yet. But, this is very typical of KBR’s promotion system and it happened to me as well on one occasion. I wasn’t even given the opportunity to interview for an Electrical General Foreman (actually functioning as foreman) even though I more than had the experience and was currently at a foreman pay grade. But I know that my current manager depended on me for the work I was currently doing. So basically I was penalized for being competent. Unfortunately this happens all too often and that is how the the management pool gets so polluted. There is really nothing that can be done about it because KBR’s entire selection process is skewed toward the hiring managers buddy even though KBR may try to appear they aren’t.
From what I understand he will still need to have an application in with Fluor when they transition. I’d just do that now and get it out of the way.
Fluor is currently holding job fairs in the Balkans for future Afghaniland employees… Soooo, if you’re thinking about how many TCN’s are currently on LCIII; wait till you see whats in store for LCIV..
I understand that it is cost efficient for Fluor to hire Balkan personnel (no offense) but what about the people who have more credentials and experience than those people?
That is a valid point. But regardless of whether they are more or less qualified. The DoD should hire the people who will be filling their budgets with US tax dollars. The Bosnians or any other TCN won’t! HIRE AMERICANS FIRST!
MsSparky, I know me and among hundreds of other Americans are trying to wait for “the call” while recruiters goes to other country and give away positions like candies. I think it is far double standards. So what does it takes for people like me, other than a great resume with not just “bullets” of duties performed but with “achievements” to get noticed by recruiters? Perhaps, changing my name into Balkan would kick it up a notch. I know someone who got hired because the recruiter lives in the same area as the candidate. Well, welcome to LOGCAP politics.
I recommend you contact Senator Daniel Inouye and ask him to contact Secretary Gates and ask him to stop this ridiculous practice of giving American jobs away to foreigners. What exactly is this doing for the US economy?
I agree! Give the jobs to the Americans first! But my friends there is alot of loop holes out there.Besides,8 .8 on the reichter scale. It’s all about politics.Do you know how to play?!
These contacts are mostly awarded to the lowest cost bidder. The only way to keep the cost down is through TCN’s and HCN’s. The only way to give these jobs to taxpayers is make the government change the rules, they are the ones driving the bus
Hello i worked for KBR as a rowpu operator and i did it in the Army but i applied for all water supply jobs but i havent had any luck does any one have any suggestions besides just keep applying
Hi Matthew – It may be useful to check out another article and the accompanying comments and replies here: http://mssparky.com/2010/02/resume-advice-for-logcap-job-seekers/
The process is very different then LCIII, SF 85 required, and must be approved before one can deploy, it may take 50 days or 120 days after turned in to process once you begin, I know a good resume helps, to get started, E mail is best for recuirters now cause of the work flow, nothing happens overnight, and i would keep my present job until i was sure everything was being done and completed timely.
E-mail is how it’s done. It is alot of work but somehow yhou can manage to get a few out there via e-mails. Recuiters do respond faster,if you’re lucky you’ll numerous phone calls(interviews)! Good luck,ya’ll.
Is it true Fluor Afghanistan Transition HR will only hire KBR LCIII employees in Afghanistan? If you are LCII Iraq but TDY in Afghanistan you must process through Greenville?
Is it true Fluor is having problems getting CAC for employees? That there is a 2 month backlog in Greenvile?
Thanks, I need this info to see if I am just being feed a line by KBR.
Mario
the answer to Marios’ question on the latest blog is”Yep”. Greenville,S.C.
I want to know how do I go about locating a recruiter for ITT or Fluor? I just constantly continue to chase my tail.
Sand: Recruiters don’t accept applications or resume’s submitted to them directly by potential candidates. Applications must be submitted via the proper channel, which is through the company website. Occasionally, the email address for one of my team members would get out to the general public when I was with the Fluor HR Transition Team in Afghanistan, but without exception it would be deleted. Sending a resume directly to a recruiter is shooting one’s self in the foot.
The application, selection, and candidate process can be long and arduous, but that is the means the LOGCAP employers have set in place.
It is very hard now days to get on broad with fluor. The Government is doing exstinece back ground and finger print. I have been here in South Caroline for 5 weeks now and still waiting on my CAC card and LOA to leave to fly over their. But it is not Fluor they would love to get people out as quick as possible. Its the government they our very short staff and doing approveals for three different companys Fluor, KBR and Dyna Corp. Fluor is only bringing in about 25 people a week and most of them are Sub Contractor like ITT and Suprime. Just send your resume VIA their Web Site and hope for the best
Danny are you getting any compensation for standby time with Fluor?
Yes unlike Keep Bags Ready, Fluor does pay their employees while processing. You get a weekly check plus per diem. Fluor now is only accepting CAC ready applicants.
Well – an almost pure Fluor thread. Hmm- what kind of seed can I plant to play Havoc here. Well to start with…KBR is good, KBR is great…for goodness sake…dont hate. Anyway – enough with the comedy…bad comedy….Hows the Fluor things working out 4 ya? KBR still has 18 months in Iraq. yep – A par is coming and a lot of folks will be getting ckn or pasta soon, but that is how the game is played. All joking aside, all you folks that are with Flour – I wish you the best in Afg and please stay safe and keep your heads down. I agree with Sparky…few and far between – but I do agree- HIRE AMERICAN!!! Put those tax dollars back into the US economy. Ok Spark….your turn.
I had actually hoped to be hired by CH2M Hill but I’m not sure that will come through now. I went through the interview, salary negotiations and was told the call could come at any time, but they haven’t called and I have had no further contact form the recruiter over the last 4 weeks.
I have a friend who I worked with before who is currently in Afghanistan with Fluor as a Mechanical Super. He said I can use him as a reference, which I have already added to my resume. Is there any way to get this reference in front of a recruiter? I know there is some value to having a current employee vouch for you, but the Fluor website only has a selection to show ‘referred to position by current employee’ but doesn’t ask who that person is.
I have 30 years in construction with the last 4 on US Embassy projects. I’m looking for something in Construction Management and feel I’m qualified (of course, doesn’t everyone?) but from the Fluor website, it shows they haven’t even looked at my resume, only filed it electronically.
I’m hoping someone can tell me a way to get my Fluor reference out in front of a recruiter. I’m hoping that’s all I need to do to get noticed and my resume should take care of the rest.
Thanks to anyone who can offer advice
can a convicted felon work for any of the contractors in iraq or afganastan please tell me if you know
felons; HELL NO. they have weeded out several from Fluor over the last four months. We had child molesters, DWI’s felony assault, and even a murderer. I agree felons should not get ANY opportunity to work as a GC. I am sure there is a carwash in your hometown that is looking for towel boys.
You have to be able to complete an sf -85 for a government background check. I’m going through an sf-86!!Whew!!!!!
As a felon…….probably not?
The only good thing i can say about KBR,is your money was there every month.Anyone have any news about the other companies.How to get hired
If anyone has any questions about KBR,in Iraq, i CAN HELP.
Hey, does anyone know of any recruiters’ numbers with Fluor?? I am really ready to start!
Anyone currently with Fluor or processing, I would like to ask you a couple of questions ref HVAC. Thanks. wp427mp@gmail.com
WHP, it appears the Ex-pat is an endangered breed unless you are Foreman and even then there are many Macedonians, Bosnians in those positions. The ex pats are not having most of their contracts renewed as the first year is already here for some and they were let go. I would suggest you apply and find others who have done this and when you do not get called file a Class Action Title VII violation
The US government pushes for low cost. Ex-pats are not low cost. If you want to file suit. There is also an initiative called Afghan First. Companies have to justify why they aren’t using Afghan labor for a job.