Employment

Like many overseas installations, Baumholder can be a challenging environment for spouses seeking employment. At times, job openings are limited and receive many applicants. It is common for some applicants to wait six months or longer to gain a job commensurate with their education and experience. Fortunately, there are a variety of options for employment. Federal job opportunities, both Appropriated and Non-Appropriated Funds, Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), and Contracting positions are available on military installations throughout the Rheinland-Pfalz area, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Kaiserslautern Military Community, Ramstein Air Base, and Spangdahlem Air Base. Additional opportunities are available through home-based businesses, local small businesses, private employment in the German economy, and remote positions. There are also many volunteer opportunities that may assist with gaining new skills, growing your network, and potentially “getting your foot in the door” for future opportunities.

Securing employment in Germany can be challenging, but it is not impossible. The job market continually changes as people relocate into and out of the area.

Below are some tips for those seeking employment in Baumholder:

1. PREPARE

• Meet with your local Army Community Service (ACS) Employment Readiness Program (ERP) at your current duty location for assistance with creating your private sector and/or federal resume and cover letter. 
• Hand-carry all important documents (i.e. Resume, PCS Orders, Marriage License/Certificate, Passport, Driver’s License, Social Security Card, College Transcripts, Licenses/Certifications, Letters of Recommendation, Appraisals/Evaluations, List of References, SF-50s, Schedule A Letter, DD 214, SF 15, Citizenship Documents, etc.). 
• Contact your local ACS Financial Readiness Program (FRP) specialist to help create a family financial plan to include possible extended wait times for employment.
• Research transportation options – Will you have more than one privately owned vehicle? Will you utilize public transportation (i.e. bus, train, etc.)? Is walking, riding a bike/scooter, or carpooling an option?
• Contact the Baumholder ACS ERP to set up an appointment to discuss Military Spouse Preference for Employment, Job Search, Labor Market Information, Employment Skills Classes, Volunteering Opportunities, Interviewing, Local Resources, and more.

2. BE FLEXIBLE

• Keep an open mind and positive attitude
• Explore all employment options (i.e. Federal, Contract, AAFES, DeCA, DODEA, CYS, MWR, on-post banks/services, in the German economy, etc.)
• Be open to possibly changing career fields/industries
• Determine how far you are comfortable with/willing to commute
• Meet with an ACS FRP specialist to gain a better understanding of the Cost of Living in Baumholder and the impact on pay/salary expectations.
• Volunteer – This is a great way to give back to the community, learn new marketable skills, expand your personal and professional network, and may lead to future employment.
• Consider education, training, and certification options

3. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Citizenship
• International Laws
• German Taxes
• Language
• Logistical Support (SOFA Status, etc.)
• Resources
• Hiring Preferences (Veterans, Schedule A, Military Spouse, Overseas Family Members, etc.)

Military Spouse Preference for Overseas Assignments

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) is available to eligible jobseekers to assist with finding employment overseas with the Department of Defense. These positions are listed on www.USAJobs.gov. Applicants eligible for MSP may apply for positions 30 days prior to their arrival to their duty location. MSP may be applied to each PCS and does not expire.

To be eligible for MSP, you must meet all the following conditions:

• You must have been married to your sponsor prior to the date of your sponsor’s orders authorizing PCS. – Be prepared to provide a copy of your marriage license/certificate.
• You must be listed, by name, on your military sponsor’s PCS Orders. – Be prepared to provide a copy of your sponsor’s military PCS Orders.
• The position must be within the commuting area of the sponsor’s duty location.
• You must not have accepted or declined (to include a request/invitation to interview for) a continuing position. – A continuing position is defined as an Appropriated Funds (APF) or Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) position with the Department of Defense, that is a Permanent Position and has a Fixed Work Schedule (i.e. full-time or part-time). Positions that are Intermittent or NAF Flex Work Schedule are NOT included.
• You must also be among the most qualified for the position.

For more information on MSP, contact the ACS Employment Readiness Program, the Civilian Human Resources Agency/Office, or Civilian Personnel Office at your overseas installation.

