OK, check this out..........it hasn't posted yet but I know it will
www.cityofhenderson.com my office is going to open a position in the next few weeks for an Engineering Design Technician - GIS (same position as mine). You would probably fit right in. We use CAD and ARCINFO all day long. Starting pay is $28.06 an hour then you top out after a year to $32.128. Insurance is $88 a month no matter how many dependants you have. You work only 38 hours a week, 4 10 hour days from 7:30 to 5:30 with a 30 minutes lunch so it's only 9.5 hours worked a day (we all take hour lunches and skip our two 15 minute breaks). I know the money isn't all that but it's a start. You would be my b**** because I own you on time there..haha (I only started in August). Haha! Anyway, it's a great group of people to work for and you don't have to pay social security. They are on the PERS system (Public Employee Retirement System).
ChopstickHero, was is ESRI paying their GIS Technicians?
PS: if your going to apply put me down as a reference and I'm sure you'll get in. I fit in right away and I have a strong work ethic so I'm sure if I refer you then your chances are strong. I'm not sure if they pay relocation or not but I will find out.