Applying for Air Force NAF jobs is going virtual

by April Rowden
Air Force Services Agency Public Affairs Office

June 10, 2010 - SAN ANTONIO – A new centralized online tool is making it easier for job seekers to find and apply for federal careers in various nonappropriated fund activities, including Air Force clubs, golf courses, child development centers, youth centers, bowling centers and outdoor recreation centers.

On May 24, www.nafjobs.org began transitioning to an Air Force-wide job board that lists vacancies for all Air Force NAF facilities. Randolph Air Force Base and Lackland AFB, Texas, were the first bases to list their vacancies on the site.

Other Air Education and Training Command and Air Mobility Command bases began using the site on May 31. Additional locations will be phased in during June and July.

To apply for a job, applicants must go to www.nafjobs.org and create a free profile that includes work background, any military experience and education. They may also upload a resume and other supporting documentation.

Once an individual identifies a vacancy for which he would like to apply, clicking the “apply” button submits the online application to the servicing NAF human resources office. The applicant can check the status of his application under the “My Applications” tab in “My Profile.”

Unlike other job application programs, the NAF system sends every application to the hiring manager for consideration.

“We don’t use a software program to pre-qualify applicants by searching for key words,” said Bobbie Nugent of the Air Force Services Agency’s Human Resources Program Management Branch. “If you submit an application, you will be considered for the position.”

Unlike the nearly 180,000 federal civilian employees that are paid out of the federal appropriated fund budget, the 25,000 Air Force NAF employees are paid by money that is generated by NAF activities, such as Air Force clubs, bowling centers, golf courses and youth centers. These facilities provide a community environment for Air Force families to live, work and play.

“Our NAF employees take a great sense of ownership in their facilities and the services they provide Airmen,” Ms. Nugent said. “Although they don’t wear the uniform, they are performing one of the most important services – taking care of our warfighters and their families.”

Based on the employment category, NAF personnel may qualify for benefits similar to those of other federal civilians, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, annual leave and sick leave.

Applicants should continue applying at their servicing human resources office using currently established procedures until their command or host base is phased into the program. Below is a tentative schedule for phase in by major command:

June 14 – Air Force Materiel Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Special Operations Command

June 28 – Pacific Air Forces, Air Force Space Command, Air Force District of Washington

July 12 – U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Air Force Reserve Command, Global Strike Command, and most remaining Air Force installations

“Our goal was to create a better experience for applicants, and we designed a more streamlined, consistent application process for NAF activities worldwide,” said Ms. Nugent. “We believe that this website exceeds that goal.”

For more information on NAF employment, visit www.nafjobs.org or contact your local NAF human resources office.