KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

Sorry for so many questions...how do you complete the WABI and the background check?

Peachie in Atlanta, Georgia said: Sorry for so many questions...how do you complete the WABI and the background check?

I'm sorry, I don't know if you've gotten a call from a recruiter yet, but if you have, all of that information would be in your new hire packet. The dental exam is done before you go to Houston because you have to be cleared by the dentist to go overseas, the WABI also has to be scheduled and passed and you have to do your background online.

kiki78 in Atlanta, Georgia said: I'm sorry, I don't know if you've gotten a call from a recruiter yet, but if you have, all of that information would be in your new hire packet. The dental exam is done before you go to Houston because you have to be cleared by the dentist to go overseas, the WABI also has to be scheduled and passed and you have to do your background online.

OK...no, we are not that far along in the process yet. We have not heard from anyone yet. We're just trying to get all the info we can as to make an informed decision on everything. My husband really wants to do this, so that's why I'm asking all the questions! What are they looking for in the dental exam? Do you go to your own dentist, or do they tell you who to go to? Also, where do you usually take the WABI? Thanks for all of your help!

Peachie in Atlanta, Georgia said: OK...no, we are not that far along in the process yet. We have not heard from anyone yet. We're just trying to get all the info we can as to make an informed decision on everything. My husband really wants to do this, so that's why I'm asking all the questions! What are they looking for in the dental exam? Do you go to your own dentist, or do they tell you who to go to? Also, where do you usually take the WABI? Thanks for all of your help!

Oh Ok.For the dental exam, the dentist needs to check to make sure you don't have any serious dental issues that would need to be addressed within the next 6 to 12 months because you will be overseas with no access to a dentist. You choose your own dentist and the doctor has to sign the form provided by KBR saying you're clear and then you have to fax it back to Houston. The WABI is done at a testing center near you.You have to call and schedule it and they will send you information on the center nearest you and your test time. You're in Atlanta like me so I know they have one in north and south Atlanta. I took mine 3 days ago at the north atlanta location because it's closer to me.

oh man... i have a broken tooth but no pain or discomfort of any kind. have had it for over a year would that be grounds for not getting dental release, or would it just depend on the dentist who examines me?

MG nervous in katy

spawn in Katy, Texas said: oh man... i have a broken tooth but no pain or discomfort of any kind. have had it for over a year would that be grounds for not getting dental release, or would it just depend on the dentist who examines me?

MG nervous in katy

I'm not sure, it depends on your dentist.I went yesterday to my dentist and she said I had a cavity and needed a crown so I have to go back on Monday, then she'll clear me.You're dental professional will have to determine that.

My husband just went to the dentist, he has a broken tooth and needs a crown. He looked at the tooth and said there was absolutely no decay and signed off on it. I guess it depends on the dentist. Those crowns are expensive!!

kiki78 in Atlanta, Georgia said: I'm not sure, it depends on your dentist.I went yesterday to my dentist and she said I had a cavity and needed a crown so I have to go back on Monday, then she'll clear me.You're dental professional will have to determine that.

OK, that explains a lot! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions.

Does anyone know how picky they are about hernias? My husband has one of those. If they're that picky about the teeth, wow. Thanks, Kiki for all of your knowledge in all of this!

Peachie in Atlanta, Georgia said: Does anyone know how picky they are about hernias? My husband has one of those. If they're that picky about the teeth, wow. Thanks, Kiki for all of your knowledge in all of this!

Hi Peachie, again that would have to be determined by a professional.More than likely at the physical in Houston they would have to make the decision on that. If it's serious enough to where it could interfere with his work and/ or cause more damage in a strenuous environment, he might not make it through, but again, don't take my word for it, it's all up to KBR in the end.

kiki78 in Atlanta, Georgia said: Hi Peachie, again that would have to be determined by a professional.More than likely at the physical in Houston they would have to make the decision on that. If it's serious enough to where it could interfere with his work and/ or cause more damage in a strenuous environment, he might not make it through, but again, don't take my word for it, it's all up to KBR in the end.

kiki78 did you say that you are admin spec/ mail services? If so, what hours do you work there, and I was told that once over there that people actually get a day off per week some how? ONLY here say looking for reliable info... Thanks for your help... When do you leave or are you there? Sorry so many questions.

kiki78 in Atlanta, Georgia said: Hi Peachie, again that would have to be determined by a professional.More than likely at the physical in Houston they would have to make the decision on that. If it's serious enough to where it could interfere with his work and/ or cause more damage in a strenuous environment, he might not make it through, but again, don't take my word for it, it's all up to KBR in the end.

