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Any American here want a job?

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 2:17 am
by Gob
The US Embassy in Canberra has put out a call for applicants to be aChauffeur to the Defense Attache Office.

For $49,483pa they want two years of chauffeur experience, a clean licence, and a year 12 certificate. It’s not much money for what sounds like a whole lot of work:
Major Duties and Responsibilities

Driver 51%

Sole driver for the principal (Defense) Attaché. Also performs various driving assignments as directed by the Defense Attaché and Operations Coordinator. With no supervision, takes responsibility for pick-up and delivery of dispatches, letters, and packages up to and including CONFIDENTIAL to/from various Australian Government/Defense agencies. Maintains schedule of events and helps U.S. Defense Attaché Office coordinate driving plans for high ranking dignitaries; responsible for arranging driving plans for spouses of visiting dignitaries, all of which are in addition to driving and escorting. Reliable and trustworthy, occasionally called upon to drive and escort dignitaries with U.S. Defense Attaché Office assistance. Ensures each of the six U.S. Defense Attaché Office vehicles are driven regularly to ensure they are safe and ready for high visibility visits where they are all used.

Auto Maintenance 25%

Solely responsible for ensuring six autos (2 vans, 1 4×4, and 3 sedans) worth over $250,000.00 AUD are kept in good mechanical condition at all times; ensuring routine preventative is performed (i.e. rotation of tires, checking oil and water levels, keeping battery water at proper level, ensuring oil is changed and autos are lubricated as required, maintains records on each vehicle and any other routine maintenance necessary); ensuring major repairs are referred to commercial company with Operations Coordinator when tired need replacing, when tune ups are necessary, and maintain records when factory vehicles and their safety during VIP visits. Ensures all vehicle logs (i.e. trip logs, motor vehicle accident forms, and petrol logs are in each vehicle). Ensure medical kits and CO2 bottles in each vehicle are complete and ready for use. Responsible for work day to ensure vehicle is ready for immediate use. Responsible for making purchases for six U.S. Defense Attaché Office vehicles (including tires, engine parts, maintenance items, etc…). Assists Operations Coordinator in FY budgets regarding automotive maintenance and fuel consumption requirements.

Cleaning and Waxing Automobiles 10%

Full detailing of vehicles – Washes and clean autos (interior and exterior) as required, but at least once a week for all 6 vehicles. Waxing each vehicle once every five weeks is required. Spraying vehicles interior and exterior wheel basis for pests from Embassy parking area.

Petrol 5%

Responsible for ordering and ensuring all six U.S. Defense Attaché official vehicles have adequate supply of petrol in tank at beginning of each day. Responsible for tracking purchases of petrol at locations other than U.S. Embassy petrol pumps and forwarding to Operations Coordinator for payment.

Other 9%

Represents U.S. Defense Attach Office when delivering letters of invitation to senior ranking officials of other Embassies as well as Australian Government. Assists all U.S. Defense Attaché Office members and families upon arrival to obtain drivers license, license plates, and various passes from all supporting agencies. Liaison with Federal Airports Corp., RAAF Fairbairn, Russell offices and U.S. Defense Attaché Office regarding access and pass requirements. Assists Operations Coordinator in the purchase of new vehicles by obtaining quotes on trade-ins, test driving, negotiations with dealerships on the diplomatic purchase prices of new vehicles, and ensuring good trade in value is received from various cleaners. Responsible for transporting required paperwork between Government Services Officer and Vehicle Dealership during purchases.

Re: Any American here want a job?

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 2:25 am
by The Hen
Pathetic wages. They must be using an american salary base.

Re: Any American here want a job?

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 3:29 am
by dales
Not surprised.

REAL wages have been on the decline for the last 30 years. With a surplus of workers here in the US, is it any wonder that many will work for sh-t wages and just be happy they have a job.

No real training required except a driver license and a HS diploma.

They're a dime a dozen.

Re: Any American here want a job?

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 5:14 pm
by dgs49
I wonder about the wages of normal persons in Oz (assuming such creatures exist).

I saw a program on "House Hunters International" a week or so ago, and there was a young couple looking to buy their first house, and the budget was US$950 thousand.

If they were heirs to a fortune, that was not mentioned.

To purchase a house of that size AS A FIRST HOUSE in the U.S. would require an annual income of at least $250 thousand, which would put them well into the top couple percent of households in the country.

What gives?

Re: Any American here want a job?

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 5:21 pm
by Scooter
House Hunters International almost never features people of normal incomes. It's yet one more of those shows seemingly intent on causing people to aspire to own more house than they can afford.

Re: Any American here want a job?

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 7:57 pm
by Gob
Dave; The gross average weekly wage in Canberra is $1,392 compared with the national average of $1,223.30 (November 2009).
The median house price in Canberra as of September 2009 was $511,820. (figures in $Au)

Re: Any American here want a job?

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 12:48 am
by dgs49
Which is not to say, I guess, that someone earning $1,400 a week can afford a half-million dollar house, eh? MAYBE with two average incomes per household and a hefty down payment from a previous sale of a house.

Re: Any American here want a job?

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:24 am
by Gob
Median house price Dave, most would go for something cheaper.

Re: Any American here want a job?

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:31 am
by Rick
CO2 bottles
Fire extinguishers?

Re: Any American here want a job?

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:34 am
by dales
That's what cars and trucks run on in Oz.

Re: Any American here want a job?

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:40 am
by Jarlaxle
Kind of funny...I think I actually qualify for that job! (Maybe: what the hell is a "year 12 certificate"?) I have a chauffer's licence, more than 2 years experience, and a clean driving record.

Re: Any American here want a job?

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:59 am
by Sean
I believe that your equivalent would be a High School Diploma Jarl.

Re: Any American here want a job?

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:16 pm
by Crackpot
How much experience driving on the wrong side of the street?