Fleet and Family Support Center

One of your first stops in any quest for local employment should be at the Fleet and Family Support Center Family Employment Readiness Program office, previously known as the Spouse Employment Assistance Program. FFSC FERP can be contacted at DSN 315-243-3372, internationally at 011-81-46-816-3372, via email at FFSCinfo@us.navy.mil or online.

Employment Opportunities

Basic employment opportunities are available at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, with dozens of jobs available at any given time as well as a countless need for volunteers. Employers and volunteer organizations actively compete to attract employees, however the number of upper level, advanced skill and supervisory positions are very limited. The majority of immediately accessible jobs are in the customer service, food service and clerk fields. The FFSC FERP is prepared to assist new arrivals in maximizing their potential of achieving a position that best suits their level of skills, knowledge and experience.

The FERP coordinators can also assist you with:

• Interview techniques
• Employment overview – Yokosuka area
• Effective resume writing
• Government employment tips
• Understanding Military Spouse Preference
• Navigating USAJOBS
• Getting started teaching English
• Creating your LinkedIn profile

In addition, the resource center at the Yokosuka FFSC has four computers with internet access to assist you in your job search.

So if you need to type your resume, use the internet for job searches, improve your skills or get employment information, consider your Yokosuka FFSC as a one-stop job search information center.

Start you job search off right by making it your first stop in your job search plan.

FERP can help you look for a job at your next duty station before you move. If you're planning a permanent change of station move, don't delay your job search. Talk to a FERP counselor before you go.

Spouse Employment Preference

Spouses of active-duty military members, who were married before the beginning of their tour, receive a one-time hiring preference. It may be applied to any one of the three primary government employers Human Resource Office, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, and Navy Exchange at this base.

After accepting or declining an offer for a permanent position or a temporary position lasting more than one year, from any of these agencies, the preference has been used. This preference is most valuable for trying to obtain a job through HRO, so use it wisely.

Applications for individual local-hire openings with civil service will be accepted 30 days prior to arrival in the country, but positions will not be offered before arrival. Job listings can be accessed on USAJOBS and Navy MWR Yokosuka.

There are many civil service positions managed through the HRO. These are very popular because of the portability and benefits offered with the jobs. They now focus on long-term employment and options for making your career portable as you PCS. The Yokosuka NEX employs numerous status of forces agreement-sponsored family member individuals. MWR publishes a weekly job opportunities bulletin online.

If you are in the job market, you will undoubtedly hear good points and bad points about any advertised position. Have you heard of the saying, "When opportunity knocks?" When it does, make sure to weigh the pros and cons, but do it quickly! Job opportunities come and go very quickly in Yokosuka, with an emphasis on the word go. The salary range varies pending on the type of job similar as in the states.

There are great opportunities here to learn new skills and to diversify your work experience. You can find a rewarding job that's perfect for you. There are also a number of career-enhancing opportunities through volunteering. For a listing of volunteer opportunities throughout the Yokosuka community contact FFSC.

Good Prospects

NEX in retail and food service, MWR (customer service, recreational aids and food service) and Department of Defense Dependent Schools substitute teaching are all good prospects. One of the main sources of employment is self-employment and home-based businesses including teaching English to Japanese people, child care, cleaning services, selling crafts, baked goods and manicures.

Fair Prospects

Professional positions are "hit or miss" depending upon your timing, level of education/experience and chosen profession. Teller positions for people with prior experience. The availability of civil service positions varies. Clerical positions are fair but highly competitive.

Poor Prospects

Entry-level clerical and administrative positions. Entry level positions for college graduates. High-level management positions. Positions with Japanese companies for non-Japanese speakers and modeling.

Home-based businesses are permitted on and off base. No business license is required but permission must be received from the sponsor's command, the base Legal Office and the Housing Office. Job-specific licensing such as a beautician's license may be from any state.

Be sure to plan in advance for your overseas job search. Bring with your copies of college transcripts and professional licenses, as well as letters of reference and your resume. Hand carry these with you; do not put them in your pack out. In addition, it is advisable to bring addresses, phone numbers, etc., for completing applications or for background checks. This information is often very difficult to gather once you have arrived overseas.

Aside from the Fleet and Family Support Center employment classes that are available, we also offer classes specifically for your transition out of the military. All reservations for the below classes must be made through your command career counselor.

TAP Core Curriculum

This seminar is for separating military and pre-retirees. The class focus will be on job search strategies, interview skills, resume preparation, veteran’s benefits and the psychological preparation necessary for transitioning to a new career. 

My Education Track (2-day class)

My Employment Track (2-day class)

My Vocational Track (2-day class)

My Entrepreneurship Track (2-day class)

For more information, please contact FFSC's TAP office at DSN 243-9630 or international 011-81-46-816-9630.

Unemployment benefits are on a case-by-case basis and are determined by your state of residence. Visit the website to search by state the contact information for your state of residence.

Basic employment opportunities are available at Command Fleet Activities Yokosuka, with dozens of jobs available at any given time, along with a countless need for volunteers.

Employers and volunteer organizations actively compete to attract employees; however, the number of upper level, advanced skills and supervisory positions are very limited. The majority of immediately accessible jobs are in the customer service, food service and clerk fields.