OzSTOC

No Parking Zone! => Off Topic, Off Colour, and non-motorcycle related => Topic started by: alans1100 on September 13, 2016, 08:05:57 PM

Title: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on September 13, 2016, 08:05:57 PM
I did something stupid back in early July.

I applied for work during the upcoming grain harvest season. Went for a medical on the 5th September and was notified today that I'm successful and I just need to get the start date which should be about Oct/Nov. It's about 3 months work at Kimba which is just under 300km from home.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: ST2UP on September 13, 2016, 08:08:53 PM
I hope you will have Internet access Alan.....tell them it will be required by your bike club for your excellent ST research capabilities.


 ;-*
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Gadget on September 13, 2016, 09:18:19 PM
Wohoo!

sent using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: StinkyPete on September 13, 2016, 09:35:26 PM
Good to hear Alan.   ++
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on September 13, 2016, 11:45:41 PM
I hope you will have Internet access Alan.....tell them it will be required by your bike club for your excellent ST research capabilities.


 ;-*
I'm currently in Perth (with dad) visiting my sis and using the laptop as I type.

We checked Kimba on the way over for Optus mobile capability and I was pleased to find out that I didn't need to waste cash buying a Telstra phone. Hotspot on mobile phone for the laptop's net access is already configured.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Shiney on September 14, 2016, 12:08:54 AM
Congrats on picking up some work mate, I hope you have a bit of fun doing it :thumbsup
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Wild Rose on September 14, 2016, 12:45:31 AM
Good one Allan enjoy the 3 months work :thumbsup
Hope it works out for longer the extra money will come in handy  ++
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Biggles on September 14, 2016, 02:33:22 PM
Sounds like a great change.  I hope there's accommodation there- 300 kays is a largish commute.
Truck driving?  Weighbridge?  Harvester driving?
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on September 14, 2016, 07:45:06 PM
Sounds like a great change.  I hope there's accommodation there- 300 kays is a largish commute.
Truck driving?  Weighbridge?  Harvester driving?
Not sure yet. Working around the grain silos so there's incoming trucks to be unloaded plus a train or two to be loaded as well.

For this I'd just go basic and stay in the caravan park which includes a motel and the roadhouse.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Draco (Heartbreak Kid) on September 14, 2016, 07:59:29 PM
 :blu13 good to hear you found some work Alan, Me i'm still searching as well :blu13left
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Kev Murphy on September 17, 2016, 08:19:53 PM
Sounds good, Alan  :thumb Could lead to future seasonal work in the area
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on September 18, 2016, 12:39:06 AM
Sounds good, Alan  :thumb Could lead to future seasonal work in the area
Could also lead to permanent work as well.

I wasn't expecting to be actually employed after nearly 6 years but plenty of "we'll think about it" though. This position may require working at height >:() so if you feel the ground shaking it's just me being a little nervous.

Checking out the caravan park on the way back home and to get some pics as well.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Draco (Heartbreak Kid) on September 18, 2016, 12:44:26 AM
Sounds good, Alan  :thumb Could lead to future seasonal work in the area
Could also lead to permanent work as well.

I wasn't expecting to be actually employed after nearly 6 years but plenty of "we'll think about it" though. This position may require working at height >:() so if you feel the ground shaking it's just me being a little nervous.

Checking out the caravan park on the way back home and to get some pics as well.
Congrats Alan

via DRACO 😎

Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: STeveo on September 19, 2016, 06:22:49 PM
Well done, Alan.
Just remember to rinse off the itchy dust with cold water first before having a hot shower (this gets the dust off before the pores of your skin open with the hot water). And take plenty of clothes as you will need clean itchy dust free ones each day.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on October 13, 2016, 06:02:20 PM
Still waiting for the start date. All I know is the harvest is delayed due to our current wet spring season.

I still need to have a site induction plus some job training but no idea when that happens. Only consolation was that I received and e-mail this morning advising of 3 hours payment for the online induction I did a few weeks ago.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Kev Murphy on October 13, 2016, 06:52:54 PM
 :thumb
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 04, 2016, 02:23:43 PM
I have an on site induction at Kimba on Tuesday 8th Nov. and the start of work. So leave home in time to get fuel voucher from job provider at Port Pirie and then onto Kimba.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: spanner on November 04, 2016, 02:43:09 PM
Excellent!
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: StinkyPete on November 04, 2016, 06:15:08 PM
I have an on site induction at Kimba on Tuesday 8th Nov. and the start of work. So leave home in time to get fuel voucher from job provider at Port Pirie and then onto Kimba.

