Sailors in the Navy’s Construction Battalion are makers. They’re driven to work with their hands, and they know the value of doing a job right the first time. They’re tougher than any task and they’re not afraid to get a little dirty. If this sounds like you, then you just might be a builder. As part of the Construction Battalion, better known as the Seabees, you’ll be part of a team that crafts the Navy’s infrastructure from the ground up and paves the way—literally—to victory.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Builders make up the largest portion of the Seabees. They construct and repair Navy and Marine Corps facilities wherever needed. As a member of this team, you’ll gain training for work in a range of trades, such as carpentry, plaster, roofing, concrete, masonry, brickwork, painting, cabinetry and more. Specifically, builders may be called upon to:

• Assist engineers with construction plans
• Interpret blueprints and prepare sketches for projects
• Build and repair wood, concrete and steel structures on land and waterfronts, including wharves and bridges
• Install finish work including drywall, paneling, tilework, millwork and trim
• Mix, place and finish concrete and operate concrete equipment
• Make estimates for project materials, equipment and labor
• Operate repair shops for Builder tools and equipment
• Execute disaster preparedness and recovery operations
• Support combat operations

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• As a builder, you’ll construct and repair a variety of structures in just about every environment imaginable. You may work at Navy bases or ports of call around the globe, and you may be deployed to help develop or rebuild areas affected by natural disasters or support combat operations. Seabees primarily serve at shore-based commands—you will likely not spend time at sea.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. citizen or equivalent
• High school graduate or equivalent
• 17 years of age or older

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

• Competitive salary
• Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
• Free health insurance
• Free housing
• A retirement plan
• Paid training

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

• Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
• Post-9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
• Professional credentials and certifications
• College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

• Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Builders in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.
• For annual training, you may serve anywhere in the world, including locations in the U.S., at bases overseas, or in areas where humanitarian needs are great.

America’s Navy is approximately 450,000 Sailors, 300 ships and submarines, and 3,700 aircraft strong. Water and salt flow through our veins in the same proportion as the sea. That mighty force is the lifeblood of the greatest Navy ever to sail unstoppably upon it, slip stealthily beneath it or fly unchallenged above it. And we defend with honor, courage, and commitment every hour of every day. We are America’s Navy. We are forged by the sea.