John Riker

About John Riker

Upon graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2002, I was commissioned into the United States Air Force, where I served for 10 years as a B1-B Weapons Systems Officer [WSO, which is pronounced “wizzo”]. I honed my leadership and problem-solving skills as an instructor and combat aviator, which I bring to my day-to-day responsibilities as a design professional. Pursuing a lifelong dream to design the built environment, I am a multi-disciplinary Project Manager, innovating in the fields of integrated design and sustainability. On a part-time basis, I continue my military service as a Civil Engineering Officer [which is what the Air Force calls all construction-related engineers and architects] in the Colorado Air National Guard.

Experience

1. Civil Engineering Squadron Commander

   U.S. Air Force Reserve

   Jul 2021 — Present · Whiteman AFB, MO, US

   Lead and manage all squadron activities, plans, and programs to ensure all team members are organized, trained, and equipped to perform their duties. Squadron functions include Operations, Engineering, Fire Department, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), and Emergency Management. Assign personnel to squadron leadership positions and ensure all officers and senior non-commissioned officers actively support the Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force (BEEF) mission. Provide strategic direction; establish priorities, goals, and expectations.Identify training needs and develop the annual operations plan. Delegate subordinate work assignments to meet training and mission requirements. Budget for equipment, supplies, and off-site training. Administer squadron security, safety, and upgrade training programs. Conduct unit deployment exercises and inspections to determine the unit’s capability to mobilize and deploy personnel, equipment, and supplies. Use a self-evaluation program to keep the squadron’s programs working effectively. Ensure all equipment is on hand and ready to deploy. Determine the overall level of unit combat readiness.

Education

• Salve Regina University

  MA, International Relations

  2008 — 2010

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  BArch, BS, Architecture, Building Science

  1997 — 2002

Skills

• Architectures
• Leadership
• Electronic Warfare
• Security Clearance
• Strategic Planning
• Military
• Sustainability
• Architecture
• Air Force
• Defense
• Dod
• Sustainable Design
• Top Secret
• Military Experience
• Military Operations
• Training
• Command
• U.s. Department of Defense
• Program Management
• Project Management
• National Security
• Emergency Management
• Government