Good luck with that, Alan.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Kev Murphy on November 04, 2016, 08:11:28 PM
 :thumb All the best, Alan
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 07, 2016, 11:46:10 AM
Thanks to all.

Almost ready to roll. Need to be in Pirie between 8:30 and 9am in the morning to pick up fuel cards. They've given me $75 worth and probably 'cause they think I'm taking the car. If I have enough time I'll try and use some different cam locations along the way.

Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: NTRebel on November 07, 2016, 04:02:37 PM
All the best Alan enjoy. :dred11 :dred11 :dred11

paul
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Shiney on November 08, 2016, 08:03:24 PM
Have fun mate :hatwave
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: ppopeye on November 09, 2016, 03:43:37 PM
All the best Alan. I hope it works out well for you. :like
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 09, 2016, 05:34:44 PM
A little hold up with starting work.

Went for the induction ok and given all the company supplied work gear as well. Tried it on this morning and minor issue with strides. Leg is to long but a minor issue as I could roll them up until I take them home and fix them. Safety boots were the main thing and something one really needs to try on to get the right fit. I need a larger pair as they were a little tight getting the left boot on I so can't wear them.

Contacted the site supervisor and let him know and he's organising a swap to a larger size. Rather than wait around in Kimba until Monday I told him I'd run back home but I can get back until Wednesday (pay day) so I now start Thursday 17th.

Found out from the assistant supervisor this morning (when I dropped boots off) that more than likely I'll will be starting with 5 hour days (morning or afternoon) until the season ramps up which will mean anything from 8 to 12 hour days and up to a max of 13 days in a row.


Added camp site pics

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4283/35044199123_62a1077469_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VoJFtH)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4253/35853829415_5766bb289f_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WChfmF)

Haven't seen one of these for quite awhile; Valiant VG 245 Pacer in Kimba

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4260/35813166906_cb54619dc2_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WyFQNW)




Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 16, 2016, 09:35:12 PM
Back in Kimba and supposedly working Thusday & Friday.

Got here about 8:15pm.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Kev Murphy on November 16, 2016, 09:50:29 PM
Enjoy, mate. See you somewhere soon again at an RTE :thumb
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 18, 2016, 09:04:06 PM
Enjoy, mate. See you somewhere soon again at an RTE :thumb
Thanks but after working in the heat on Thursday afternoon I might have ended up with a bit of heat stoke and not forgetting on going back pain as well. - even after having a shower this morning I wasn't feeling to good so rang supervisor and had this afternoon off and is my day off on Sat so I headed back home. Just lucky today wasn't has hot but still about 30C plus in the shade and a lot cooler on the bike coming back with a southerly wind to help but still not 100%.

Gonna see what time the doc on call gets to the hospital tomorrow and see if I get seen. Supposed to be there for 7am start Sunday.

Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 21, 2016, 10:17:18 AM
Coming back home Friday with that Southerly wind made the few muscle aches I had from the first day back at work worse so doc gave me a few days off so I go back Wednesday for a midday Thursday start.

Site Supervisor offered me a weighbridge job (much better and they need more) today and doc was concerned about the living situation considering my so called old age of 61. Mentioned this to the supervisor as well and as luck would have it he has one room left in their accommodation unit and it's mine. Suitable compromise and I can reduce some of stuff I need to take over.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Shiney on November 21, 2016, 10:28:37 AM
Sounds like it is all working out nicely :thumbsup

Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Brock on November 21, 2016, 05:24:55 PM
Well done.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 21, 2016, 06:09:08 PM
Only thing I left of this particular brief stay in Kimba was an almost "die of shock" incident

I was sitting on my camp chair playing a game of Suduko on my little 8 inch tablet and a rather adventurous Huntsman (?? looked like one and just as big) ran across the top of the tab. All I can work out is that it had come from the tree behind me, ran across me and down my arm and across the screen to only the spider knows where; used me as a short cut. Though I will add that upon seeing the spider the tab ended up on the ground.

Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Brock on November 21, 2016, 06:17:56 PM
Toughen up Allan, its the drop bears you need to worry about, not itty bitty spiders.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: richo on November 21, 2016, 06:26:18 PM
Free source of protein if you can catch them.   Apparently deep fried with a bit of garlic salt and your laughing.     
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Biggles on November 21, 2016, 09:36:54 PM
Free source of protein if you can catch them.   Apparently deep fried with a bit of garlic salt and your laughing.     

