Launch Your Federal Career as a Recreation Assistant Liberty in Gulfport, Mississippi

Supporting those who defend our nation is one of the most rewarding career paths a civil servant can choose. The Department of the Navy, specifically the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), is seeking a passionate and driven individual to step into the role of Recreation Assistant Liberty at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. This unique opportunity allows you to directly impact the physical, emotional, and social well-being of single junior sailors stationed far from home.

Positioned in the vibrant coastal hub of Gulfport, this role is more than just a job; it is a gateway to a meaningful career in the federal government. With an hourly salary of $16.50 per hour, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that fosters growth and innovation, this position is ideal for community-minded professionals, recent graduates in recreation or psychology, and family members of military personnel seeking local, stable federal employment.

About the Agency: Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC)

Delivering Quality of Life to the Fleet, Fighter, and Family

The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is responsible for the operations, maintenance, and quality-of-life programs across Navy shore installations worldwide. Operating under the Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) division, the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) branch is dedicated to keeping our service members physically active, socially connected, and mentally resilient.

At the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, home of the legendary Seabees, the MWR department operates state-of-the-art facilities, including fitness centers, dining options, outdoor recreation services, and Liberty Centers. The Liberty Program is specifically tailored to unaccompanied, single, and junior military personnel, providing them with safe, drug-free environments where they can unwind, socialize, learn new skills, and explore the local Mississippi Gulf Coast community.

Guiding Principles of Navy FFR

Every employee within the Fleet and Family Readiness division operates under a shared set of guiding values:

Straight Talk: Maintaining transparent, honest, and clear communication across all organizational levels.
Value People: Recognizing that the workforce is the Navy's greatest asset and fostering a supportive, inclusive workplace.
Encourage Innovation: Finding fresh, contemporary solutions to engage service members in creative ways.
Good Stewardship: Responsibly managing nonappropriated funds and physical resources.
Mission Integrity: Committing to the highest standards of professional conduct and service delivery.

Job Responsibilities

As a Recreation Assistant for the Liberty Program, you will serve as the chief advocate, coordinator, and communicator for junior sailor recreation on the base. Rather than sitting behind a desk, you will actively engage with service members on a daily basis to understand their needs, design customized recreational experiences, and build dynamic community connections.

Key Duties Include:

Junior Sailor Advocacy: Serve as an educator and ambassador for the installation's MWR services, ensuring single sailors are aware of the programs, facilities, and activities available to them.
Program Development: Collect feedback and generate fresh initiatives tailored to the junior sailor demographic. Assist in organizing excursions, tournaments, gaming events, and community volunteer projects.
Customer Feedback Management: Administer feedback surveys, maintain direct daily communication with center patrons, and analyze results to report back to leadership on program efficacy and popularity.
Modern Digital Marketing: Partner with the MWR Marketing team to develop modern outreach and digital engagement strategies. This includes capturing photos and videos to maintain a vibrant social media presence for the Liberty Program.
Information Distribution: Actively distribute flyers, posters, and promotional items directly to junior sailors around the installation to boost participation rates.
Advisory Board Leadership: Help recruit, coordinate, and participate in the Liberty Ambassador Advisory Board, facilitating a structured path for service members to voice their recreational preferences.

Qualification Requirements

To succeed as a Recreation Assistant, you must demonstrate a balanced combination of administrative capability, customer service excellence, and academic preparation or hands-on experience in community organizing.

Educational and Experience Pathways

Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility structures to qualify for the NF-02 pay band:

Pathway	Minimum Required Work Experience	Minimum Required Academic Coursework
Experience-Based	6 months of general work experience AND 6 months of specialized experience.	High school diploma or equivalent.
Education-Based	N/A	Successful completion of 2 years of collegiate study (60 semester hours) including 12+ credit hours in recreation, psychology, physical education, group dynamics, or arts & crafts.
Combined Pathway	A proportional mix of qualifying specialized experience and higher education.	Equivalent academic credits directly related to community service or behavioral sciences.

