Employment FAQ
Where do I apply?
Click here to begin the Mobile Sleeper Company Application.
How often are employees paid?
Paychecks are distributed every two weeks.
What is the minimum deployment time that Mobile Sleeper Company (MSC) will guarantee?
MSC cannot guarantee any level of employment. As we respond to emergencies, our dispatchers are required to make decisions at a moment’s notice. Dependent upon incident location, local staff, response time, and other logistical factors.
What are the chances that I will be called out?
We cannot predict the natural disaster season. This is a part-time, call when needed, position. This is by no means an employment opportunity to be considered consistent, full time, steady income, as there is no guarantee of employment.
How long could I be gone?
We ask that you are available for a minimum of two weeks for each callout.
Some incidents only last a couple of days; others can last up to a month or more. We cannot determine ahead of time how long the assignment might last. As a general rule of thumb: Hurricane incidents tend to be a month or more; Fire incidents have historically been one to two weeks, although fire frequency, intensity, and size have been increasing. It is not uncommon for a wildland fire operation to go longer than a month.
Do I have to be available at all times?
Not necessarily. Mobile Sleeper Company requires employees to keep us up to date in regards to their availability. It is up to you to tell us when you are, and are not available to work, so if you would like to take a vacation or a weekend get-away, we have an online form to submit your unavailable dates.
Availability/Dispatch Procedure:
It is important to keep your availability current and up to date as much as possible. If an employee is noted available, we will only provide one phone call to be dispatched. If this call is not picked up, we must respond to the emergency at hand, and will contact the next staff member on our roster at our discretion.
What if I have a prior obligation and am not able to respond?
This will not affect any future assignments. You will remain on our list and be called again in the future.
Although, if an employee accepts an assignment and cancels prior to departure, this will negatively affect your future dispatch ranking within the company.
If I have a family emergency, can I go home?
Yes. We treat it like the end of any incident. Your standard travel arrangements and normal expenses for the return will be covered by the company. Keep in mind that some of the incidents where we may be located are very remote and may require more than 24 hours to get you home. Mobile Sleeper Company reserves the right to ask for proof of emergency.
Is it safe at these camps where we would work?
Our staff always has your safety as their first priority. We will not send you or the equipment to a location that is unsafe or questionable.
Where do employees stay?
Staff reside in our Mobile Sleeper Trailers at the incident. Crew quarters vary according to camp size. Some operations require separate male and female housing; other operations require co-ed housing.
How difficult is the work?
Most of the work is not extremely demanding or challenging. There are certain tasks that require more physical strength and stature. Typically, we strive to embrace the strengths of individuals, to cover for the weaknesses of others. Employees typically will have to kneel, crouch, climb, or lift. If you believe that you may have difficulty with these tasks, or it could potentially be detrimental to your health, we ask that you seriously consider if you can fulfill the requirements necessary for the job. Ask any and all questions of our staffing to gain an understanding of the physicality of the job.
Will there be training either before or at the location of the incident?
There are required training videos and quizzes that must be completed prior to being dispatched. These are available online (and can be viewed on a phone or computer). If hired, you must complete the training prior to being considered “eligible” for dispatch. Many job duties will require on-the-job training. Typically, within your first 24 hours of arrival at the incident, the Team Leader will show you a series of training videos to familiarize you with the operation.
What are the Attendant crews like?
Our crews are very diverse, not only in ages, but also home locations and job experiences. This makes for a very dynamic crew and fun work team.
As the incident comes to a close and fewer people are needed, what happens?
We always ask for employees to work within their limitations; safety is a number one priority. We endeavor to provide the resources necessary to ensure our operation remains successful. Generally, employees are asked if anyone is willing to return home. If there are no employees wanting to leave the incident, the Corporate Office will determine at their discretion the order that employees will return home.
Where would I travel?
Travel is based upon the location of the natural disaster. Previous operations have included the 12 Western States and the Southern United States.
Is it my responsibility to arrange my own travel to and from an incident?
No. We arrange all your travel from the airport to the location. Your only responsibility is to get to the airport.
Do I have to pay for my own travel expenses?
Travel expenses, such as airfare, luggage, meals, and lodging, if required, will be arranged and paid for by Mobile Sleeper Company. However, it is a good idea to bring cash with you in order to buy extra necessities and your own specialty snacks. Employees must adhere to policies regarding covered/reimbursed expenses.
Will Mobile Sleeper Company compensate for the travel expense to the airport?
No. Travel time to the airport is not paid for. Compensated time begins two hours before flight departure (provided that the employee is at the airport two hours prior to flight departure).
Will Mobile Sleeper Company compensate for parking near or at an airport during our deployment?
SOG does not compensate for any vehicle parking during deployment.
Can I bring my own vehicle to the operation site?
No.
Would I be able to do any sightseeing in my off time?
You are required to be on-site for the duration of the incident.
What should I bring?
