Employment

Many employment opportunities exist near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The base is within a one-hour commute of Philadelphia, upstate New Jersey and New York City via train or car. Train stations are close to the base and offer commuting options for workers who choose to work in the surrounding cities. Other options for positions are in the counties proximate to JBMDL which include Burlington, Ocean, Mercer, Monmouth and Camden. Cities close to JBMDL include Bordentown, Pemberton, Princeton, Burlington, Cherry Hill, Toms River, Jackson and Lawrence.

The prospects for finding a job in the communities within a short commute of JBMDL are good for the majority of professions, including pharmaceuticals, business, medical and professional/paraprofessionals. Companies that employ a large number of military-affiliated workers include Amazon, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals, Grainger, Virtua Medical Centers and local school districts and colleges. Salaries are commensurate with experience. The prospect of federal service jobs is high, and many spouses and retirees choose to find work in the General Schedule or Non-appropriated Fund systems.

For information on state and county employment, visit the State of New Jersey website and click on the Employment drop-down header. Family members stationed at JBMDL may also find employment with national temporary employment services. A listing of these agencies with contact information and more is available at the Military & Family Readiness Center.

Are you transferring a professional license to the state of New Jersey? The New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs can assist you in the process. Contact them directly for additional information and one-on-one assistance at 973-504-6210, or by email at DCAMilitary@dca.njoag.gov. Any issues with the process can be further directed to the Military & Family Readiness Center at 609-754-3154.

Job Banks

USAJOBS: The official site for federal job information provided by the US Office of Personnel Management.

Military Spouse Employment Partnership Program: MSEP is active in this region. The program identifies employers who have signed on to hire military spouses in areas of portability or career progression positions.

Career One Stop: A service of the U.S. Department of Labor Nationwide Employment Service providing job seekers with work opportunities in the U.S. and other worldwide locations. It is the central processing hub for State Employment Security Agencies and their local offices.

JBMDL Employment Facebook Page: The JBMDL career connection Facebook page highlights open positions with military-friendly employers in the state of New Jersey and surrounding areas.

Employment Documentation

Any family member who is seeking to develop a personal career must tackle the problems imposed by frequent moves. Networking before you move as well as after you arrive at your new duty station can sometimes be the key to a successful job search. Here are some tips that may help:

Update your resume.

Update your list of professional and personal references. Ask their permission before including their names as a reference.

Compile all college transcripts, certifications and certificates of completion for all training you have successfully completed.

Ask your present employer if the company has a branch in the area where you are planning to relocate. A transfer may be possible.

If you are interested in federal employment, visit your Base Civilian Personnel Office to see what placement programs you may qualify for when moving.

If you are working for a temporary agency, transfer your records to the new location so you do not lose employment credit.

Talk to your friends, relatives or co-workers. They may have some ideas that can help.

Check local job boards for job leads and the employment environment.

Contact local chapters of professional organizations.

Check with the state offices for requirements of licensed or certified positions.

Search the internet.

Contact the employment program manager at your sending and receiving bases for assistance.

Hand carry your personal records and an interview outfit. Do not entrust these documents to the packers. Consolidate your resume, reference list, certifications, licenses, transcripts and any other personal documentation that are important to you. Keep these documents in a safe and easily-retrievable location.

The employment program office is located at the Military & Family Readiness Center , 3435 Broidy Road, McGuire. Call 609-754-3154.

The employment readiness team is ready to assist you with your job search. You will be assisted with resume preparation and review. The staff is here to provide information, assistance and training to applicants, enabling them to enter or re-enter the job market by giving guidance on how and where to look for employment.

The employment section maintains a limited job bank of employment opportunities in the local communities. Family members receive assistance with resume preparation, job applications and fax and telephone services. We also offer classes on civilian/federal resume writing, interviewing skills, LinkedIn and career search. Resume books are available for client use.

The M&FRC can assist with:

• Career counseling and advice
• Resume/application review and feedback
• Educational information
• Job leads on- and off-base
• Military Spouse Occupational License Transfer and Cost Reimbursement

Services are available to all Department of Defense identification cardholders, including active-duty and retired personnel, military spouses and family members, and DOD civilians. If you do not have a DOD ID card, contact your local One Stop Center for career assistance.

Seminars, Workshops and Individual Appointments

Federal resume writing: Individual and group assistance provides an overview of the federal hiring process, including writing a resume for the job announcement, information on federal agencies and application procedures.

Civilian resume writing: Writing a resume is an in-depth process through which an individual examines their career goals, work history and personal attributes. Individuals will gain a better understanding of the role of the resume in the employment process. They will also learn to create an effective resume and about various formats for this document.

Interviewing skills: The job interview is the key that can unlock the door to employment. Answering an interviewer's questions with good, solid responses is important. Additionally, the individual interested in doing well should know how to prepare for an interview, how to create a good appearance, and how to follow up on an interview. One-on-one interview preparation appointments are available.

