MCAS Yuma  Military and Family Support Center

Local Economic Climate

Arizona is a right-to-work state, which typically means that wages are lower. The largest employers in Yuma and the surrounding area are Yuma Proving Ground, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and Yuma Regional Medical Center. There are approximately 14-17 federal agencies in Yuma. There is very little industry in Yuma and the surrounding areas. As new businesses come to Yuma, wages and employment opportunities have increased. As is the case in most regions, there is a severe shortage of nurses, and they remain in high demand. With the poor economic conditions nationwide, Yuma has been especially hard hit. Visit the MCAS Yuma website for information regarding federal employment or general schedule positions at MCAS Yuma. You can also visit the Marine Corps Community Services Installations website for a current list of positions on base.

The Career Resource Management Center at phone numbers 928-269-3159/5181 and the Family Member Employment Assistance Program at phone number 928-269-2680 are located in Building 850. Early stops for those seeking employment should also include the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality Human Resources Office, located in Building 633 and by phone 928-269-2209, and the Human Resources Office, located at Avenue 3E, Trailer 1975, and by phone 928-269-2240.

Currently, unemployment figures are 31.9%, almost three times the national average. Wages in the agricultural industry and service sector start at minimum wage: $7.90. Secretarial and clerical jobs earn about $10 hourly and food service workers start at $7.90. Due to the general downturn in the economy, Yuma currently has limited employment opportunities. Part-time employment is very limited.

Good prospects: nursing, clerical, food service, sales and behavioral health professionals

Fair prospects:  education, social services, medical and dental front and back office, veterinarian assistants and bookkeeping/accounting

Poor prospects: computer programming and secretarial

Your Installation Family Member Employment Assistance Program specialist can help you with:

• Employment prospects in the new location
• Career counseling/assessments:  know yourself and focus on the type of work best suited for your aptitude, abilities and temperament
• Educational workshops: resume writing, job interview techniques
• Know how to prepare for an interview:  how to dress for success, what to say, what to ask and employers’ commonly asked questions
• Federal application information: 10 Steps to a Federal Resume workshop, understand the complicated application process and learn about federal employment opportunities

Spouse Preference

Executive Order 13473, dated September 28, 2008, authorized the noncompetitive appointment of certain military spouses to competitive service positions; this became effective September 11, 2009. Please contact your FMEAP specialist for details or visit FEDSHIREVETS for more information. 

Employment Documentation

For job hunting purposes, be sure to bring with you all employment records and information, resumes, transcripts, certificates and licenses. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States is also required. These documents include, but are not limited to, a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction or territory or the U.S. State Department, U.S. certificate of naturalization or citizenship, U.S. passport, Social Security card and/or Alien Registration receipt card.

Transition Readiness Seminar Update:

The Career Resource Management Center and Transition Readiness Program provide career and employment assistance, vocational and educational guidance and transition information to separating Marines and their family members. The tools and information provided enable all separating Marines and their family members to make a successful transition from military to civilian life.

Eligibility

Transition services are available to all Marines and their family members who are within 18-12 months of separation or 24-12 months of retirement. Pre-separation counseling and the TRS workshop are mandatory for all separating Marines.

The TRP aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma offers the following quality programs and services:

• Mandatory pre-separation counseling
• Individual transition plan
• Career coaching
• Financial planning
• Instruction in resume and cover letter preparation and job applications
• Job analysis techniques
• Job search techniques and preparation
• Job interview techniques
• Mandatory TRS 
• Career assessment
• Employment and training assistance
• Information on federal, state and local programs providing assistance
• Veterans benefits
• Disabled Transition Assistance Program
• Verification of Military Experience and Training form DD-2568
• Federal employment application information

For additional information, contact your local Transition Readiness Program Office at 928-269-5181.

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship

For information on MyCAA and military spouse education and career opportunities, visit the Family Member Employment Assistance Program, voluntary education or Military OneSource.

Your installation FMEAP specialist can help you with:

• Employment prospects in the new location
• Career counseling/assessments: know yourself and focus on the type of work best suited for your aptitude, abilities and temperament
• Educational workshops: resume writing and job interview techniques
• Know how to prepare for an interview: dress for success, what to say, what to ask and employer’s commonly asked questions
• Federal application information: 10 steps to a federal resume workshop, understand the complicated application process and learn about federal employment opportunities

Spouse Preference

Executive Order 13473, dated Sept. 28, 2008, authorized the noncompetitive appointment of certain military spouses to competitive service positions. This became effective Sept. 11, 2009. Please contact your FMEAP specialist for details or visit the FEDSHIREVETS website for more information.

Employment Documentation

For job hunting purposes, be sure to bring with you all employment records and information, resumes, transcripts, certificates, and licenses. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. is also required. These documents include but are not limited to:

• A birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction or territory, or the U.S. state department
• U.S. certificate of naturalization or citizenship
• U.S. passport
• Social Security card
• Alien registration receipt card

Unemployment compensation may be available for the spouse of a newly assigned military member or civilian employee. For more information please contact the Arizona Department of Economic Security.

The largest employers in Yuma and the surrounding area are Yuma Proving Ground, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and Yuma Regional Medical Center. There are approximately 14 to 17 federal agencies in Yuma. Unemployment is currently 23.1% and it stood at 16.1% in 2019. Median household income is $46,151.