I ran across this in comp.software.year-2000. The actual job posting can be found at: http://www.dice.com/DandL/i/itcinc.ks112098.html

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Title: Systems Analyst/Engineer
Skills: Embedded systems knowledge, power production.
Date Posted: 12/04/98
Location: San Antonio, TX
Area code: 210
Start: 12-07-98
Type: Contract, independent OK
Pay: $35-45/hr
Length: 12-18months

Email: kyles@itconnections.com
Web: www.itconnections.com

Position ID: ks112098
DICE ID: itcinc

Job Description:

Learn and utilize company methodology within four days
Be able to quickly learn how to identify Y2K problem
areas within embedded electrical systems that produce
power to operate machinery. Analyze, document and
prepare information for testing and programming teams
to perform changes. Helpful: Knowledge of power
production as it relates to engineering. BSEE helpful,
but not required. Strong analysis skills. Able to
interpret blueprints and schematics; code is a plus.
Able to work within a team environment and under Y2k
deadline pressure.

-- Anonymous, December 06, 1998

Answers

Ouch! This posting tells me several things.....

1. Somebody is just getting started in assessing their exposure with embedded systems. Think they'll finish in time?

2. They aren't that concerned. $35-45/hr? Give me a break. A person of this type with this knowledge, at this time could command $150-$200/hr. Who do they think they are kidding? Themselves obviously.

The good news is I LIKE food cooked over a fire (most men do - it's a genetic thing - that's why we buy barbeque's (sp?)).

Ron

-- Anonymous, December 07, 1998

You should see some of the Project Manager jobs headhunters have offered consultants of my acquaintance recently. Businesses which want a complete new system installed, which normally takes a minimum of two years, and they want the job finished by.....you guessed it! December, 1999. No takers so far - that I know of. I don't mean to imply that these jobs are necessarily in the electric utility industry, but the inflexible deadline poses problems everywhere for those late in awareness. It is interesting that one of the potential "Risks" given on some utility 10Q's for that company not to be able to finish their projects on time is lack of qualified personnel.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 1998