Welcome to Your Transition Assistance Program

Your transition begins no less than 365 days prior to your separation/retirement. It is recommended that retirees begin the transition process at least two years prior to retirement. In the event of an unanticipated separation or retirement, the Transition Assistance Program must begin as soon as possible within the remaining period of service.

STEP ONE: Individualized Initial Counseling

Effective Oct. 1, 2019, IAW Section 552 Public Law 115-232, John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, individualized Initial Counseling between the service member and a transition counselor is now the official start to the transition process. IC should take place no later than 365 days prior to separation/retirement from military service. During an IC session, service members will complete their self-assessment and begin the development of their Individual transition plan to identify their unique needs of the transition process, or Tiers, and post-transition goals. At the conclusion of this appointment, members will have an established transition plan to include scheduled appointments for the required corresponding requirements.

IC is conducted by appointment only at Military & Family Readiness Center. For an appointment, call 609-754-3154 or 732-323-1248.

STEP TWO: Pre-Separation Counseling – Initiate eForm/DD Form 2648 (Pre-separation Counseling Phase)

Once the IC is complete, pre-separation counseling commences and must also be completed NLT 365 days prior to separation/retirement; therefore, members are encouraged to complete their IC
13-24 months prior to separation/retirement. Pre-separation counseling covers, by law, information to include benefits, entitlements and resources for eligible transitioning service members. Spouses and caregivers are encouraged to attend.

This briefing is held every other Thursday, 1 to 5:30 p.m., at the M&FRC on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

Briefings are designated based on post-separation status (for example: separatee/retiree).

STEP THREE: Three-Day TAP Curriculum Workshops

This multi-day course provides members with information and skills needed for a successful transition. This workshop is broken down as follows:

Day one: Veterans Affairs benefits and services (Day one is required for all; there are no exemptions.)

Day two: DOD Transition Day – This portion of TAP includes curriculum modules on building resiliency by managing your own transition, Military Occupational Code Crosswalk to help define and translate military skills and the financial plan for transition, which fulfills the mandated financial literacy requirement.(Day two is required for all; there are no exemptions.)

Note: Day one and day 2 classes are required for all service members; there are no exceptions.

Day three: Department of Labor Employment Fundamentals of Career Transition (some exemptions apply)

This workshop is facilitated by Department of Labor.

STEP FOUR: Capstone – Complete DD Form 2648 eForm (Capstone Phase)

Capstone is the culminating event where a transition counselor will verify completion of required Career Readiness Standards (deliverables) as determined during the service members’ IC appointment. Capstone must be completed NLT 90 days prior to separation/retirement.

Capstone is conducted by individual appointment at M&FRC.

Note: Pre-separation counseling and a TAP curriculum workshop will be scheduled during members’ IC.

Note: Individualized initial counseling, pre-separation counseling, TAP days one and two and Capstone are required for all service members. There are no exemptions.

Two-Day Pathways Tracks (optional, depending on your Tiers)

Higher Education Track

This track is for those of you who are going into the educational arena. These two days help you prepare for college life and re-entering school, transferring credits and experience, researching schools and financial assistance, applications, and campus realities.

Vocational Training Track

Facilitated by the DOL, it will help with the selection of a reputable technical school, benefits and cost analysis of the technical career field, and occupational crossover information.

Entrepreneurship Track

This track is designed for those of you who are interested in pursuing your own small business or franchising. The Small Business Administration has designed two days of special curriculum for those interested in these areas. These two days explore the personal side of entrepreneurship, like what it takes to start a business, your self-motivation and vision. This track also covers the development of a business plan and sources of capital and financing.

DOL-Employment Track

This track assists members seeking employment with resume writing, interview skills and networking. It offers information about the labor market and federal employment. Upon completion of this track, members will have started a targeted resume.

Contact your M&FRC at 609-754-3154 or 732-323-1748

MyCAA  
For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military Spouse Education & Career Opportunities | MySECO (militaryonesource.mil).

If you are relocating to New Jersey and have worked in a different state, you must file an Interstate Unemployment Claim against the state where you worked previously. Some states provide special telephone numbers and or internet addresses for filing interstate claims. In New Jersey, you may submit your claim online.

The Volunteer Program is a base-wide program designed to fully utilize and recognize the contributions of volunteers at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. It creates a central base resource for volunteer recruitment, training, and recognition. It was established in recognition of volunteerism as an integral part of our community.

The intent of the Volunteer Program is to promote the spirit of volunteerism through assisting volunteer agencies in meeting their needs. Some of the agencies with volunteer opportunities include the American Red Cross, Outdoor Recreation, Youth Sports, Chapels, and the Military & Family Readiness Center. Volunteer opportunities for JBMDL can be found by visiting https://vmis.armyfamilywebportal.com/. For more information on volunteering, call 609-754-3154.

Employment assistance is available through the Military & Family Readiness Center  at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst and in the local community at the Department of Labor Career One Stop Centers. The unemployment rate in Burlington County is 4.2%. The median household income is $95,935. The unemployment rate in Ocean County is 5.1%. The median household income is $76,644.