Multimedia Jobs in SA (and a question about General Dynamics) (Houston: amusement parks, credit check)

[markintosh]

Hi guys, my family and I are new to the SA board, and will very likely in the near future be new residents of SA!

Yes, this is yet another job thread.

I have a background in traditional film/photography/video, but also in web development, with a specialization in rich media (Flash) and video for the web. My skillset runs the gamut from writing/design to full-on production to motion graphics with After Effects to coding/programming. I feel fortunate that I have a diverse background in practically all forms of media production, and my ideal environment would be where I could basically be a "go-to" person for all things involving media... That's usually how it's worked out in all my previous jobs. I get calls for help on everything on how to prepare color separations for printing to how to photograph specialty items, to how to author a DVD menu.

Of course most employers don't advertise for "all-in-one media experts." (Unless it's a Creative Director type position, which I have been before.) The positions are usually pretty specialized, but some at least want you to work across a few disciplines. I recently applied for a position at SAS that involved both web and video work, and also one at General Dynamics I'd really love to have that was a graphics specialist for various types of media...

Which brings me to my first question: are most of the jobs at places like GD where a security clearance is required pretty much out of the reach of people who don't have one yet? I wonder how often candidates are selected and then sponsored by the company to go through the process. (I'd imagine not too often if there are already-cleared applicants queueing up.) Being a military area, I've also found a ton of both full-time and contract positions that require security clearances in the technical training field in SA... basically developing multimedia learning materials for Learning Management Systems, etc. I do have some experience in that area and would love to break into it more, but the clearance thing seems to be a problem.

Is there anywhere else I should be looking? I check indeed.com several times a day as well as Craigslist. I don't look at MySA too much as their stuff is usually aggregated at indeed.com. One other option I'd like to explore is teaching media production/theory. I've received several leads in this area from our fantastic realtor, and I think there is potential because of all of the magnet programs that exist in the area.

Any thoughts/insights would be greatly appreciated!

P.S. Regarding why we want to move to SA as opposed to anywhere else, in no particular order: we have been living in a cold climate and love/want to live in a warm one (yes, hot is fine); we love the history and culture of SA; we have family within 2 hours and also other immediate family that will likely move there if we do; we think it might be better for raising a family than Austin and Houston, which were the other areas we were looking at; housing affordability.

[majormadmax]

Mark

GD is a big government contractor, so it isn’t uncommon for them to require security clearances and especially in San Antonio where much of its work is military-related. As such, there is a large pool of people like myself who already have security clearances either from military service or as civilians. That doesn’t mean it is impossible for someone to get hired without a clearance, especially if you have a needed skillset; but it does make things tougher. This is not unique to GD, many companies are like this; and it only makes sense as getting a clearance is a long and expensive process.

The only reason it could be a problem is that you have something in your past that prevents you from qualifying. There are numerous web sites out there that detail what could disqualify you for a clearance, About.com is a good one but there are many others.

But if there isn’t anything that would keep you from getting one, then I would recommend applying for any and all jobs that you qualify for. If the company needs you bad enough, they will get you cleared!

Another good place to look for government jobs is USA Jobs.com. These are not contracting jobs but ones working as a government employee.

Lastly, you are spot on with your reasons for wanting to live here. The weather is great if you like it hot (we’ve moved here twice, once from Germany and the other time from Belgium; so we know what’s it’s like to live in colder climates). The cost-of-living is low and there are lots of things to do. It’s a very family-friendly place and the people are very pleasant. You can either enjoy the city or be out in the Hill Country within a short drive. There are two big lakes nearby (Median and Canyon) and loads of amusement parks (SeaWorld, Six Flags, Splashtown; but no Disney!).

We were stationed here while I was in the Air Force, and when it came time to pick a place to retire (from the military), it was an easy choice, and one we are still very happy with five years down the road.

I hope that helps, best of luck to you and let us know if you have any more questions!

Cheers! M2

[markintosh]

Hey thanks M2!

My dad spent 21 years in and retired as an E-8... He was just telling me that it was nearly 60 years ago to the day that he first reported for basic training out there. My only trip out was about 20 years ago, when we stayed at Brooks for a few weeks. I remember really liking the city very much. As I alluded to in my post, he and mom and are on-board with moving to the area after we do. Right now they are near Eglin.

