NAF positions available to job hunters

By Sara E. Martin, Army Flier Staff WriterJuly 25, 2013

usa image
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (July 25, 2013) -- The 10th annual Fort Rucker Area Job Fair is today, but there are other opportunities for people interested in obtaining work on the installation with non-appropriated fund jobs.

NAF positions are jobs with the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation that provide specific services to Fort Rucker.

The difference between appropriated fund jobs, like GS jobs, and NAF jobs is that GS monies are set by Congress, whereas NAF is run like a business, said Pam SanMiguel, human resource officer.

Because income from the provided service is used to pay employees, not the military appropriated funds, NAF positions are not subject to furlough, according to the NAF management website.

NAF positions range from NF-1 through NF-6, and pay is determined by the employee's performance and skill level, not how long they have remained with the company.

To apply for NAF jobs people can go to www.USAjobs.gov and select Fort Rucker as the location and NAF in the search, said SanMiguel.

She added that she is prepared to help those who are looking for a NAF position on post but are confused on how to secure a position.

Most of the NAF positions are with DFMWR activities on post that are civilian jobs that are not government contracted, but applicants still must go through a formal investigation, said SanMiguel.

"NAF provides jobs to those seeking one, but a background check must be passed, though most of the jobs do not need a security clearance like a GS position would," she said.

The employment readiness program keeps up with what positions are open in NAF, but the departments don't directly work together, according to SanMiguel.

"We send applicants, such as military spouses, up to ERP if they need help with resume construction … and (ERP) keeps an eye on what we have open that may work for their applicants," she said.

Most positions are flexible, and often accommodate college students and parents working around a child's school and sports schedule. Though positions do come open for minors occasionally, SanMiguel said that the jobs generally do not open often for those under 18.

"Anyone can apply, even an active-duty Soldier can," she said. "There are no guaranteed hours and there are no benefits or leave time; however, they are flexible. We have seasonal jobs as well, like the lifeguards during the summer," she said.

The needs on post determine how frequently jobs became available, but jobs open and close all the time and there is always some type of open position during the year, said SanMiguel.

"Jobs are available all the time and people secure them all the time. Just make sure your answers on your online questionnaire are reflected and supported in the résumé you submit," she said.

Some businesses where NAF jobs are available are the physical fitness facilities, Silver Wings Golf Course, post libraries, the phone center, The Landing and The Landing Zone, Starbucks, Lyster Army Health Clinic, Splash!, Rucker Lanes, travel and leisure services, Mother Rucker's, the elementary and primary schools, the child development and youth services, the auto craft center and outdoor recreation.

Unlike ERP, NAF does not provide job search assistance and counseling; career counseling; resume, application and cover letter preparation assistance; a resource library; or counseling. NAF is strictly a tool to use to find new available civilian jobs on Fort Rucker, said SanMiguel.

Currently there are 24 open positions at usajobs.com that range from clerk to physician and attorney adviser to cook. For more information or to look for available jobs, go to www.usajobs.com.

Related Links:

USAACE and Fort Rucker on Twitter

USAACE and Fort Rucker on Facebook

Fort Rucker, Ala.

U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence

USAJOBS