Construction Jobs in the Air Force

• Air force careers are not limited to flight-related activities. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

  The U.S. military, as an extension of the federal government, is one of the nation's largest employers. Career opportunities in the military abound for enlisted soldiers, officers and even civilians who serve as auxiliary personnel that the military relies upon to complete various tasks. For those who want to enter the construction field, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) has both enlisted and auxiliary positions available.

Construction Representative

• Construction representatives working for the USAF oversee large-scale construction projects involving complex systems such as those with highly complex electrical systems, unique structural requirements or complicated mechanical systems for USAF base facilities. As someone who supervises, the construction representative serves as a liaison between other important personnel such as the project engineer and the contracting officer. The construction representative monitors ongoing construction and notes changes as needed throughout the duration of the project. He may implement these changes as necessary also. The representative also determines work schedules and makes cost estimates to ensure that work is completed on time and with adequate resources.

  The air force requires one year of specialized experience in this field or an educational equivalent, which generally includes either a master's degree in engineering or construction. Other related degrees may be considered for these positions as well. Usajobs.gov lists the pay range for these positions to be $47,448 to $61,678 per year, as of October 2010.

Architects

• Architects working for the USAF monitor and manage ongoing construction projects. They use their professional knowledge of architecture and construction to oversee all phases of construction. Architects with the USAF oversee the work of construction contractors to ensure they are meeting government guidelines and schedules. They also coordinate ongoing projects with other departments as needed. Architects also performs miscellaneous design, maintenance and operations functions as needed.

  To qualify for one of these architecture positions, the USAF requires the completion of a professional architecture degree with at least 30 hours in the area of architectural design. The air force also considers candidates with a combination of education and equivalent experience. The pay range listed by usajobs.gov was $57,408 and $74,628 as of October 2010.

Conract Specialist

• The USAF regularly employs the services of contract specialists who develop policies and procedures and manage ongoing procurement of supplies and labor through the process of negotiation. Contract specialists must have knowledge of construction materials and labor costs in order to accurately negotiate the price of labor and materials. Specialists solicit and award contracts based on government guidelines. They are also responsible for ensuring compliance to existing contracts and can terminate an existing contract with a company or organization that is not maintaining established contractual guidelines.

  To qualify for a contract specialist position, a bachelor's degree is needed with at least 24 credit hours in the fields of business, accounting, finance, economics, law or another closely related discipline. Pay can vary widely based on experience and education. Contract specialists can make between $46,625 and $145,290 per year according to usajobs.gov.