Relocating from Oklahoma, desiring a job ien either corrections or heavy mechanics (Charleston: transfer)

[jeannie824]

Hello!! My husband and I have dreamed of getting to WV, it has everything we want-unbeatable scenery,a peaceful, rural existence, affordability and 4 seasons among other things!! We originally moved to OK because of the military, but are no longer enlisted and want to take the leap!!

We would prefer to live 20-30 minutes outside of town, yet close enough for convenience for shopping, job opportunities and activities.

My husband is a proficient gas and diesel mechanic (trained thru the military and has countless life experience fixing vehicles). He has also worked as a Corrections Officer for the past 2 1/2 years at a medium security facility. He is also willing to work at a mine, in any position. I

Is there a good area to go to that might have all these listed opportunities? The mines seem to be kind of secretive, I have done a lot of research and not come up with much. I did read that there might be a mine in Salem (near Clarksburg), also in that area is a Juvenile detention facility. Plus the benefit of being near Clarksburg.

Then again, I read about Mount Olive prison, but that's down there in Fayette county and I'm not too sure about the surrounding area as far as other opportunities. It appears Charlestown is the closest larger city, but it's not THAT close.

Any advice? Could someone tell me where the bigger mines are? I also would like to know about the process/cost of getting a "Miners Card". Does the mine hire you and then train you, or do you have to go out and get the miners card on your own and then apply for the job? About how long is the timeline and process of hire to get hired on to a mine?

Does anyone know what the state prisons pay for Corrections Officers? What about county jails? And what about a heavy equip mechanic for a mine?

I truly appreciate any help, and I look forward to getting to your wonderful state!!

[kookamus]

All the regional jails are hiring. (begging would be a more appropriate term)

[snorpus]

I'd say there are three regions where you're most likely to have success finding what you want, employment-wise. Even the largest cities have rural areas within 20-30 minutes, so that won't be a problem.

The North-Central Region (Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg/Bridgeport) is growing nicely, and has suffered only slightly in the current recession.

The Charleston-Huntington Corridor, along I-64, links the two largest cities in West Virginia, each about 50K in population. The Kanawha Valley traditionally has been the economic and population center of the state.

The Beckley-Logan-Princeton triangle, in southern West Virginia, is the center of the coal industry, although there is coal in many other regions as well. Drilling for oil and natural gas (the Marcellus Shale deposits) is exploding all over the state.

By the way, your husband should find a warm welcome in WV due to his military background. West Virginia has historically sent more soldiers to the military (proportional to its population) than any other state.

Good luck, and as more questions occur to you, we'll be glad to answer them.

[David Kennedy]

What is lacking in the mining industry is people with diesel certifications. If he can do any of that related work, I'm sure they would want to talk to him...send ahead resumes to companies before hyou come.

[jeannie824]

Thanks for the prompt and positive responses!!

One area in which we were particularly interested in was Doddridge county. Our fascination with this area is based mostlt on the scenery and lifestyle, and that it'd rather remote. Is Doddridge county a bad idea econimically? Even though it's close to Clarksburg. What kind of better paying (non-college drgree) jobs are available? Also factoring military experience and corrections experience.

[Retired Navy]

We have two trucking companies in my area, one in Ravenswood and one about 2 miles South of there, that do their own maintenance. Hartley Oil is the one in Ravenswood proper and the other is Belt Transfer. I have no idea about their wages or if they are hiring but would be happy to inquire for you if you'd like.

[snorpus]

Another place to look is Burns Motor Freight in Marlinton. It's a family owned business that's been in Marlinton for 60 years.

Here's the link to their employment page. The page is aimed at drivers, but it will give you a feel for the company's operations.

[kookamus]

Try school bus driver for the county you are interested.