Ellsworth Air Force Base  Military and Family Support Center

Located near the Black Hills of South Dakota, Rapid City finds itself in the unique position of experiencing the fastest, steadiest growth of any community in the state. Upon arriving at Ellsworth AFB, contact the Employment Assistance Program at the Airman and Family Readiness Center for Career Coaching, Employment Services and Resume Writing Assistance; contact our office at 605-385-4663 or DSN: 312-675-4663. Highly recommend that you follow us on Facebook at A&FRC Ellsworth-Employment Program. If you are looking for Volunteer Opportunities the information will also be shared on that page. Can’t find what you are looking for? Please contact the A&FRC.

The annual Black Hills Regional Job Fair is on 1 March 2023 from 11am to 5 pm at The Monument in Rapid City, SD.  In addition, the A&FRC collaborates with the City of Box Elder for a quarterly “ Meet the Employer” event, OPEN TO ALL, at the Box Elder Community Center. Call for updates.

The chances of finding employment in the following sectors are very good: administrative assistance, banking, accounting, hospitality, health care, education, automotive repair, transportation, construction/labor and sales.

South Dakota continues to have one of the best job markets in the country. The unemployment rate statewide is low, while Rapid City typically averages around 3%. The military is the largest employer in the region and the second largest employer in the state, contributing millions of dollars to the state's economy.

Area recreational attractions make Rapid City an obvious choice for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. As a result, tourism plays a major impact on the economy. The average unemployment rate is very low, and jobs are available; however, underemployment may an issue. Underemployment is a wage level that is not conducive to a standard of living to which some people become accustomed. The dynamics of underemployment are beginning to change and continue to be a top priority for the regional chamber of commerce offices and economic development councils.

Military spouses can circumvent this issue by gaining skills in demand and continuing their education. State agencies shall issue licenses to military spouses from other states within 30 days of submission of a completed application, so long as the military spouse holds a similar license in good standing in at least one other jurisdiction. All licensing fees for military spouses shall be waived.

Job seekers should also know that South Dakota is a right-to-work state.

MyCAA

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

The Airman & Family Readiness Center is also available to assist with military spouse employment. They can be reached at 605-385-4663 or DSN: 312-675-4663.

Air Force Aid Society Employment Grants 

Our office submits an annual request for grant funds to assist spouses of Active Duty Air Force personnel assigned to the installation to complete coursework in high demand career fields, Please contact our office for more information. 

Interested in starting a small business?

There are several agencies in the local area to assist with achieving that goal; SDCEO (SD Center for Enterprise Opportunity) offered through BH State University, Elevate Rapid city, and the Small Business Association.

Spouses may be eligible to collect unemployment compensation. Requirements vary from state to state, so be sure to check with your current state's unemployment benefits office to determine eligibility based on your personal circumstances. For general information about South Dakota's Unemployment Insurance Program visit the South Dakota Department of Labor Website. You may also find information by calling the Rapid City American Job Center at 605-394-2296.

South Dakota has one of the best job markets in the country.  The unemployment rate statewide is low, while Rapid City typically averages around 2%-3%. The military is the largest employer in the region and the second largest employer in the state, contributing millions of dollars to the state's economy.