The Baumholder ACS Employment Readiness Program can assist you with:

• Career Assessment and Counseling
• Personal and Professional Improvement Workshops and Classes
• Training and Education Opportunities
• Job Search Strategies
• Exploring Current Job Openings
• Application Assistance
• Resume Development and Critiquing
• Interviewing Techniques
• Cover and Follow Up Letters
• Understanding Labor Market Information and Job Trends
• Salary Negotiation
• Dressing for Success
• Career Fair Preparation
• Licensure and Credential Counseling
• Leveraging Professional Social Media
• Networking
• Personal Branding and Marketing
• Access to Free Employment Resources
• College and Scholarship Application Assistance for Teens
• … and so much more!

For more information and assistance with Employment in the Baumholder area, contact the Baumholder Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program:

Commercial from United States: +49-611-143-531-2850/2848

Commercial from Germany: 0611-143-531-2850/2848

DSN: 314-531-2850/2848

Army Community Service is located on Smith Barracks in Building 8666 (between the Thrift Store and Self-Help Store).

For job-hunting, it is highly recommended to hand-carry important documents:

• Updated Civilian and/or Federal Resume
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Orders
• Your marriage license/certificate (for Military or DOD Civilian Spouses)
• Social Security Card
• Driver’s License
• Passport (No Fee and/or Tourist)
• College Transcripts
• Original and copies of Licenses/Certifications
• Letters of Recommendation
• Previous Annual Appraisals/Evaluations
• List of References
• If applicable –
• SF 50 (Personnel Actions)
• Schedule A Letter (Individuals with Disabilities)
• DD 214 (Prior Military)
• SF 15 (10-Point Veterans Preference)
• Citizenship, Visa, Green Card/Permanent Resident Card, etc. Documents
• Other Employment Related Documents

For more information and assistance with Employment in the Baumholder area, contact the Baumholder Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program:

Commercial from United States: +49-611-143-531-2850/2848

Commercial from Germany: 0611-143-531-2850/2848

DSN: 314-531-2850/2848

Army Community Service is located on Smith Barracks in Building 8666 (between the Thrift Store and Self-Help Store).

Tuition Assistance is available for spouses wishing to attend post-secondary institutions from a variety of sources. Army Emergency Relief offers a Spouse scholarship based on financial need. The Baumholder Community Spouses Club provides a scholarship drive twice yearly for active members to assist with tuition. A variety of federal grants, scholarships and awards are available through the federal government. Additional information regarding financial assistance for education and training can be obtained at the Army Continuing Education Services (ACES) Education Center.

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship

My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship a program that provides financial assistance to eligible military spouses pursing a license, certification, or associate’s degree necessary for gainful employment.

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa/ and https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/.

More info: Contact the Baumholder Army Continuing Education Services (ACES) Education Center at Commercial: 0611-143-531-3181 or DSN 531-3181 or visit https://home.army.mil/rheinland-pfalz/about/directorates-support-offices/directorate-human-resources-dhr/army-continuing-education-services-aces.

Baumholder can be a challenging environment for spouses seeking employment. At times, job openings are limited and receive many applicants. It is common for some applicants to wait six months or longer to gain a job commensurate with their education and experience. Fortunately, there are a variety of options for employment. Federal job opportunities, both Appropriated and Non-Appropriated Funds, Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), and Contracting positions are available on military installations throughout the Rheinland-Pfalz area, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Kaiserslautern Military Community, Ramstein Air Base, and Spangdahlem Air Base. Additional opportunities are available through home-based businesses, local small businesses, private employment in the German economy, and remote positions. There are also many volunteer opportunities that may assist with gaining new skills, growing your network, and potentially “getting your foot in the door” for future opportunities. Securing employment in Germany can be challenging, but it is not impossible. The job market continually changes as people relocate into and out of the area.

For more information and assistance with Employment in the Baumholder area, contact the Baumholder Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program:

Commercial from United States: +49-611-143-531-2850/2848

Commercial from Germany: 0611-143-531-2850/2848

DSN: 314-531-2850/2848

Army Community Service is located on Smith Barracks in Building 8666 (between the Thrift Store and Self-Help Store).