The only laughing would be mine, watching you tucking into a big hairy spider.    :grin
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 21, 2016, 10:26:51 PM
Free source of protein if you can catch them.   Apparently deep fried with a bit of garlic salt and your laughing.   
I might be Australian but I'm not that much Australian!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: StinkyPete on November 22, 2016, 07:12:45 AM
In our house, Chris is the brave soul who catches and releases the spiders, while I give encouragement from a safe distance.
This is the image that appears in my mind's eye when I see a big huntsman.   :eek
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Biggles on November 22, 2016, 07:32:42 AM
In our house, Chris is the brave soul who catches and releases the spiders, while I give encouragement from a safe distance.
This is the image that appears in my mind's eye when I see a big huntsman.   :eek

So they kill by suffocation?  That saves on poison! 
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 27, 2016, 01:32:52 PM
Getting paid to play with a PC - almost as good as getting paid to ride.

A little quiet at the moment but working at the weighbridge (about 4.5 trucks an hour on average) is ok. Mostly taking the tare weight of trucks that unload at the silos in town though yesterday I had a couple of gross weights (loaded) to do just to keep me awake I guess. 6 hour working day M to F and usually 10 (but can go longer)on weekends (either Sat or Sun).

Usually fit two trailer road trains and smaller on the scales in one go though there are some with longer trailers (3 axle trailers) that won't quite fit so it's a split weight (cab + trailer then rear trailer) then added together. One driver has to be different and leave the rear trailer wheels off and weighs them on the second go rather than a 50/50 split

I also have air con - not for me but the computer system.

Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Biggles on November 27, 2016, 02:31:15 PM
Doesn't sound too challenging.  In fact, could be fun.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 27, 2016, 02:49:40 PM
Added a few pics

In front of office

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4214/35853838165_884bf53706_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WChhXx)

Typical B Double for grain haulage though the lead trailer can vary in length (shorter)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4256/35044199853_29d1d2b152_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VoJFGi)

View of silos from weighbridge

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4285/35044201933_d7f7b65334_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VoJGja)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4288/35465861220_7609bbf00c_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/W2ZNVS)

Weighbridge - it's longer than it looks

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4211/35813160086_a773664438_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WyFNMm)
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on December 15, 2016, 04:45:13 PM
The harvest is winding down and some of us would been put off on Friday where I was working so I finished work on Tuesday and came home yesterday. I have work there next year if I want it and from October not halfway through November like this year which to say the least was a very unusual season.

I can say that I was thoroughly over worked taking the tare weight of unloaded trucks at an average of four an hour.

Last Saturday I worked 11.75 hours and took a ride home after work which was a ride that put the ABS to the test on a few occasions. A few wayward 'roos decided to stay on the road instead of hop into the bush either side of the road. I think four in total with one choosing to hop towards me and past me on the left, another hopped along the road while I followed it for about 500m before it head for the scrub. The other two just decided to hop across the road and into the scrub instead of going the other way.

I have a few more photo's to put but later.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Biggles on December 15, 2016, 06:56:00 PM
Last Saturday I worked 11.75 hours and took a ride home after work which was a ride that put the ABS to the test on a few occasions. A few wayward 'roos decided to stay on the road instead of hop into the bush either side of the road. I think four in total with one choosing to hop towards me and past me on the left, another hopped along the road while I followed it for about 500m before it head for the scrub. The other two just decided to hop across the road and into the scrub instead of going the other way.

Buy a pair of roo whistles with your new-found wealth.    :grin
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on December 15, 2016, 07:20:39 PM


Buy a pair of roo whistles with your new-found wealth.    :grin
I've had them on the bike before but they didn't seem to work. Most of the time the roos I come across tend to go for the scrub instead of crossing the road and it's only the one or two that seem to go across the road. I also get quite a few that just ignore you and keep doing what ever they're doing.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: West Aussie Glen on December 15, 2016, 07:47:17 PM
I found roo whistles didn't do much. One roo just sat in the middle of the road until I was almost stopped and my horn got him to move
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on July 11, 2017, 08:28:16 PM
Rather than start a new topic this one is good enough.

I was invited to reapply for a position in the next season's harvest.

Received an email today inviting me to attend an interview at Snowtown which is about 150 km. from home. Have to be there 9am on the 31st July.

https://goo.gl/maps/tifCALgh7yR2
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Sicman on July 11, 2017, 09:27:03 PM
They haven't got you filling barrel's have they?  :o :grin

Wonder with all the new technology how many bodies can they fit in a barrel these days?  :whistle ;-*
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Williamson on July 11, 2017, 10:09:25 PM
..... how many bodies can they fit in a barrel these days?  :whistle ;-*

On a trip back from WA one time, mate was driving whilst I had a snooze in the back of the station wagon.  Anyway, as he was tired, so he pulled over in Snowtown to have a snooze too.   Woke up in the morning over the road from the bank.  Although it was a few years after the murders, it sent shivers down the spine.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on October 04, 2017, 03:36:54 PM
At the beginning of September I went Snowtown for a medical. Looks like I'm fit enough for work it as I got an email today for the online induction. Just completed it and passed so next up is a site induction; maybe a week or two away for that.