I understand what you mean. Again, thanks for the info. I guess we will just have to wait and see how everything goes. I think you have helped many of us with your info! Thanks Kiki.

to all interested, keep your eyes open on the KBR job site for listings in either Qatar or Bahrain. After several meetings last week, it is almost a done deal on the Bridge construction between the two countries.

it will be a 7 year G&I contract. Personally I enjoy working the G&I projects over the E&C jobs.

switch in Austin, Texas said: My husband just went to the dentist, he has a broken tooth and needs a crown. He looked at the tooth and said there was absolutely no decay and signed off on it. I guess it depends on the dentist. Those crowns are expensive!!

tell me about it i had a crown done four or five years back with no ins. dang thing cost me 12oo bucks but luckily i have the wifes ins now so it shouldnt be THAT bad. thanks for the info

Eddie2190 in Alford, Florida said: kiki78 did you say that you are admin spec/ mail services? If so, what hours do you work there, and I was told that once over there that people actually get a day off per week some how? ONLY here say looking for reliable info... Thanks for your help... When do you leave or are you there? Sorry so many questions.

I am an Admin Specialist, but not for mail services,I work for Operations and Maintenance. I worked at the embassy in Baghdad for 4 years and just came back home in July but I asked my boss if I could come back so and she said yes so I will be leaving for Houston on October 6th.We work 12 hours a day 7 days a week.You can take a day off if you're sick or if there is a holiday and you'll get paid for 8 hours or you can just take a day off for no reason, but you wont get paid at all for that day.Hope this helps.

kiki78 in Atlanta, Georgia said: I am an Admin Specialist, but not for mail services,I work for Operations and Maintenance. I worked at the embassy in Baghdad for 4 years and just came back home in July but I asked my boss if I could come back so and she said yes so I will be leaving for Houston on October 6th.We work 12 hours a day 7 days a week.You can take a day off if you're sick or if there is a holiday and you'll get paid for 8 hours or you can just take a day off for no reason, but you wont get paid at all for that day.Hope this helps.

Thanks alot for ALL the info your giving!!! yes it helps...

Does anyone know how long it takes to get a background check back once it is put online? Also whats the update on Houston? Is everything up now and are they starting to fly people out?

Kiki78 and anyone else who's been over there... were you ever scared to be over there? I have read that some places are worse than others...My husband does not seem to be afraid of going should he get the chance, but I can't help but worry! Are there any KBR jobs that might be more dangerous than others, or is the risk somewhat the same? Thanks for your help.

Peachie in Atlanta, Georgia said: Kiki78 and anyone else who's been over there... were you ever scared to be over there? I have read that some places are worse than others...My husband does not seem to be afraid of going should he get the chance, but I can't help but worry! Are there any KBR jobs that might be more dangerous than others, or is the risk somewhat the same? Thanks for your help.

I have been VERY scared and have had a few close calls over there,lost a couple of friends in rocket attacks, and seen a few hurt but it was because of the place I was at which was a very big target for terrorist. It all depends on where you go, some places get hit and others don't, just depends. I think it's calmed down a LOT since I first got over there in 2004, but it's still so unpredictable, you never know what's gonna happen next.That's just the risk we all take over there, you have to be alert at all times, never get complacent.

From my understanding Houston KBR was back up some time on thursday. They were without power due to the Hurricane and everything. I was suppose to go for processing on the 15th but it was delayed until the 29th. I dont think they are having a class on the 22nd because all of the hotels in Houston are booked up with people from Galveston and the coast.

My mother has been over in Kuwait for almost 5 years now with KBR and she loves it. I will be going to Afghanistan this trip.

kiki78 in Atlanta, Georgia said: I have been VERY scared and have had a few close calls over there,lost a couple of friends in rocket attacks, and seen a few hurt but it was because of the place I was at which was a very big target for terrorist. It all depends on where you go, some places get hit and others don't, just depends. I think it's calmed down a LOT since I first got over there in 2004, but it's still so unpredictable, you never know what's gonna happen next.That's just the risk we all take over there, you have to be alert at all times, never get complacent.

