Summer program gets started

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  More than 10 years ago, a program was created at Tyndall Air Force Base to help provide summer employment for all. As the summer months approach, the Summer Hire Program 2008 gets under way.

The Summer Hire Program, run by the 325th Mission Support Squadron civilian personnel flight, offers students federal jobs and the opportunity many people do not have.

"Civil service jobs are hard to come by, especially if one does not have a prior military background," said Elisa Esterley, 325th MSS human resources Summer Hire coordinator. "The [Summer Hire Program] is a great way for students to get their foot in the civil service door."

This year the program is hiring individuals under the Student Temporary Employment Program authority. Under STEP, applicants must be at least 16 years of age and be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student taking at least a half-time academic, technical, or vocation course load in an accredited high school, technical, vocational, two-or four-year college or university, or graduate school. The applicant must also have at least a 2.0 grade point average out of a 4.0 grade scale.

More than 30 positions are advertised this year; such as office automation clerks, lifeguards, recreation aides (indoor and outdoor), engineering aides and laborers.

Created mainly for temporary summer employments, in a few cases positions can be extended to meet mission needs depending on funds and mission requirements.

Benita Auzenne and Kelsey Hamilton are two of the many individuals who took advantage of the Summer Hire Program.

Mrs. Auzenne was a summer hire for the civilian personnel office last year as a human resources office automation technician. Due to office needs, she was extended and today still serves under the STEP program.

"This was a wonderful opportunity for me to get back into the civil service system," said Mrs. Auzenne. "I recommend all students apply because you don't just earn an income here; you also gain experience and valuable training."

Miss Hamilton, 17, daughter of Master Sgt. Raymond Hamilton, became a lifeguard for the base pool last summer through the program. She has been asked to come back this summer and apply for the head lifeguard position.

"The program not only got me a job, but helped me work on my tan," said Miss Hamilton jokingly.

The Summer Hire Program also provides wages that are competitive to the private sector.

"Many parents have come in and jokingly stated that their [children] will be making more than them," said Ms. Esterley.

Three supporting documents are required to apply for positions-- current transcript; letter of enrollment or letter of intent on school letterhead; and a resume or Optional Form-612. Documents can be e-mailed to 325Summerhire@tyndall.af.mil, mailed or brought in person to 325 MSS/DPC (Civilian Personnel Flight), 445 Suwannee Rd. Ste 238, Tyndall AFB, Fla. 32403 or faxed to 850-283-8389.

For more information about the positions available through Tyndall's Summer Hire Program 2008, call 850-283-3203 or 283-8227. For interests in all other positions located at Tyndall, visit www.usajobs.gov and follow the links to civilian employment.