Moving to Anchorage/Valdez...

[SnoDmon]

Hey everybody, I plan on moving up to the great state of Alaska by winter's end. I'm hoping for the first of the year. I was wondering if anyone could direct me to a good job in either Anchorage or Valdez. Currently I am working in a GM Parts Department and have for almost 3 years (in Feb.) and recently got ASE certified as a parts specialist in GM and aftermarket parts. I do enjoy this type of work and was wondering if anyone could give me a reference to a dealership in either area. I also have experience in a tire store for 3 years before my current job. My old boss said I was the best tire guy he has ever had and didn't seem affraid to admit it (not to gloat). Also if anyone has a small house or appartment to rent, that could help me out as well. I would however prefer a place with at least a single car garage. Also on the easier side of my questions, can anyone tell me about what the current prices have been doing for gasoline? Thank you everybody in advance. I can't wait to explore Alaska and learn to say snowmachine rather than snowmobile. Alaska has been a dream of mine for over 5 years so please help out in anyway possible. Also I am not particular to just either of these two jobs because I know I might have to work harder since I will be living by myself.

 

[AKboondocker]

Cant really help you on the job or housing but gas today was $3.93 in Wasilla. I dont know if youve heard yet, but the snow up here sucks.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

alaska sales and service is the biggest gm dealer(one of the last full gm dealer lines)..my X works there..they are very political...southside chevy is who I would go for..they are pretty good to their employees from what I have heard...........

 

[AKrider]

There are no car dealerships in Valdez. Gas is currently $4.35 per gallon.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

There are no car dealerships in Valdez. Gas is currently $4.35 per gallon.

thanks for catching that ak...the places I refered to are both in anchorage..

 

[02po]

Im sure you can use your exp. at any dealership in anchorage or in wasilla may want to look in to it.

 

[Spook]

Depends what you are looking for.

If it's riding, then you want to live in Valdez. No trails, just mountains. The most snow fall in the United States.

Although theres no Fast food, stop lights, 1 grocery store, and the job market is tight.

Get on the Alaska state job web site. It will give you a general listing of pay, and openings.

Good luck

 

[the_dougdangerak]

And the police in valdez are ballbreakers.

 

[Spook]

Easy, Easy.. your giving away my cover.

 

[theultrarider]

Here is another source of info for you....adn.com That is the Anchorage...state newspaper online. It will show you jobs and what they pay, housing prices, ect... good luck. There is next to no vechicle mechanic shops in Valdez and 1 parts store. (napa)

 

[The Fourth Wolf]

North Slope! North Slope! North Slope!

Your experience is a perfect setup for a parts guy or wharehouseman on the Slope (Prudhoe Bay oilfields).

2 or 3 weeks on/off = good income plus lots of time off to ride...and you can live pretty much anywhere you want.

ASRC, CH2M Hill, Schlumberger, Doyon, Chugach, and NANA are the biggest employers but there are many others.

Google North Slope Jobs or go onto the State of Alaska website and hit the Jobs link

 

[SnoDmon]

AkRev- how come you say the snow sux?

I really do want to go to Valdez but I want an Anchorage Education

Spindrifter- Can you enlighten me a little more, I don't understand the abbreviations and where exactly is the North Slope? Would they transport you to the jobsite or?, How does that work?

dougdangerak- how come the police are bad? Can i get drunk and walk home? Sounds like Valdez is small enough....

theultrarider- maybe i should open up a mechanic shop and just get ASE certified after 2 years

thanx everybody

 

[Spook]

SnoDmon,

The North slope is a good place to get a start. You make good money. but youre not at home every night when you can ride. The Companies are the abbrev's.

There are a couple mech. shops in Valdez, One really good one,, Mark's repair. You could also check with the union's here to work as a mechanic at Alyeska Pipeline. Great pay and your home everynight.

The Cops do suck.. The town is small enough to walk home, or a cab is 7 bucks.

Here's the kicker. You can ride from the house to places people can only dream about.

The snow record is 15' in a twelve hour period.. And not the dry fluff. It's deffinately a unique place. If you don't like to sled and be outside stay away..

 

[SnoDmon]

ttt

 

[SnoDmon]

So are there any tire shops around there that you guys could point me towards?

 

[nuckinfuts]

Go to the slope, great pay and bennies plus six months off to ride/play. You don't need to know anything about the oil patch. They'll teach you what you need to know. And you can start working there before you move up, if you get a job 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. You would have to pay to get to Anchorage/Fairbanks, then get on a (free to you) BP/Conaco charter 737 to the slope. As was mentioned before do a google search of those companies and apply, its a great place to start. Good luck.