Grand Forks AFB  Military and Family Support Center

Effective May 2019, the Air Force has updated instructions for the submission and payment of a spouse re-licensure or recertification reimbursement program claim. For additional information, contact the Grand Forks Airman and Family Readiness Center at 701-747-3241.

North Dakota has an unemployment rate of 4.1% per ND Jobs Service data. This is lower than the National unemployment rate of 5.8%.  Unemployment in the Grand Forks area at 4.0% as of April 2021. 

The Grand Forks regions leading industries are Agri-Business, Manufacturing, Unmanned Systems and Professional/Technical Services. The top 5 employers in the area include: Altru Health System, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks Air Force Base, Grand Forks Public Schools, and LM Wind Power.

On-Base Opportunity Resources

The employment opportunities  at Grand Forks AFB are in the services and retail area such as the dining facility, Child and Youth department, bowling facility, the club, commissary, and base exchange. The need for family child care homes continues to provide at-home employment opportunities.  There are several jobs in unmanned aerial systems, research, education, health care, construction, retail, the service industries, manufacturing, as well as technology.

The Civilian Personnel Office is here to assist those interested in applying for all appropriated fund civilian employees with the U.S. Federal Civil Service at Grand Forks AFB excluding the commissary, Defense Accounting Service’s Non-Appropriated Fund and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Employment information for internal and external applicants can be found on the USAJOBS website or by calling the Air Force Personnel Center at 800-525-0102.

The NAF employment personnel office provides information and assistance on the employment process for NAF civilian positions located in 319th Force Support Squadron. These positions include the: bowling facility, golf course, Child Development Center, youth center, library, lodging, and the Northern Lights Club. Services offered by the office include providing information on how to apply for NAF civilian positions. The staff of the A&FRC are available to assist you with the application process and review your resume.

Unemployment compensation may be available for the spouse of a newly assigned military member or civilian employee. For more information, contact the North Dakota Division of Unemployment for Individuals. The site has a variety of unemployment insurance advice, benefit estimators, guides and charts that will walk you through the process. Contact your community readiness consultant for your squadron at the GFA&FRC as soon as you arrive for assistance with your job search. North Dakota’s strong economy has created an abundance of employment opportunities. Grand Forks AFB and the local communities are only three hours away from the much-talked-about Bakken oil fields located in the western part of the state. The oilfield industry is actively seeking qualified workers to fulfill the growing market. A variety of positions are available from truck drivers, mud loggers to clerical, sales and technician positions. Supplementary oilfield employment specifics are as follows: drug testing is a pre-hiring check as well as randomly after the hiring process, a commercial driver's license may be required, there are a variety of uncommon work schedules, and housing is very limited. For more specific oilfield-related employment information, click on the job service North Dakota website.

Employment Opportunities and Career Prospects

Perspective employees have the best opportunities of finding employment in the areas of customer service, retail, information technology, health care and medical services, welding, and truck driving.

When needing assistance with employment, remember to have available all employment records and information, such as resumes, transcripts, certificates, licenses, documents, OF 612, SF-171 and SF-50, if applicable. Also remember any websites, user names and passwords you may be using.

The Grand Forks Airman and Family Readiness Center is your one-stop shop for separating and retiring military members preparing to transition to civilian life. The Transition Assistance Program assists members with briefings, workshops, group and individual assistance, tools, and resources to re-enter the civilian workforce and is offered monthly at the A&FRC.  All classes and workshops are now in-person at the A&FRC (507 Holzapple Bldg. 207).

Attendance is mandated by law and begins with an Initial Counseling and pre-separation briefing. These briefings must be accomplished no later than 12 months prior to separating or up to 24 months prior to retirement.

Registration is required and spouses are highly encouraged to attend. For more information about TAP, please call the A&FRC at 701-747-3241.

All members are encouraged to begin the process early and leave the military as prepared as possible. 

Various forms of tuition assistance is available at Grand Forks Air Force Base for those who would like to attend college or a local university. This includes employer assistance tuition programs as well as the Air Force Aid Society’s annual grants ranging from $500-4,000. There are also scholarship programs available from the Grand Forks AFB Spouses Club, Defense Commissary Agency, Walmart stores and much more.

Contact the Grand Forks AFB Education and Training Center by calling 701-747-3316 for more information.

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program

The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides eligible military spouses with up to $4,000 in financial assistance for licenses, certifications, national tests or associate degrees to pursue an occupation or career field.

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

Unemployment compensation may be available for the spouse of a newly assigned military member or civilian employee. If you are relocating to the Grand Forks area and believe you may be eligible for unemployment benefits, contact Job Service of North Dakota toll-free at 1-866-873-6042 or locally at 701-747-795-3700.

Job Service North Dakota assist with the following unemployment compensation steps:

• How to file a claim
• After a claim is filed
• How to receive benefits
• Reopen a claim
• Claim resources

The Air Force Wounded Warrior Support Services Program (AFW2) assists active duty members who have been diagnosed with a combat-related injury and their families through support, resources, and assistance. A member of the Grand Forks AFB Airman and Family Readiness Center will provide one-on-one consultations and cover areas such as AF Federal Employment, VA benefits, and a financial assessment to name a few.

There are many websites created specifically for military members and their families - every major federal agency has its own website, with most of them containing searchable job listings giving you the opportunity to register to receive automated emails with vacancy announcements. Many private companies also have military or veteran pages within their websites giving you the option to register, upload your resume and request to receive automated vacancy announcements.

Recovery Care Coordinator: Air Force Recovery Care for Wounded, Ill and Injured: 701-747-6182