Looks like 6 days a week @ 8 hours a day for the next few months.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Brock on October 04, 2017, 03:53:35 PM
Excellent..
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Bodø Glimt on October 04, 2017, 04:00:47 PM
Awesome.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on October 10, 2017, 01:43:06 PM
Go for onsite induction on Thursday 12th.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Brock on October 10, 2017, 05:49:49 PM
 :thumb :thumb :beer
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on October 13, 2017, 10:00:51 AM
Managed to get one of the weighbridges at the main Snowtown site but don't which of the two.

One for the gross weight as the trucks come in and the other for the tare (empty) as they leave.

Might start either next week or the week after; depends on the grain being ready or not.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Sicman on October 13, 2017, 12:32:20 PM
 :clap
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: johnnyYTED on October 13, 2017, 12:52:13 PM
 :blk13 :dred11
I can see some savings and purchases in your future Alan, enjoy the work time earning mate. ;-*
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on October 13, 2017, 01:03:33 PM
Mainly spending at the moment

New seat for the bike after the car gets some long awaited items done. Mainly unimportant stuff like brakes and a couple of tyres.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on October 26, 2017, 03:36:50 PM
Just had a call from Viterra at Snowtown.

Slotted in for a little weighbridge training next Tuesday - only 4 hours. Looks like the inwards one so gross weight and the computer does all that anyway.

Could be starting by the end of the next week or the week after.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: richo on October 26, 2017, 06:02:08 PM
 ++ a nice quick ride to and from work each day will get the edge off the new tyre.  An indoors job with vitera would be rare
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on October 26, 2017, 06:47:11 PM
A little to far away for a daily commute so staying down there and coming back home for the day off.

With one trip to Snowtown and one trip to Port Pirie the front tyre has had the newness removed.

Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 04, 2017, 03:40:52 PM
Had some practical weighbridge training yesterday.

Was due to start at 7:30 am with an unknown finish time. I went down Thursday afternoon and stayed at the new caravan park as I'm not keen on getting up early enough to leave at 5am.


Hummocks Station (http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=Hummocks Station+5520)

Had the place almost to myself and just took these.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4463/38099764686_180b55f47e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/213KfEA)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4545/37445311604_f1d69b8f1f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Z3V1yL)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4558/38099763766_77d18e7af0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/213KfoJ)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4567/26378445799_0a8869b18a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GbYqVD)

Awoke at 6am so I could pack it all up again with out rushing and went to work.

Started on the inwards weighbridge and was there for two hours before going over to the outwards bridge. The girl working there was going at 11:30 so I got to stay on and ended up working until 3:15 pm.

Still don't have a start date - the grain is coming in but not enough to put the casual workers on but news reports suggest mid November


Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 07, 2017, 08:40:22 PM
Start work tomorrow morning at 10am so going down in the morning.

Ordered a new tent as I never really liked the one in the previous post as it took to long to set up but I'll have use it until the new one gets here.

This one is an Oztrail 3 person and has front and rear entrance which I prefer.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4465/37526988104_01cec412d6_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Zb8C9h)
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Brock on November 07, 2017, 09:02:40 PM
There is room for a bed, couch fridge and TV in there Alan..
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: Kev Murphy on November 07, 2017, 09:13:52 PM
There is room for a bed, couch fridge and TV in there Alan..

 ...billiard table, bowling lane...... :grin
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 07, 2017, 09:26:40 PM
Just the bed, the icebox which will double as a table for the movie theatre (laptop) and a walk in wardrobe.

not into bowling or eight ball etc.

It's only a 3 person (if you knew each rather well) but I'd say only a 2 person tent.
Title: Re: Temporary Employment
Post by: alans1100 on November 11, 2017, 10:25:47 PM
Been slaving away since Wednesday which was only a short day for me at about 7 hours with the last three days being an average 10.5 or 11 if I add lunch.

On afternoons (2:30 - 10:30pm) from Monday and guessing at 7:30am to whenever (4pm and later) on Sundays

Snowtown is not a place known for it's shopping with the local IGA closing at 5:30pm and a snack bar which I have yet to see open. The roadhouse is open but the kitchen closes at 7pm unless you want Indian curry which could have been brewing all day. Friday night was a trip over to Kadina (about 50kms) for Maccas and Woolworths.

Back home now until Monday morning.