Where were you? I have a friend over there and was told it has calmed down a lot, but like you said, you always have to be on guard.

<My mother has been over in Kuwait for almost 5 years now with KBR and she loves it. I will be going to Afghanistan this trip. >

What kind of work does she do? I would love to work in Kuwait but sometimes it takes more than a great resume. Did she choose to be there or did she get lucky? I'd love to get a chance for Kuwait or Dubai in admin, supply or logistics. How do you get your foot in the door?

kiki78 in Atlanta, Georgia said: I have been VERY scared and have had a few close calls over there,lost a couple of friends in rocket attacks, and seen a few hurt but it was because of the place I was at which was a very big target for terrorist. It all depends on where you go, some places get hit and others don't, just depends. I think it's calmed down a LOT since I first got over there in 2004, but it's still so unpredictable, you never know what's gonna happen next.That's just the risk we all take over there, you have to be alert at all times, never get complacent.

Wow...I understand. Sounds pretty scary to me. You must be really brave! Thanks so much for your input, and best of luck to you when you go back over there. Lets hope things will be calmer for you next time around!

indian617 in Munford, Tennessee said: Where were you? I have a friend over there and was told it has calmed down a lot, but like you said, you always have to be on guard.

I was at the old US Embassy in Baghdad.

I am at the old and new we always are keeping our ears open. And we never know whats going to happen. Knock on wood, it will be quiet for along time. I can remember back in march on easter morning I was on the floor in the bunker. I don't want to say to much because of security issues but It was really bad. Thank God it is better now, and hopefully will get better and better. But at most bases it's not to bad just always opsec and listen, it's not good to have ear phones in or loud music. Anyway good Luck ,M

Well being the most dangerous of all jobs is Convoy Driver. I was for 14 months. When I was fuels it was in 2005 during the heat of the summer in un-airconditioned trucks. We had to be at our trucks early and left late and it was a 200mile trip with no ac. And very dangerous at the time. I also don't want to say much about that but I did recieve a few small arms fire in my tank. And stuff. BUt on base is just being careful no worries, as long as you do and respond to anything that happens, Just be safe and good luck, Mark

Usually 1 - 2 weeks maybe less maybe more. They had mine done in about 5-10 days because I was already on there system . From before and that was 2006 the last time I went thru Houston. And I heard Houston will be pulling some people thru by the end of the month. Possibly waiting for Hurricane evacuees to leave some of the hotels. Good Luck, mark

Bluecamel, in reference to Qatar and Bahrain. Do they have the same uplift there? Its my understanding that the pay is more in Iraq is that true?

mgparrothead007 in Bagdad said: Well being the most dangerous of all jobs is Convoy Driver. I was for 14 months. When I was fuels it was in 2005 during the heat of the summer in un-airconditioned trucks. We had to be at our trucks early and left late and it was a 200mile trip with no ac. And very dangerous at the time. I also don't want to say much about that but I did recieve a few small arms fire in my tank. And stuff. BUt on base is just being careful no worries, as long as you do and respond to anything that happens, Just be safe and good luck, Mark

Thank you Mark for your information. It sounds like you've seen quite a bit while over there. Stay safe!

Can anyone tell me if it is easy to change a processing date or is it set in stone? My husband has a date of Oct 12th but is thinking of asking the recruiter to go end of October. Are they pretty good about that or will they make him go on that date ? thanks..

switch in Austin, Texas said: Can anyone tell me if it is easy to change a processing date or is it set in stone? My husband has a date of Oct 12th but is thinking of asking the recruiter to go end of October. Are they pretty good about that or will they make him go on that date ? thanks..

He just needs to call his recruiter. It's no problem changing his date.

Thanks

Ms Sparky in Portland, Oregon said: Stanley Consultants is the real deal. $300,000+ for Master electricians. I talked to them today. They are manned up the moment. They are not hiring journeyman at this time. They will be performing the electrical inspections and reporting to DoD. Maybe we can get these electrical issues resolved once and for all.