Critical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Social Media & Communications: Solid understanding of modern social media platforms to generate dynamic photo/video content and communicate event details.
Software Proficiency: Competence in utilizing standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) for scheduling, documentation, and reporting.
Military Protocols: Awareness of government and military organization structures, safety requirements, and professional communication standards.
Customer Service Excellence: Proven capacity to apply positive customer service techniques to identify issues and solve routine service-related challenges.
Presentational Skills: Ability to prepare and confidently present instructional training or briefs to groups of military personnel.

Salary and Benefits Overview

This position is classified under the Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) system at the NF-02 pay grade, which offers a steady starting wage of $16.50 per hour. Unlike typical temporary retail or hospitality positions, NAF civilian employment within the Department of Defense delivers comprehensive, enterprise-level benefits.

Comprehensive Employee Benefits:

Health and Wellness: Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans available to eligible employees and their families.
Financial Future: Access to a federally managed 401(k) plan with competitive agency matching contributions alongside a dedicated retirement pension plan.
Insurance Protection: Comprehensive long-term disability, basic life, and dependent/spouse life insurance options.
Paid Time Off: Earned annual leave for vacations and sick leave for personal health needs.
Continuing Education: Educational and tuition reimbursement opportunities to help you build your credentials while working.
Base Facility Access: Tax-free shopping privileges at Navy Exchanges and full utilization of base gyms, pools, and recreational rentals.

Federal Resume and Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail. The Department of the Navy utilizes a strict screening process to evaluate candidate materials.

1. Structure Your Resume Carefully

Your resume is the ultimate tool for verifying your capabilities. To remain in compliance with the hiring team's requirements, your resume must follow these formatting guidelines:

Length: Strictly limited to a maximum of two (2) pages.
Typography: Times New Roman font, no smaller than 10-point, with margins of at least one inch on all sides.
Details: For non-government jobs, write the complete business name, address, and precise start and end dates (Month/Year). For any federal positions, write the pay plan, series, grade, and department/agency.

2. Validate Your Assessment Answers

During the application process, you must fill out an occupational questionnaire. Ensure that every skill or task you claim to possess in the questionnaire is explicitly backed up with descriptive, real-world proof in your resume. If HR determines your resume does not support your self-assessment, you may be disqualified.

3. Claiming Hiring Preferences

If you qualify for specialized hiring preferences, you must indicate your status on your USAJOBS profile and provide the required verification paperwork at the time of your application:

Military Spouse Preference (MSP): Provide a copy of your spouse's PCS orders and proof of marriage preceding those orders.
Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Provide a copy of your Business Based Action (BBA) separation notification.
Veteran / Gold Star Preference: Provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member-4 copy) and, if applicable, a completed SF-15 from the VA along with supporting disability or service documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the deadline to apply for this job?
A: The vacancy announcement closes on July 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. Ensure all application materials and documents are uploaded before this cutoff.

Q: Do I need a specific ID to work at the Navy Base?
A: Yes. In addition to passing a background screening, the REAL ID Act requires visitors and federal personnel to possess a REAL ID-compliant state driver's license or a valid US Passport to access federal properties as of May 7, 2025.

Q: What is a Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) position?
A: NAF positions are funded through self-generated revenues from base activities (such as military exchange sales or MWR program fees) rather than directly from congressional tax appropriations. NAF employees are federal civilian employees with distinct, robust benefits packages and retirement systems.

Q: Is there any travel required?
A: Travel is minimal. However, for positions requiring travel more than twice a year, you may be required to obtain and keep a government-issued travel card in good standing.

Q: How will I know if my application is progressing?
A: You can check your application status by logging into your USAJOBS account. Status updates will be posted there, and notifications or interview requests will be sent directly to your registered email address.

If you are searching for a dynamic, public-facing role where you can help build an active, healthy, and supportive community for our military personnel, the Recreation Assistant Liberty role at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport is your perfect opportunity. Combining a competitive starting wage of $16.50/hour with top-tier federal benefits and room for professional advancement, this position is your chance to turn your talent for communication and recreation into a lasting, purposeful career. Set up your USAJOBS profile, prepare your documents, and submit your application today!

Why This Recreation Assistant Liberty Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's service members! Join the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) as a Recreation Assistant in beautiful Gulfport, Mississippi, and help lead engaging recreational initiatives for the Single Sailor Liberty Program.

