Civilian workforce faces changes Published June 26, 2009 By Christy Jones Human Resources Specialist FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- As the Air Force transforms to meet the challenges of the 21st century, so too must the civilian workforce. We must recruit highly qualified civilian candidates to allow us to select the best employees for our critical mission areas and in turn develops our future leaders. This is the mission of the Civilian Force Integration Directorate at the Air Force Personnel Center, and the Air Force is committed to getting the right person in the right place at the right time. Today the Air Force fills civil service positions at locations worldwide in a wide variety of technical, administrative, managerial and professional occupations. Recent college graduates or those who will be graduating soon can apply for the PALACE Acquire or Copper Cap Intern Programs. These intern programs offer full-time employment with a structured two- to three-year training program, putting employees on the fast track with performance-based promotion. Benefits include eligibility for $20,000 in student loan reimbursement. Some locations also include recruitment bonuses. As a civil service employee, a military spouse can apply for the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program. This program is designed to assist the spouse when the military member receives transfer orders to a new location. To become a Civil Service employee for the United States Air Force, explore the USAJobs Web site at www.usajobs.gov and discover all the possibilities for a new career and a new future. Join one of the nation's largest employers. Enjoy paid holidays, annual accruing sick leave, paid vacation, competitive salaries, a great retirement plan, and life and health insurance. Travel and see the world or have a great career right at home. With over 143,000 civil service positions, there is one waiting for you. Fairchild has opportunities in nursing, engineering, administration and skilled tradesman. For current employment information contact the Civilian Personnel office at 247-4313.