Government jobs in Alaska (2009, insurance, buy)

[dcdc2009a]

My being in government sector as a state employee, I'm looking into government jobs in Alaska. I've seen that the state is on a hiring freeze which doesn't surprise me.

Be that as it may, in lower 48s, especially in metropolitan areas, getting a government job is next to impossible if you are not a local of the state/county/city, and is highly competitive. I suspect it will be the same in Alaska especially from someone out of state.....

Anyone have any opinion about government jobs in Alaska? State, municipal or even federal?


However, I would add that it's the getting job that's difficult, but once you are in I think it's more slow paced, you get more leave times, it tends to be more stable than private sector. I think keeping a job in easier than getting a job in the government. Is it similar in Alaska?

[warptman]

Alaska Job Center Network

[RayinAK]

It's very difficult to get government jobs in Alaska, since this State has the most veterans in the nation per capita. I retired from the AF back in '94, and the only jobs i could find at the military installations were temporary, and non full time. A friend of mine (retired) got a permanent job as a civilian, but it took him three of four years of working temporary jobs and being laid-off during the summer. Sometimes the FAA hires aircraft technicians (as inspectors), but it usually requires having a license.

[teach1234]

Teach school in the Bush--always lots of openings, and after you try it, you'll know why!

[Teak]

Doesn't everyone in Alaska work for the government, either directly or indirectly? No, not true. But it seems that way. Long-term resident, I am.

[stiffnecked]

The days of finding the easy government job in Alaska are over. The retirement system is broken and it sucks. If you already have a government job where you live you might want to hold onto it.

[Chilkoot]

Originally Posted by dcdc2009a

My being in government sector as a state employee, I'm looking into government jobs in Alaska. I've seen that the state is on a hiring freeze which doesn't surprise me.

Although there is a hiring freeze for State of Alaska jobs there are still dozens and dozens of state jobs available and more are being added every day.

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Alaska Job Center Network

Yes, it's true that state retirement is not as good as it used to be. The legislature has been discussing possible changes but at this time it's all talk. It's still better than many employer's retirement programs.

[RayinAK]

In reality, Tier 3 and Tier 4 workers retirements are worthless when compared to the one from Safeway, and Fred Mayer. However, the benefits these workers receive while working are OK, since they start around $14.00 per hour (MSW4 or so). While they work, they can buy medical insurance at a low cost, and if they work for the University, the U pays for their tuition should they attend school part time. Other than that, there isn't much more. Once you retire, insurance is very expensive.

[Chilkoot]

Tier 4 in retirement is not good although tier 3 pays all of your medical premium at age 60 and with 10 years of state service. There are two entry-level positions that just closed with public assistance and are currently being interviewed for that start at about $17/hour. Cashiers at Safeway start at about $8/hour, not much more than the baggers who earn $7.15/hour.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by Chilkoot

Tier 4 in retirement is not good although tier 3 pays all of your medical premium at age 60 and with 10 years of state service. There are two entry-level positions that just closed with public assistance and are currently being interviewed for that start at about $17/hour. Cashiers at Safeway start at about $8/hour, not much more than the baggers who earn $7.15/hour.

No. At age 60 you go into Medicare/Medicaid. You have to pay for your own medical insurance when you retire from the State. Even Tier 2 employees, although the State pays a portion of it. Even military retirees have to pay for their own medical insurance, unless they retired under a medical condition that restricts their ability to move around or work. A worker at Safeway has to pay around $42.00 for union fees, but can get medical insurance by working at least 26 hours per week, and some positions start around $10.00 per hour or more. All depends on what you know. My wife is a florist, and started at $12.00. My medical insurance covers around 80%, but by combining insurances when going to the hospital the bill is covered 100%, since hers pays the rest.

As I said before, the benefits are great while you work for the State. The wages are higher than the average job at Fred Mayer and the rest, if you work for the University they pay for your tuition if you attend school, or your dependents' tuition to a certain age, and you only have to pay a portion of your medical insurance while the State pays the rest.