Recreation Assistant Liberty Job Overview

The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is seeking a motivated individual to serve as a Recreation Assistant for the Liberty Program at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. In this role, you will be the direct link between the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department and junior military personnel. You will advocate for junior sailors, help design recreational programming, create engaging social media campaigns, gather community feedback, and coordinate the Liberty Ambassador Advisory Board. This public-facing role offers a starting wage of $16.50 per hour within the Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) program, offering a direct path to a fulfilling career in federal service and community support.

Requirements for Recreation Assistant Liberty

Must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States.
Must be determined suitable for federal employment through a background check.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with or exempt from the Selective Service.
Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
Must possess and provide a valid Social Security Card.
Must satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant identification or valid passport is required for federal facility access.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a favorable background investigation (non-critical, sensitive position requiring access to IT II systems and PII).
Must be prepared to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement (OGE-450) upon entry and annually.
May be required to obtain and maintain a Government-issued Travel Card for official travel purposes.

Preferred Qualifications for Recreation Assistant Liberty

Proven experience with professional social media content development, brand management, and audience engagement.
Exceptional familiarity with the structure, mission, and functional areas of the Navy's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department.
In-depth knowledge of military, government, and business protocols regarding formal verbal and written communication.
Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) for reporting and analysis.
Prior involvement with Navy programs, Single Sailor initiatives, or veteran-focused community outreach groups.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance options.
✓Spouse and dependent life insurance coverage.
✓Long-term disability protection.
✓Participation in a secure retirement plan and 401(k) savings program with employer contributions.
✓Generous paid time off, including annual and sick leave.
✓Tuition reimbursement programs for continuing education.
✓Strong quality of work-life balance and career stability within the Federal Civilian Service.
✓Access to outstanding base facilities, recreational resources, and community programs.

💡 How to Apply Recreation Assistant Liberty Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Recreation Assistant Liberty Job

Click the apply online link to log into your existing USAJOBS account or create a new one.
Ensure your federal resume is tailored to the job requirements, limited to two pages, using Times New Roman font (10-point minimum) and one-inch margins.
Collect and prepare all necessary supporting documentation, including transcripts, DD-214 (if claiming veteran preference), and proof of marriage or orders (if claiming military spouse preference).
Complete the online occupational assessment questionnaire to evaluate your specialized capabilities.
Verify that your uploaded resume directly validates all answers provided in the occupational questionnaire.
Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date of July 29, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be precise and comprehensive when describing previous roles on your resume. Avoid generalizing your tasks; instead, describe exactly how you applied specialized skills like social media branding or customer service.
Ensure all non-government positions on your resume contain complete addresses, plus clear 'to' and 'from' dates (month and year). For federal positions, include the pay plan, series, and grade level.
Upload only official academic transcripts. Diplomas, degree audits, or unofficial report cards will not be accepted by HR and will lead to an immediate ineligibility rating.
If you qualify for hiring preferences (such as Military Spouse Preference, Reemployment Priority List, or Veteran's Preference), highlight this in your USAJOBS profile and upload all required forms like DD-214 or PCS orders at the time of submission.
Use the online E-Verify Self Check tool prior to applying to proactively find and resolve any administrative discrepancies in your employment eligibility records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for this position?

The position pays a flat hourly wage of $16.50 per hour under the Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) pay band NF-02.

Is relocation assistance or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) pay authorized?

No, relocation expenses and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) payments are not authorized for this position as it has been determined not to be in the government's financial interest.

What are the physical facility security requirements for this job?

Selected candidates must pass a background suitability check and, starting May 7, 2025, must possess a REAL ID or a valid US Passport to access federal government facilities.

Are there educational substitutes for the work experience requirement?

Yes. You can qualify by having six months of general and six months of specialized experience, or by having completed two years of collegiate study that included at least 12 semester hours of coursework in fields like psychology, group dynamics, physical education, or arts and crafts.

Who can I contact for application assistance or special accommodation requests?

You can contact HR Specialist Scessalie S. Oglesby via phone at (228) 871-2118 or email [email protected]. For reasonable accommodations regarding a disability, you can email [email protected].