Launch Your Career at the Air Force Academy: Recreation Assistant Opportunity
Are you a skilled artisan with a passion for high-quality framing? Do you enjoy helping others unlock their creative potential? The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado is currently seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Recreation Assistant to join the Arts & Crafts Center. This role is essential for supporting the morale and welfare of our nation's service members, providing them with a space to create, learn, and grow.
Job Responsibilities
As a Recreation Assistant, you will wear many hats. Your primary responsibility is managing the matting and framing shop. This involves:
- Artistic Execution: Creating custom matting and framing solutions, including archival quality techniques and specialized cuts like V-grooves and double ovals.
- Technical Proficiency: Operating professional framing equipment and safely cutting glass to fit various project dimensions.
- Operational Oversight: Managing inventory, ordering supplies, and ensuring the shop remains organized and efficient.
- Instructional Leadership: Teaching patrons the fundamentals of matting and framing and providing guidance on their personal projects.
- Administrative Duties: Handling cash transactions, maintaining financial reports, and ensuring shop policies are followed.
Requirements
To excel in this role, you must demonstrate a strong background in framing artistry and retail operations. The following table highlights the essential qualifications:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Technical Skill | Proficient in custom mat cutting and glass cutting techniques. |
| Physical Ability | Capable of lifting 50 pounds regularly. |
| Experience | Proven history of progressive responsibility in shop/framing environments. |
| Vetting | Ability to pass a Tier 1 background check and pre-employment physical. |
| Compliance | Registered with the Selective Service (for males born after 1959). |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive hourly wage of $20.59. Beyond the salary, NAF positions come with the satisfaction of serving a military community and participating in a supportive, professional environment. Employees benefit from the established infrastructure of the Air Force Services programs.
Application Tips
Standing out in a federal hiring process requires precision. Make sure your resume is tailored to reflect your specific experience in the framing arts. Do not simply list duties; describe your accomplishments, such as volume of framing projects handled or inventory cost savings you achieved. Always double-check that you have attached all required documents, as missing paperwork is the most common reason for disqualification.
Will I be required to work weekends?
As this is an "uncommon tour of duty," flexibility in scheduling is required to meet the operational needs of the Skills Development Center.
If you are ready to combine your craftsmanship with a meaningful career supporting the military community, we encourage you to apply. The closing date is October 23, 2026. Take the first step toward a fulfilling role at the U.S. Air Force Academy today.
Why This Recreation Assistant Job Matters
Turn your artistic passion into a federal career! Join the U.S. Air Force Academy Arts & Crafts Center as a Recreation Assistant and help military personnel and their families bring their creative projects to life.
Recreation Assistant Job Overview
The U.S. Air Force Academy is seeking a skilled and creative individual to join the team as a Recreation Assistant at the Skills Development Center. This is a Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) position that offers a unique opportunity to work in a creative, fast-paced environment. In this role, you will be the primary expert in the matting and framing shop, providing high-quality services to our military community while managing inventory and ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons.
Requirements for Recreation Assistant
- Proven experience in professional matting and framing techniques, including custom cutting (single, double, V-groove, inlay, etc.).
- Ability to safely and accurately cut glass for various artwork sizes and shapes.
- Experience with inventory management procedures and basic arithmetic for cash handling.
- Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Ability to successfully complete a Tier 1 background investigation.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or meet specific U.S. territory residency requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Recreation Assistant
- Experience in customer service within a retail or hobby-focused environment.
- Demonstrated ability to teach art or framing techniques to varying skill levels.
- Familiarity with ceramic or engraving equipment operation.
- Strong organizational skills regarding shop cleanliness and supply logistics.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly compensation.
- ✓Access to Air Force Services NAF employment benefits.
- ✓Opportunity to work in a unique, creative, and supportive community environment.
- ✓Professional development within the Department of the Air Force.
💡 How to Apply Recreation Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Recreation Assistant Job
- Create or log into your USAJobs account.
- Review the full job announcement on the USAJobs portal.
- Prepare a detailed resume highlighting your framing and customer service experience.
- Gather supporting documents such as certifications or transcripts if applicable.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM EST on October 23, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience with matting and framing, including specific cutting techniques used.
- Sanitize sensitive information like social security numbers or private contact details from your supporting documents before uploading.
- Double-check your responses to the online questionnaire against your resume to ensure consistency.
- Submit your application well in advance of the deadline to account for potential technical delays.
- Include contact information for professional references on your resume to speed up the vetting process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a NAF position?
NAF stands for Non-appropriated Fund. These positions are often associated with Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities for the military and are funded by the revenue generated by these programs rather than direct congressional appropriations.
Can I substitute education for the required framing experience?
No, this specific position does not allow for education substitution; the required experience in professional matting and framing is mandatory.
What documentation is required to prove eligibility?
At a minimum, you must submit a resume. Depending on your hiring path (e.g., veteran status, military spouse), you may also need to provide a DD-214, proof of marriage, or other specific service documentation.
Is prior military experience required?
No, this position is open to the public. However, hiring preferences are applied for eligible veterans and military spouses.
Job from U.S. Air Force Academy
The U.S. Air Force Academy is not just a prestigious educational institution; it is a hub for community development and personal enrichment. The Air Force Services Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) team plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for military personnel and their families. By joining this team, you become part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting those who serve.