Employment

When an Airman or Guardian PCSs from one state to another, or is returning from overseas, and the spouse must reapply for the qualifying occupational state license in the new state, the Department of the Air Force will reimburse the cost of the relicensing fees up to $1,000. For additional information, contact the Military and Family Readiness Center at 701-747-3241.

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. You can also meet face-to-face with the staff in Grand Forks--stop by the M&FRC for more information on connecting with JobService ND. 

North Dakota has an unemployment rate of 2.2% with Grand Forks County sitting under that at 2.0% per JobService ND data. This is lower than the national unemployment rate of 3.9%. The Grand Forks region's leading industries are agri-business, manufacturing, unmanned systems, and professional/technical services. The top 5 employers in the area (spring 2024) include: Altru Health System, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks Public Schools, City of Grand Forks, and Archway Physician Recruitment.

On-Base Opportunity Resources

The employment opportunities at Grand Forks AFB can be found for both appropriated fund and non-appropriated fund jobs with a majority being in MWR (services and retail) such as the dining facility, child and youth services, bowling facility, the club, commissary, and base exchange. There is a dire need for family childcare providers which is the best blend of building your own business and making a difference in the community. 

Employment Opportunities and Career Prospects

Perspective employees have the best opportunities of finding employment in the areas of hospitality and tourism; transportation, distribution and logistics, business management and administration; and marketing according to JobService ND

The GFAFB Military and Family Readiness Center is available to assist all Airmen, Guardians, family members, civilian personnel and retirees with employment issues.  When needing assistance with employment, please 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, usernames and passwords you may be using that will assist us in helping you.  For more information, contact the Military & Family Readiness Center at 701-747-3241.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at the Military and Family Readiness Center is your one-stop shop for separating and retiring military members preparing to transition to civilian life. The program provides resources, counseling, and training to assist in career planning, education, entrepreneurship, job searches, and benefits awareness. The required timeline mandates that service members complete the initial counseling and pre-separation briefing no later than 365 days before their anticipated separation or retirement date. It is suggested that service members start the TAP process 18 to 24 months before their anticipated separation for active duty to ensure they have ample time to utilize all the available resources and support. Additional workshops and training are recommended to be completed as early as possible within this timeline to ensure adequate preparation time. 

It's never too early to start planning for your future. All members are encouraged to begin the process early and leave the military as prepared as possible. 

Registration is required for all transition services and spouses are highly encouraged to attend. For more information about TAP, please email 319fss.tap.fsh@us.af.mil or call the M&FRC at 701-747-3241.

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 at 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 or call 1800-342-9647.

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 866-873-6042 or locally at 701-747-795-3700 or go online to www.jobsnd.com.

Job Service of North Dakota assists 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 M&FRC is standing by to assist with making contact with JobService ND if you prefer.