As for KBR....I am getting a lot of complaints that KBR is luring Master electricians in with the Master's pay scale and then doing a bait and switch at the end to the lower pay scale... So.....I'd be very careful. If they have done that to you let me know.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

i've checked all the other companies you've mentioned web sites for licensed trades and found no listings for plumbers.
does anybody know of other companies that do hire trades for sure? i submitted my resume on KBR's site and they contacted me back the very next day.
i'll probably go with them if there's nothing else.

switch in Austin, Texas said: Bluecamel, in reference to Qatar and Bahrain. Do they have the same uplift there? Its my understanding that the pay is more in Iraq is that true?

uplift is only 55% in Qatar and Bahrain, but at management level the base pay is about 3 times that of Iraq and R/R is every 8 weeks here.

Meetings wrapped up yesterday on the Qatar/Bahrain bridge project and unfortunately it looks like KBR will only handle the Project Management side. All labor force will be foreign nationals. Since they are Management positions, more than likely you will not see the listings on KBR site. Positions will be by invitation only.

Okay so my husband left for Afghanistan and I feel so "left beind"...grrrr ANyhow I do have two ? if someone may know. When they leave in the middle of the month like that when do they get there 1st pay? I know they get paid once a month, but when will be the 1st? Also can someone please shed light on how the R&R will work out, we were told some many different things

Well it all depends if he turns in a paysheet. This Saturday is the end of the pay period. So if he just left today and he is going to Afghanistan via Dubai he might get lucky to. But it all depends on when he gets to his sight basically. Usually they just put that part onto the next check. Because of all the deductions and stuff. It saves you a little. But we now have F.I.C.A. that comes out on my check it is around $700.00 or so. It is a bad hit but we will still make more money than a job at home. And Health Benefits is $500.00 a month. And if he gets an advance after he gets his SAP #. That will also come out. Cash is necessary around here. Credit only at the PX's some of them not all. SO some cash is good.

On R&R's they are kinda messed up. But here goes.

After 120 days you are eligible for a 16 day R&R (BUT) your R&R begins in Dubai and ends in Dubai so you 1st and 16th day are spent traveling. So you are down to 14 days at home well the first 5 days is recupperating from 2-4 days or so of travel, jet lag, ect. Just to get home, so you are down to 9 days of relaxation at home. But you have to call the airlines (72 hours) in Advance to let them know you will be on those flights back into theatre. So by then 5 days has passed then you are in a hurry with the family to get done and spend as much time together as possible and pack all at the samr time. While not packing to much because even if the airlines you can carry 70 lbs. On the charter flight you can carry no more than 44 lbs. I believe it is. Anyway in the at 120 days you can actually take the R&R 2 weeks early. So he can have an R&R after day 106. But on any R&R he would have to plan 60 days out (that means) he would have to turn in the forms requested by HR travel 60 days from the day he wants to leave Dubai. Which right now stands at a small Book. So in actuallity he is preparing for his first R&R (if he takes it on day 120) on his 60th day. Not bad . Well then there is the cost. Next Post, Mark

WOW....Okay thank you. Everyone he is talking to tells him he should not come back to the states, AND I don't understand that. Something about if you can't get back in.

On the fees. Well KBR takes out the whole amount of the R&R . We will go by my last R&R times and amounts. My ticket was $2,024.00. An outragous amount. And they took that out the day I signed the paperwork for it. You have to make it before you can sign your itenerary. But I would suggest even while getting ripped. It is the cheapest way to go. Because if you book your own ticket and miss the flight KBR will not re-imburse you for any costs incurred and they always threaten on firing people if they don't get back on time and stuff because things are tight with the change overs and stuff. But also your husband would have to be back in country 10 days before the end of the pay period to be re-imbursed for the $860.00 credit towards the flights, and R&R which on a $3,000.00 base is about $1,386.00. Another Rip off. But better than nothing. I cannot complain to much I have recieved alot of airmiles and some free flights. So it adds up. Anyway good luck to your husband, and remember there is always better. Even if he moves up the chain or changes companies later on there is alot going on out here, So good luck and God Bless, Mark in Baghdad, Iraq

Queston. My husband signed up to have tax taken out and I told him that was silly we could put the money up ourself and make money on it and if he didn't do the whole year we could pay it...why let the IRS hold your money if you don't have to. He has tried to change it and nobody can seem to help...where and what dept could we contact for that to be changed?

They will pay airline tickets and food.

