Civilian Career Paths on U.S. Military Bases

I'm open to working on a U.S. Military base but as a civilian. What sort of civilian job opportunities exist on these bases, and what should I know about applying for them?

Civilian jobs on military bases are quite diverse, encompassing virtually every profession you can think of. If you're interested, here's a concise list of career paths available on U.S. military bases:

1. Administrative Jobs: Like any organization, military bases require an administrative workforce to manage operations. These roles include administrative assistants, finance officers, human resource managers, and more.

2. Education and Training: If you are in education, there are schools on many military bases for the service members' children, requiring teachers and education administrators. Bases also need trainers for continuing education program for service members.

3. Healthcare: Bases often have comprehensive healthcare facilities and require a range of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and specialized therapists.

4. Security and Law Enforcement: Another significant component is security personnel, both military police and civilian staff. Additionally, some bases employ civilian employees in their fire departments.

5. Technical Roles: This might include engineers, IT specialists, and maintenance staff. Anything necessary to keep a small community and unique military equipment running can be found on base.

6. Hospitality and recreation: Many bases have recreational facilities, business centers, and even lodging services, and thus require staff to operate these facilities.

In terms of applying, the primary source of civilian jobs on military bases is through the USAJOBS website. This platform is run by the U.S. federal government and lists nearly all available civilian positions. While applying, you will generally need to create a resume using the USAJOBS template and provide any relevant certification or educational documentation.

Note that while some jobs require specialized skills or experience, many roles offer on-the-job training. Federal positions also often come with benefits including health insurance, retirement options, and paid time off.

When applying, make sure to pay close attention to requirements, as some positions may require a security clearance or at least the ability to secure one. Information on obtaining the necessary security clearance will generally be included in the job posting.

Remember that federal jobs do not offer the same military benefits that active-duty personnel receive. However, they do offer stability and, in most cases, normal working hours, which can be appealing to many.