Shift Schedule

[DroppinCotton]

I currently enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard due to get out in a year. I have applied for a federal f/f position with the DON at the Lakehurst, NJ NAVAIR Station. Someone tryed to explain to me the schedule, but I did not quite understand. I was hoping someone on here could clarify it for me. I was told you work 24 on 24 off for four shifts and have 2 days off then every 7th week you have 4 days off? I did not understand that, because I thought federal fire departments only have two platoons. Anyone with information please reply. Thank you for you time brothers.

John

[ff46&17]

We work 24 on/24 off for 7 shifts, which is usually 2 weeks. Then we have off for 3 days (K!!!! day). Then every 13 weeks, we get 5 days off, and it is always over a weekend. Hopefully this helps!

[DroppinCotton]

FF46&17,

Thanks alot brother appreciate the info. I have one more question do you get overtime? I know in the military we don't get overtime "obviously" how does that work with federal civilian employees? Thanks in advance.

John

[MC Chief 51-3]

DroppinCotton,

The majority of the Federal stations work as described 24 on and 24 off with a 3 day break that occurs on the 8th shift you are scheduled to work, resulting in a 3 days off every 2 weeks.

There are some facilities like the one you reference where the firefighters work rotating shifts. This promotes a more uniform working environment where as all personnel work with one another at some point. As originally described, you work 24 on and 24 off for 4 shifts then you have a 2 day break. When you come back on the 3rd day you are working with different personnel. There is still (in theory) 2 shifts, but you rotate your work schedule.

Another example of a facility is Fort Detrick in Maryland. They work the same schedule you talk about. If you look at the Veteran's Affairs facilities, the majority of them work a reduced work week, 60, 56, or even 53 hours vs the standard 72 hours.

I would talk with each facility that you are interested in to ensure you understand the schedule they have.

[DroppinCotton]

MC CHIEF 51-3,

Thanks for the info. I am really interested in becoming a federal firefighter. Hopefully it all works out when I get out of the Coast Guard. The hours don't bother me I average 84 hours a week. One more question anyone have any tips for applying. I already applied on www.navy.mil "on-line resume builder". Any other info would be helpful. Again, thank very much for the information helped out alot.

John

I also just contacted Lakehurst FD, and the person I spoke to said he could not tell me the work schedule etc. and I asked him if he could tell me where I could get that information, and he said didn't know. I tryed

[ff46&17]

DroppingCottin,

Not a problem, glad to help. Usually the best way to look and learn how to apply for a job, is look under usajobs.opm.gov. They will have a detailed announcement and a "How to apply" section for a specific job. Wish ya luck. Stay Safe

[Sideline 7]

FF46&17,

Thanks alot brother appreciate the info. I have one more question do you get overtime? I know in the military we don't get overtime "obviously" how does that work with federal civilian employees? Thanks in advance.

John
The overtime system is like this, for your regular payperiod you will work 144 hrs. 106 of that is rugular pay. and the 38 hrs is time and a half. at least that is how it works for the Air force Federal guys. the if you were to work any extra O/t say 12 hrs on the other shift as you then that would be time and a half also. hope that helps....

[DroppinCotton]

FF46&17,

Again thanks for the help. I look under usajobs.com & navy.mil.

Sideline7,

Thanks for the info. So, it sounds like Federal f/f's do not make out that bad after all. That is is I am reading it rite. Again thank you.

John

[firestrike]

Droppincotton, are you 37 years old or younger?

[Truckcompanyx]

Has anyone every tried the 48on/72off, 48on/72off, 48on/48off schedule?

[DroppinCotton]

firestrike,

Yes I am 22. Why do you ask?

Thanks, John

[ff46&17]

Droppin' Cottin
Firestrike asked you your age b/c to be a fed firefighter you cannot be older than 37.

[DroppinCotton]

FF46&17,

Ohh okay i thought that is what he meant, but just wanted to make sure.

Thanks, John