I don't anticipate any problems with obtaining clearance (as my wife likes to point out, I'm an Eagle Scout ), but I am thinking it may not be easy to find someone who wants to put the time/money in if there are other, local, cleared candidates to choose from. Would you happen to know the process if someone like GD is interested? Do you begin work as a provisional employee until the clearance process is over, or do you have to wait until fully cleared before you can begin work?

Thanks so much for the information — I did find some web development jobs at Randolph that I applied for using the USAjobs site.

Take care,
Mark

[majormadmax]

Mark

Honestly, most of the folks I know had clearances before being hired; but there are several options for those who don't have one. The company can put a person on their payroll until the person is cleared, either doing unclassified work for the contract or some other work; or they can get an interim clearance once a minimum amount of background checks have been done. I doubt any would expect you to wait until your clearance is adjudicated, as that could take months (but I understand the process is a lot faster than it has been in the past).

Obviously having a clearance will give someone an edge, but don't let that keep you from applying for jobs both as a contractor or as a government employee. It would make no sense not to, just understand that if someone is equally qualified but has a clearance, they may get chosen because of it. But if you're more qualified you may be the one selected. Regardless, if you don't apply you are essentially self-eliminating yourself from having any chance at all!

Cheers! M2

[GlorifiedMalcontent]

all though it is not in the same field, my hub's job has much of the same requirements (security clearance and such). the company he ended up working for (government contract work) hired him before he had the clearance (and also provided assistance for other required things like certs), so like m2 said, don't let starting out with a little less discourage you. and once you get the clearance, it's a nice addition to your professional arsenal.

i don't have many resources to share unfortunately. if i recall correctly, he might have received the job offer through careerbuilder.com

[markintosh]

Thanks to both of you — I'll keep applying and hope for the best!

-Mark

[Verio]

I used to work for a large defense contractor before working for the Government, and quite often people were hired without clearances. You may see on the job opp that they have listed the ability to OBTAIN and KEEP the clearance. The average turn-around time for a Secret-Interim if sent straight for adjudication can be in as little as a few days... that's if you're completely honest on your SF-86, no credit problems, or anything an adjudicator will find that needs followup.

If sent for a full NACLC check, you're looking at a month. If you need anything larger such as a Top Secret (requiring an SSBI), you will be a long ways out. A Interim-TS can be granted with a favorable NACLC.

I hate to throw Wiki links at people, but this is a quick rundown of a NACLC.

National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[doss1]

Markintosh, the job you are looking for is called a VISUAL INFORMATION SPECIALIST. That's what I am and I deal with everything from flash projects, dvd authoring, web development, video editing, consultation, content management, graphic design, etc. I just went from the private sector (self employed) to a full blown GS-11. Could not be happier. The job is so much more fun and less stressful than anything I had in the private sector....plus you can't beat the benefits and stability. On Sundays I look forward to Mondays...I can't believe that.

I wouldn't worry about the security clearances. Took me about a month to get mine, including the security cards, while working for the Department of Defense. The only bad thing I have to say is that a lot of these jobs are shipping out to New England as the government wants to start consolidating all the new media people into one central location as part of the new cyber arm. We're supposed to go in 2011, but I'm going to try and find something local. Would hate to move to that area.

[Verio]

Originally Posted by TexasNick

Markintosh, the job you are looking for is called a VISUAL INFORMATION SPECIALIST. That's what I am and I deal with everything from flash projects, dvd authoring, web development, video editing, consultation, content management, graphic design, etc. I just went from the private sector (self employed) to a full blown GS-11. Could not be happier. The job is so much more fun and less stressful than anything I had in the private sector....plus you can't beat the benefits and stability. On Sundays I look forward to Mondays...I can't believe that.

I wouldn't worry about the security clearances. Took me about a month to get mine, including the security cards, while working for the Department of Defense. The only bad thing I have to say is that a lot of these jobs are shipping out to New England as the government wants to start consolidating all the new media people into one central location as part of the new cyber arm. We're supposed to go in 2011, but I'm going to try and find something local. Would hate to move to that area.

Yeah BRAC is moving a lot of folks

Fortunately, I'm in Field Operations, so I'm here to stay, until it's time for me to move up to a GS-14 and have to head to HQ for that.

[doss1]

I'm willing to take a pay cut if it means I can stay here......