Because they were hired with higher pay rate,and now money in middle east is cut in half.

bluecamel in Doha, Qatar said: Meetings wrapped up yesterday on the Qatar/Bahrain bridge project and unfortunately it looks like KBR will only handle the Project Management side. All labor force will be foreign nationals. Since they are Management positions, more than likely you will not see the listings on KBR site. Positions will be by invitation only.

Do you know what kind of jobs they will have? I am going to Iraq as senior admin but would rather go to Bahrain. I have many friends in the military in Bahrain.
I want to thank everyone for all of the comments and insight you have provided.

Melly, why are they going to take taxes out? isnt most of it taxfree? Did you hubby just leave today, i guess Houston is back on track. He was there 3 weeks right?

FINALLY!!...seems like it was taking forever to get my resume noticed...*lol*

I hope this is the beginning of a positive adventure for me. I received a call KBR today at 4:30pm asking if I were still interested in possible employment. I was given instructions to attend a phone conference at 6pm today.

Wow! I must admit, I'm sooooo excited. Waiting to hear back from my recruiter regarding the next step. Will keep you all posted.

--Kemi

Oluwakemi in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: FINALLY!!...seems like it was taking forever to get my resume noticed...*lol*

I hope this is the beginning of a positive adventure for me. I received a call KBR today at 4:30pm asking if I were still interested in possible employment. I was given instructions to attend a phone conference at 6pm today.

Wow! I must admit, I'm sooooo excited. Waiting to hear back from my recruiter regarding the next step. Will keep you all posted.

--Kemi

what position did you apply for? How did the conf. call go, and what was it all about? Thanks, I'm still waiting for a call...fingers crossed!

Eddie2190 in Alford, Florida said: what position did you apply for? How did the conf. call go, and what was it all about? Thanks, I'm still waiting for a call...fingers crossed!

sorry one more question, How long did you wait before hearing from recruiter?

Eddie...the position I applied for was Admin. Specialist and I've been applying off and on for 1 yr now. However, since the last of my children has completed high school and is now in college, I began being more aggressive about my applying for vacancies. I applied for everything I was qualified for.

The conference call was just a brief overview of what to expect in Houston, and abroad. They basically were providing you with info. so you'll have a chance to mull things over and decide if this is what you really wish to do. They advised that much more detail would be given in Houston, as well as info on how to prepare and get accepted for processing in Houston (i.e., WABI testing, dental release, etc.)

I'm glad this forum is available because all of the helpful tidbits shared on this site helped make the conference call go smoother because you're at least familiar with the stuff they talk about.

Hope this helps Eddie....good luck to you.

--Kemi

Oluwakemi in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: Eddie...the position I applied for was Admin. Specialist and I've been applying off and on for 1 yr now. However, since the last of my children has completed high school and is now in college, I began being more aggressive about my applying for vacancies. I applied for everything I was qualified for.

The conference call was just a brief overview of what to expect in Houston, and abroad. They basically were providing you with info. so you'll have a chance to mull things over and decide if this is what you really wish to do. They advised that much more detail would be given in Houston, as well as info on how to prepare and get accepted for processing in Houston (i.e., WABI testing, dental release, etc.)

I'm glad this forum is available because all of the helpful tidbits shared on this site helped make the conference call go smoother because you're at least familiar with the stuff they talk about.

Hope this helps Eddie....good luck to you.

--Kemi

Congrats Kemi!!When will you be in Houston? I'll be there on the 6th.

indian617 in Munford, Tennessee said: Do you know what kind of jobs they will have? I am going to Iraq as senior admin but would rather go to Bahrain. I have many friends in the military in Bahrain.
I want to thank everyone for all of the comments and insight you have provided.

There will only be about 150 expat jobs for that project. They will be Operations/engineering Managers. Since it will be by invitation only, I assume they already have contacted most of the people they want for the project. I still have 18 months left on this one and I doubt very much they will let me go before my three year contract ends.

If you are looking for a long term career, the best thing you can do is take a contract job for them in Iraq and start networking and getting your name out. It took me a little over 3 years in Iraq, to advance and meet the right people before I was offered a corporate position with the company. Believe me, the time and effort have paid off. Great money, great benefits, more R/R time than I know what to do with and your family can go with you on most projects.