Tim Burger's recipe for a career as a Contract Specialist

Tim Burger happy to spend his time working in his National Cubicle.

What is your name and job title? Tim Burger, Denver Service Center (DSC) Contract Specialist.

What experience and education do you have? I come from a long and noble line of Detroit auto workers. After a tour in the U.S. Marine Corps, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management and an Master of Arts in Political Science, where I was fortunate to be a White House intern. After college I worked in a variety of industries, including carpentry, telecommunications, and as an estimator with a road building company. That type of work dried up with the declining economy 10+ years ago, with Michigan getting hit especially hard. As such, I needed a career that provided stability for my family, so I shifted gears at age 42 and pursued a career as a civil servant.

I was able to gain access to the federal acquisition profession through the Naval Acquisition Development Program and I spent four years in Newport, Rhode Island at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center as a contract specialist. While in Newport, a series of unusual events landed me on a Food Network Reality TV show called “Worst Cooks in America,” where I introduced the world to my signature dish and unfortunately, Bobby Flay apparently has a finicky palate and I was soon forced to surrender my apron.

Shunned by the culinary establishment and banished from east coast society, my family and I sought a new beginning in the west. Good fortune led me to Lori Irish, Chief of Contracting at the Denver Service Center and eventually I was hired as a contract specialist, although I had to promise never to be a “goodie bringer” at the monthly division meetings.

What is a typical day like? Now I spend my days happily tucked away in the best park in our system, the “Tim Burger National Cubicle.” My duties as a contract specialist involve pre-award and post-award contractual actions. I work with and assist the contracting officer and technical team in issuing solicitations, awarding contracts, and managing the projects throughout the duration of the contract. I have worked on some amazing projects at the Dry Tortugas National Park, Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina, and even on top of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Washington D.C.

The enjoyment I get in being involved with the Parks, with all of their unique characteristics, has made the struggle in getting here worthwhile, and I really look forward to coming to work. I do have to thank a very understanding wife for letting me bring her and our kids across the country to pursue this adventure.

What career advice would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar path? I have recommended this career to friends who have expressed a desire to change direction. In my opinion, the best way in is through one of the Depart of Defenses paid intern programs, such as the Navy’s Naval Acquisition Development Program or the Air Force’s Copper Cap program. This is an excellent paid internship with rapid promotion opportunities. Then after some experience, I suggest you apply at the National Park Service’s Denver Service Center and get a cubicle next to mine. And when we’re not contracting, I’ll teach you how to cook stuff. Bon Appetite!