Upon being hired, you will receive a manual that details what to pack. For the most part, you are expected to bring your own pillow, sleeping bag, personal toiletries, medications (30-day supply), and enough clothes for two weeks.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Upon being hired you will receive a manual that details appropriate business attire for the environment. The company uniform generally consists of jeans in good condition, and company shirts that will be provided upon your first deployment.
What if the applicant would like to, or does not want to drive?
Driving ability is not required for applicants to apply. If an applicant is willing to drive, and meets the qualifications to be an approved driver, chances of deployment will be increased.
What will an applicant need to provide to drive a company vehicle?
Shuttle Vans/Trucks/Sedans: Submission of Driver’s License & Permission for Mobile Sleeper Company to procure a Motor Vehicle Report to validate a clean driving record. Deployment/dispatch does not guarantee that an employee will be assigned a driving position for any incident. Positions are assigned by the Corporate Office, for every incident.
What if an applicant has a CDL?
Just because an applicant has a CDL does not mean they would be required to haul for us. If an applicant has a CDL, and would like to drive a Tractor/Trailer/Rig, please call 800-347-3677. If an applicant has a CDL, and *does not* want to drive a Tractor/Trailer/Rig, but would like to drive standard Vans/Trucks/Sedans, they must submit a copy of their license to Mobile Sleeper Company, and provide permission to procure a Motor Vehicle Report on the individual to validate a clean driving record.
Is a CDL necessary for a driver?
Tractor/Trailer/Rig Driver: Yes.
Shuttle Vans/Trucks/Sedans: No.
Will I be able to travel to an incident with my friends who also were hired for the attendant position?
Potentially! We cannot promise that you will be dispatched with your friends, although if presented with the opportunity, we will strive to make that happen. Everyone has different schedules and needs that we must accommodate in a logistical regard; ultimate authority for dispatch will come from the Corporate Office.
Can my partner also work for The Mobile Sleeper Company?
We are a fair and equal opportunity employer, and therefore require that all couples apply individually for employment. Even if one person is already employed with the company, we require that the Applicant follow the appropriate steps for being hired.
If the Mobile Sleeper Company employs us both, can we be together at the same camp?
Possibly! Each incident is different. This requires individuals to be flexible. If possible, we try to place couples together, however, if the situation requires multiple locations, it may be necessary to separate the team.
Are couples guaranteed that they will be together?
Mobile Sleeper Company will endeavor to provide opportunities for couples to work together, although this is not guaranteed.
If a couple does not mind being deployed to different camps, would it increase the chance of being dispatched?
Absolutely! This provides additional flexibility to respond for Mobile Sleeper Company.
Click here to begin the Mobile Sleeper Company Application.
How often are employees paid?
Paychecks are distributed every two weeks.
What is the minimum deployment time that Mobile Sleeper Company (MSC) will guarantee?
MSC cannot guarantee any level of employment. As we respond to emergencies, our dispatchers are required to make decisions at a moment’s notice. Dependent upon incident location, local staff, response time, and other logistical factors.
What are the chances that I will be called out?
We cannot predict the natural disaster season. This is a part-time, call when needed, position. This is by no means an employment opportunity to be considered consistent, full time, steady income, as there is no guarantee of employment.
How long could I be gone?
We ask that you are available for a minimum of two weeks for each callout.
Some incidents only last a couple of days; others can last up to a month or more. We cannot determine ahead of time how long the assignment might last. As a general rule of thumb: Hurricane incidents tend to be a month or more; Fire incidents have historically been one to two weeks, although fire frequency, intensity, and size have been increasing. It is not uncommon for a wildland fire operation to go longer than a month.
Do I have to be available at all times?
Not necessarily. Mobile Sleeper Company requires employees to keep us up to date in regards to their availability. It is up to you to tell us when you are, and are not available to work, so if you would like to take a vacation or a weekend get-away, we have an online form to submit your unavailable dates.
Availability/Dispatch Procedure:
It is important to keep your availability current and up to date as much as possible. If an employee is noted available, we will only provide one phone call to be dispatched. If this call is not picked up, we must respond to the emergency at hand, and will contact the next staff member on our roster at our discretion.
What if I have a prior obligation and am not able to respond?
This will not affect any future assignments. You will remain on our list and be called again in the future.
Although, if an employee accepts an assignment and cancels prior to departure, this will negatively affect your future dispatch ranking within the company.
If I have a family emergency, can I go home?
Yes. We treat it like the end of any incident. Your standard travel arrangements and normal expenses for the return will be covered by the company. Keep in mind that some of the incidents where we may be located are very remote and may require more than 24 hours to get you home. Mobile Sleeper Company reserves the right to ask for proof of emergency.
Is it safe at these camps where we would work?
Our staff always has your safety as their first priority. We will not send you or the equipment to a location that is unsafe or questionable.
Where do employees stay?
Staff reside in our Mobile Sleeper Trailers at the incident. Crew quarters vary according to camp size. Some operations require separate male and female housing; other operations require co-ed housing.
How difficult is the work?
