KMC dorm managers needed Published Jan. 27, 2009 By Airman Alexandria Mosness 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The 435th Civil Engineer Squadron is seeking motivated NCOs to fill dormitory manager positions throughout the KMC. Currently there are four vacancies for staff sergeants, and in spring, there will be three more openings for staff sergeants and one for a master sergeant. "Dorm management offers volunteers a high visibility special duty assignment," said Lt. Col. Bobbie Moore, 435th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "You get to learn new skills like facility management, and it's an opportunity to mentor young Airmen, while ensuring they have the highest quality of living." Although there are new skills to be gained as a dorm manger, the top item on dorm managers' agendas is the Airmen. "As their primary job, dorm managers interact with our youngest Airmen every day to improve their lives," said Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell Stippel, 435th Air Base Wing command chief. Ensuring Airmen have a clean, safe and secure home is critical to their morale, so maintaining living conditions for Airmen is one of the top priorities in the Air Force. "If our Airmen aren't worried with their living conditions and they feel safe and secure in their homes, they're better able to focus on the mission of our wing and Air Force. Dorm managers make this happen," Chief Stippel said. Although there is no prerequisite training needed to become a dorm manager, there are some basic skills that are desired for success. "We are looking for energetic, self-motivated individuals with the ability to work autonomously. Good interpersonal skills are absolutely necessary in order to interact with all levels of leadership and mentor Airmen," Colonel Moore said. Many may think dorm managers only manage bay orderlies, but they do much more. Dorm managers manage the Dorm Reception Center day-to-day operations, process residents and directly support more than 1,200 Airmen. Also, they provide facility management for 1,915 rooms, 27 dormitories and 701 thousand square feet worth $167.2 million, said Colonel Moore. In addition to providing assistance to Airmen in the dorms, they also interact with leadership. Dorm managers interact with 41 units and first sergeants to address residents' concerns, the colonel said. "Every dorm manager I've talked to felt the direct impact they had on the lives of Airmen, and this made the position one of the most rewarding they've had in their Air Force career," said Chief Stippel. Whether through a simple gesture, or a completed project, dorm managers have the ability to greatly affect Airmen throughout their day to day life, and it does not go unnoticed. "I think the dorm managers are doing a good job with the upkeep of the dormitory," said Airman Eladio Garcia-Fernandez, 435th Mission Support Squadron evaluations technician. "They encourage us to keep the dorms as clean as possible so when we get inspected and pass, we get a new day room, new tiles and better washing machines. Dorm managers are doing a great job because they are straight forward in what they want and they are here for our benefits." The process to become a dorm manager requires just a few things for those interested. Staff sergeants and technical sergeants are eligible to apply, however they must not have an assignment. Applicants must also have two-year retainability or be willing to extend to have a minimum of two years. "Submit an application that also includes a release letter with your commander's endorsement, your last three EPR's and your fitness test scores," said Colonel Moore. "After the package is reviewed the chief of unaccompanied personnel housing, or UPH superintendent, will interview the volunteer. Once selected, the package is approved at the Wing, MAJCOM and AFPC for approval and release." The 435th CES will continue to advertise until all the positions are filled. "Between now and June we anticipate a 50 percent turnover in dorm managers," Colonel Moore said. "There are more opportunities through the summer," she added. For more information on how to become a dorm manager contact the 435th CES at 480-6540.