By F111:
Yes you can be employed as a level 3 if you have the required hours. Most of those that have come from PacBlue were employed as Leve 3.
F111 is correct RE: hours, however I think that
VB management (at its discretion) use the hours requirement as guidance, rather than a hard and fast rule.
It is possible to go in as level 3 without the commensurate hours based on your experience and knowledge. Experience and knowledge that may not be directly related to flying hours accrued but can be directly translated to the job.