FORT RUCKER, Ala. (August 9, 2012) -- Though the ninth annual Fort Rucker Job Fair is Aug. 22, jobs are available throughout the year in the form of Non Appropriated Fund jobs on post.
NAF positions are jobs that have to do with the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation that provide specific services to Fort Rucker. Income from the service is used to pay employees, 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.
Pam SanMiguel, a NAF human resource officer, said that 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." 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.
"We no longer take paper applications. To apply for a NAF job you have to go to www.USAjobs.gov. Select Fort Rucker as your location and NAF as what you are looking for," she said.
Most of the NAF positions are for the MWR activities on post, and SanMiguel said that NAF provides civilian jobs that are not government contracted, but applicants still must go through a formal investigation.
"It 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 the ERP if they need help with résumé construction… and [the 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 sport's 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 enlisted Soldier can. There is generally an age limit of 18 or 21, but 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.
"People just need to know that we're run as a business. Jobs typically stay open about a week, but we extend the time if we need to, to find viable applicants," she said.
NAF jobs are available at the physical fitness facilities, the Silver Wings Golf Course, the post libraries, the phone center, The Landing and The Landing Zone, Starbucks, the Splash! pool, Rucker Lanes, information ticket and reservations, leisure services, Mother Rucker's, the child development center, youth services, the auto craft center and outdoor recreation.
Unlike ERP, NAF does not provide job search assistance and counseling, career counseling, résumé , application and cover letter preparation assistance, a resource library, small business training, development, or counseling. It is strictly a tool to use to find new available civilian jobs on Fort Rucker, said SanMiguel.
For more information or to look for available jobs, go to www.usajobs.com.
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