Employment at PSA

joejoemay

Funny how I was saying just the other day this would be my dream job...but SoCal?! No way can't do that! Still think it was very smart of these guys to shout out to members of the forum...though I am told that once a hobby becomes work, it drains the fun out of it. Either way best of luck to anyone applying, I think this is an amazing oppertunity.

jradke4

careful what you say. putting a dig on SoCal might get this thread locked already like the last one.

to me they limit there candidates by either looking only in CA or for someone that would make a big move. in this day and age of the internet couldnt they have some people that are experts working around the country. these people wouldnt need to have the card in hand for most cases, other than the old refactors. most of us "experts" would be able to provide PSA with spec type info with a scan of the front and the back. maybe by having more people with real experience with certain sets or players PSA might get the help they are looking for at potentially a cheap rate.

i know in my main job, science...other scientists review other scientists articles before publication. the science community has relied on experts in the actual science to referee and critique papers vs just having copy editors review the papers. one agrees to serve on a review panel and the editor will send papers that you would be considered an expert in to you to review. might be thought for PSA with certain types of cards.

to the moderator: the above was not a slam at PSA just a suggestion.

joejoemay

Got nothing against SoCal, save cost of living. As for reviewing work or a telecommuting job I think your spot on. However if I owned this business I might want to have this position right there next to me. I think the same way...they limit their pool. I see they have experts on retainer for certian specific signatures and such...but from the job discription, I think this is a more a jack of all trades sit down and research odd cards and grade when you are not busy. Still sounds like a blast of a job. Now if the job were more like you are saying (only research), why not have a group of experts or better to say hobbyist that you can pull together e-mail out the scans get on a conference call or video chat and get different opinions...not sure how you would pay them but I am betting most guys on here would do that for grading fees or just for fun.

KbKards

on-site Research Specialist: a position that requires the identification and classification of sports cards, non-sports cards, tickets and packs.

That's not a job for a single person. Splitting sports cards into vintage and modern, and you have 5 very different categories requiring specialized knowledge and experience. Most importantly you need to be aware of common shenanigans going on with each category. There are many experts they could consult with from each category, similar to their relationship with Steve Hart and packs, but there are very few people that have a significant depth of knowledge in multiple categories. The best people are making too much money putting their experience to use buying and selling things.

bxb

Sounds like a tough job.

What's it pay

miwlvrn

The suggestions of making it a telecommute position make a lot of sense. I've been telecommuting for my job for 10 years after working in the actual office for the company for 5 years before the 10 which came after a relocation, and it really isn't hard to be productive with the modern communications we have available now.

I would also suggest they might consider hiring a correspondent or 2 over in western Europe to handle identification of some of the more obscure foreign issue cards that get subbed for grading. I've gained a lot of info on cards like that through emailing with foreign sellers. Maybe one in Spain, UK, and in Italy to start with, and branch out as necessary?

miwlvrn

Also, I wonder if that employee were unable to submit or sell cards under his own name once accepting the job, and if that would deter an otherwise great candidate.

jradke4

<< <i>Also, I wonder if that employee were unable to submit or sell cards under his own name once accepting the job, and if that would deter an otherwise great candidate. >>



Don't understand why the person couldn't submit or sell. The position wouldn't be for grading cards just verifying the card issue

Dakillo

Don't understand why the person couldn't submit or sell. The position wouldn't be for grading cards just verifying the card issue

With most organized companies, the phrase "Conflict of Interest" is given a rather wide latitude.

Sure, you mention that the position is not grading. Hypothetically, though, you work there for a little while, make friends with your co-workers (who may be graders)...

You can easily see why the conflict of interest footprint must be all encompassing. It can never be totally eliminated, but the more degrees of separation that are put in place, the better.