Most of the work is not extremely demanding or challenging. There are certain tasks that require more physical strength and stature. Typically, we strive to embrace the strengths of individuals, to cover for the weaknesses of others. Employees typically will have to kneel, crouch, climb, or lift. If you believe that you may have difficulty with these tasks, or it could potentially be detrimental to your health, we ask that you seriously consider if you can fulfill the requirements necessary for the job. Ask any and all questions of our staffing to gain an understanding of the physicality of the job.
Will there be training either before or at the location of the incident?
There are required training videos and quizzes that must be completed prior to being dispatched. These are available online (and can be viewed on a phone or computer). If hired, you must complete the training prior to being considered “eligible” for dispatch. Many job duties will require on-the-job training. Typically, within your first 24 hours of arrival at the incident, the Team Leader will show you a series of training videos to familiarize you with the operation.
What are the Attendant crews like?
Our crews are very diverse, not only in ages, but also home locations and job experiences. This makes for a very dynamic crew and fun work team.
As the incident comes to a close and fewer people are needed, what happens?
We always ask for employees to work within their limitations; safety is a number one priority. We endeavor to provide the resources necessary to ensure our operation remains successful. Generally, employees are asked if anyone is willing to return home. If there are no employees wanting to leave the incident, the Corporate Office will determine at their discretion the order that employees will return home.
Where would I travel?
Travel is based upon the location of the natural disaster. Previous operations have included the 12 Western States and the Southern United States.
Is it my responsibility to arrange my own travel to and from an incident?
No. We arrange all your travel from the airport to the location. Your only responsibility is to get to the airport.
Do I have to pay for my own travel expenses?
Travel expenses, such as airfare, luggage, meals, and lodging, if required, will be arranged and paid for by Mobile Sleeper Company. However, it is a good idea to bring cash with you in order to buy extra necessities and your own specialty snacks. Employees must adhere to policies regarding covered/reimbursed expenses.
Will Mobile Sleeper Company compensate for the travel expense to the airport?
No. Travel time to the airport is not paid for. Compensated time begins two hours before flight departure (provided that the employee is at the airport two hours prior to flight departure).
Will Mobile Sleeper Company compensate for parking near or at an airport during our deployment?
SOG does not compensate for any vehicle parking during deployment.
Can I bring my own vehicle to the operation site?
No.
Would I be able to do any sightseeing in my off time?
You are required to be on-site for the duration of the incident.
What should I bring?
Upon being hired, you will receive a manual that details what to pack. For the most part, you are expected to bring your own pillow, sleeping bag, personal toiletries, medications (30-day supply), and enough clothes for two weeks.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Upon being hired you will receive a manual that details appropriate business attire for the environment. The company uniform generally consists of jeans in good condition, and company shirts that will be provided upon your first deployment.
What if the applicant would like to, or does not want to drive?
Driving ability is not required for applicants to apply. If an applicant is willing to drive, and meets the qualifications to be an approved driver, chances of deployment will be increased.
What will an applicant need to provide to drive a company vehicle?
Shuttle Vans/Trucks/Sedans: Submission of Driver’s License & Permission for Mobile Sleeper Company to procure a Motor Vehicle Report to validate a clean driving record. Deployment/dispatch does not guarantee that an employee will be assigned a driving position for any incident. Positions are assigned by the Corporate Office, for every incident.
What if an applicant has a CDL?
Just because an applicant has a CDL does not mean they would be required to haul for us. If an applicant has a CDL, and would like to drive a Tractor/Trailer/Rig, please call 800-347-3677. If an applicant has a CDL, and *does not* want to drive a Tractor/Trailer/Rig, but would like to drive standard Vans/Trucks/Sedans, they must submit a copy of their license to Mobile Sleeper Company, and provide permission to procure a Motor Vehicle Report on the individual to validate a clean driving record.
Is a CDL necessary for a driver?
Tractor/Trailer/Rig Driver: Yes.
Shuttle Vans/Trucks/Sedans: No.
Will I be able to travel to an incident with my friends who also were hired for the attendant position?
Potentially! We cannot promise that you will be dispatched with your friends, although if presented with the opportunity, we will strive to make that happen. Everyone has different schedules and needs that we must accommodate in a logistical regard; ultimate authority for dispatch will come from the Corporate Office.
Can my partner also work for The Mobile Sleeper Company?
We are a fair and equal opportunity employer, and therefore require that all couples apply individually for employment. Even if one person is already employed with the company, we require that the Applicant follow the appropriate steps for being hired.
If the Mobile Sleeper Company employs us both, can we be together at the same camp?
Possibly! Each incident is different. This requires individuals to be flexible. If possible, we try to place couples together, however, if the situation requires multiple locations, it may be necessary to separate the team.
Are couples guaranteed that they will be together?
Mobile Sleeper Company will endeavor to provide opportunities for couples to work together, although this is not guaranteed.
If a couple does not mind being deployed to different camps, would it increase the chance of being dispatched?
Absolutely! This provides additional flexibility to respond for Mobile Sleeper Company.