Builder

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

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.

Upon completion of initial training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (known as Boot Camp), those pursuing a Builder role report to Class “A” Technical School in Gulfport, MS for 10 weeks. Here, you will develop a working knowledge of basic construction skills and theories required for work as a Builder.

After you’ve completed your schooling, you’ll be assigned to a Naval Mobile (NMCB) or Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB), and may rotate between homeport and overseas locations, where additional training may be provided.

Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. Advanced technical and operational training in the construction field may also be available during later stages of your career.

Post-Service Opportunities

Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian world.

Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical and operational training in the field of construction can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education.

You may also continue your education through undergraduate degree opportunities like the Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor and a Navy Builder. Those seeking a position with the Seabees must be U.S. citizens.

Builders should be able to use tools, equipment and machines and have good use of your hands. Other important qualifications include knowledge of algebra and arithmetic with mixed fractions, along with the ability to express ideas orally and in writing.

Important personal traits for Builders include resourcefulness and the ability to get along with people and work well as team members. You should be in good physical condition. Normal hearing is required.

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

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.

Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.

Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) – or the equivalent of that.

Seabees in the Navy Reserve serve in an Enlisted role. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with the job, initial training requirements must be met.

For current or former military Enlisted servicemembers: prior experience satisfies the initial Recruit Training requirement – so you will not need to go through Boot Camp again.

For those without prior military experience: you will need to meet the initial Recruit Training requirement by attending Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL. This training course will prepare you for service in the Navy Reserve and count as your first Annual Training.