Flagging?

[marcpork]

My mom called me about a class their having where she lives (80 miles from me). a 4 hour class on flagging for road construction. ~15$ an hour for 8-12 hours. I'm about 5'6 and 120 pounds at best (skinny and lanky), but this seems alot better than McD's. I was wondering what you guys think about it. I live in Northern California, and Obama is putting up money for roadway construction. We need alot of road work around here.

I'm looking for pros and cons, so help me out, please.

Pro
$15 and hour and full shifts
Quick training course

Con
Out in sun on feet all day
Driving around alot to get to work (Gas ain't cheep)

[csquared]

It is good money, if you can get it. I hope you like the sun and the heat!

I am curious about the class. I never met a flagger who said that they had to go to training before they got hired.

If the class is free, go for it. If you have to pay for it, do some research. Call a couple of construction companies.

Good luck!

[Slytovhand]

Ok. this comes from someone not in the US, but has the quals (and a bit of experience) as a Traffic Controller...

I decided to get the hell out of where I am now, and heard about such jobs and what they can pay (night weekends... fan-friggin-tastic! $40-$80/hr... and most of the time, sitting there doing nothing.. sweeeettt!!!!)

Anyway, did the course, got a job with someone who 'will give anyone a try'.... so, I did on my days off here.

Money? Not as high as it could have been, but over here, the unions were about to get involved and start regulating - meaning higher pays, penalty rates etc... PRO! (but only for here)

You do bugger all, realistically. PRO

You get to tell people they can't do what they want... so, if you're used to retail, or other customer related work, definite PRO.

Road works are always going to happen, and are likely to have you working a fair bit.. PRO.

You can get out into the nice fresh air and mostly just chill out. PRO.



Sometimes, you get morons who want to ignore you, or worse, abuse you cos they can't go where they want to go... CON. (counter... if your laws are like ours, if they run on you, and your flags are like a stop sign, then they've broken the law, and thus, you can report them... not just for revenge... PRO)

Sometimes, bad weather... (but, over here, if it's raining, it means you don't work... too dangerous, and the road workers down tools). OTOH, cold - tough! Too hot - tough! CON

Your feet will get used to it.. neither pro nor con.

Depending on where you are, and how it works, should be able to claim fuel as a tax deduction.. PRO. (fake it!)

All safety gear should be a tax dodge too... ?PRO?

You get to wear really neato hyper-colour fluoro vests and the like... ummmmm???? not sure



So - do it! Once you've done that, there's the traffic management stuff (you get to draw up the plans for what the lackeys on the roads actually have to follow... higher pay, sit on your butt, no customers to deal with.... I'd call that a PRO!)

[marcpork]

I live in northern California. The beach and hot weather? south about 100 or so miles. Up here is pretty much Oregon-like. Forest that stretches to the beach, rocky shores, high cliffs, and lots or greenery. The road I use to get to my moms place has had work done on it before, and still needs alot of work too. It doesn't get very hot up here, but it rains like crazy sometimes.

All in all, I'm going for it. As long as I don't burn the McBidge if I leave the place, they'll probably hire me back if necessary.

I might burn the shirt though...

[Javarod]

It is good money, if you can get it. I hope you like the sun and the heat!

I am curious about the class. I never met a flagger who said that they had to go to training before they got hired.

If the class is free, go for it. If you have to pay for it, do some research. Call a couple of construction companies.

Good luck!

It doesn't surprise me that you have to take a class, after all, much like the Police, you're directing traffic, and you have to coordinate with the other flagger, so it makes sense. I don't think its required in most areas, but it'd prolly be a good idea to do so. Oh, and it allows unions to demand hire wages, after all, you're a trained professional.

[Primer]

If it's full-time and/or you get health insurance, GO FOR IT!

[eltf177]

I'm not sure about here in Virginia. I work for Public Works and we're all required to have a flagger's certificate (just a video and a short, written test).

Go for it. But it _is_ long, hot work so bring lots of water to drink. And watch your back, people tend to go bonkers in work zones.

[El Pollo Guerrera]

From what I hear, the money is really good. I know a few guys who are working with road crews over the summer to help pay for their college schoolin'.

As for the CON side... you have to deal quite with a few asshole drivers, people who think that the work done up ahead is being done "just because I'm in a hurry!!!". Every once in a while I hear a story about some jackass who sped through a 'highway construction' zone and ran over the poor flagger that tried to stop them.

Other than that, a good job. Best of luck!

[csquared]

I am curious about the class. I never met a flagger who said that they had to go to training before they got hired.

Just to clarify, everyone I talked to was sent to training AFTER they were hired. Of course, different states, different regulations.

I guess I am also overly cautious about the "Get trained, get a new job" claims. Watch for the scammers.

[wagegoth]

I live in northern California. The beach and hot weather? south about 100 or so miles. Up here is pretty much Oregon-like. Forest that stretches to the beach, rocky shores, high cliffs, and lots or greenery. The road I use to get to my moms place has had work done on it before, and still needs alot of work too. It doesn't get very hot up here, but it rains like crazy sometimes.

All in all, I'm going for it. As long as I don't burn the McBidge if I leave the place, they'll probably hire me back if necessary.

I might burn the shirt though...

Be sure to get the best, sweat-proof, highest-SPF sunscreen you can. One day outside in the haze can fry your skin.

[wagegoth]

Just to clarify, everyone I talked to was sent to training AFTER they were hired. Of course, different states, different regulations.

I guess I am also overly cautious about the "Get trained, get a new job" claims. Watch for the scammers.

Definitely. It may also be the company's way of weeding out the truly incompetent before they are hired.

[Arm]

Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and if they'll let you, a camelbak.

Also, get used to eating more salt; you'll sweat it out like a hoor, and if you run out of salt, you die

Other than that, have fun! I wouldn't make a career out of it, as I'm sure the exhaust is bad for you in the long run, but 15 bucks an hour is pretty decent.

[WhiteRose]

one more word of advice: comfy close-toed shoes...people who like to speed by or squeal just to show off how irritated they are might either run over your feet, pelt rocks at you, or at the least cause you to jump back....I'd recommend a good solid pair of running shoes (which are molded to your feet a lot more than just 'sneakers')

[marcpork]

Thanks for the feedback!

North Cali doesn't get very hot, at least when compared to southern Cali. There's alot of trees around here and it's close to the beach. I'd say high 80s, 90s at the worst, even for summer. Sunscreen is a good idea though.

The class was actually full so I couldn't get in, but alot of people were interested so there's gonna be a second one soon.

Asshole drivers... I know I'm too small to stop a giant mass of accelerated metal with my bare hands (though I would love to be able to). Up here I've seen some pretty asshole drivers, but for the most part people seem to obey the signs. I wish they'd turn off their brights when there's still light out and learn to use a turn signal

Stay hydrated and get some salty foods, hmm... I guess potato chips, beef jerky, a sandwich, water, and maybe an energy drink if things get exhausting.

The more I think about it, the better it sounds. Or at least I know more and won't be going in blind. Compared to McDonald's though, alot of things sound much better.

Anyways, thanks again.