Fort Drum  Military and Family Support Center

There are a number of job opportunities available in the North Country. The unemployment rate in Jefferson County is currently 6.6% and the New York State minimum wage is $ $12.50 per hour. Minimum wage rates differ based on industry, region and business size. Rates will increase each year until they reach $15.00 per hour expected by 2024. Any increase in the federal wage above the state rate will result in an increase in the state's minimum wage. Visit the New York State Department of Labor website for additional employment information. www.labor.ny.gov

• Top Industries:
  • Healthcare: Physicians, Nurses, Emergency Medical Technicians, Medical Technologist, Medical Technicians, Nursing Instructors, Licensed Practical Nurses, Home Health Aids, Certified Nursing Assistants. Medical Record Transcribers, (All require NY State Certification).
  • Hospitality: Year round & Seasonal Work including Servers, Housekeepers, Bartenders, Laundry staff, Front Desk employees, Catering staff and Cooks.
  • Retail: Customer Service Representatives, Cashiers, and Sales staff.
• Fair Prospects:
  • Financial Industry: Bank Branch Managers, Loan Processing professionals, Tellers, Financial Counseling.
  • Human Service: Social Workers, Social Assistance, Clerical.
  • Construction & Agriculture Sector: Laborers, Drivers, Heavy Equipment Operators, Value Added Entrepreneurs.
• Poor Prospects: Government employment, Utilities, Management/Supervisory, Accounting/Bookkeeping, Factory Workers
  • Education: Teaching (NY State Certification required for permanent or permanent substitutes)

Wages

Average wages depend on your occupation and industry, education level and experience. Please see the NYS Department of Labor website for further information regarding average wage information by occupation and industry.   

Employment Readiness Program

The Employment Readiness Program (ERP) is available to assist Soldiers, Spouses, Family Members and DOD civilians and dependents with obtaining employment in the area. ERP offers workshops, one-on-one career counseling, and job search resources to assist you with resume writing, career and education planning, for your employment search. Available workshops include Resume Start to Finish, Career Fair Preparation and Interview Preparation, Federal Employment Application, Civil Service Employment and Build Your Own Business. In addition, The Employment Readiness Program host career fairs on the installation throughout the year and employment seminars. ERP maintains a current listing of employment opportunities in the area and can register clients to receive a weekly job bank with opportunities for local and national employment. For assistance call the Employment Readiness Program at 315-772-9611 or DSN 312-772-9611. Jobseekers can also find job postings and employment resources on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fortdrumemployment.

For information on Appropriated Funds (AF) and Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) employment on Fort Drum visit USA JOBS or call 315-772-9611 or DSN 312-772-9611.

State & County Employment Assistance

The Jefferson-Lewis Workforce Development System operates two One-Stop Centers for education and employment assistance. The WorkPlace One-Stop Career Center in Jefferson County (located at 1000 Coffeen Street in Watertown) and the One-Stop Center for Employment & Training in Lewis County (located at 5274 Outer Stowe St, Lowville, NY 13367) each center offers seminars, resume writing assistance, career counseling, and information on employment, education, and training resources.

The New York State Department of Labor is a great resource for employment information as well as information about unemployment compensation.

It is extremely important that you are prepared for your job hunt. For job hunting purposes, be sure to hand carry all employment records and documents, resumes, SF 171, SF 50, educational transcripts, certificates, and licenses. Military Spouses can utilize Spouse Preference when applying to federal positions and should obtain a copy of their marriage certificate and a copy of Service Members orders.

The Soldier for Life Program (SFL-TAP) offers assistance to Soldiers and Spouses who are separating from the military. Available assistance includes pre-separation counseling, which familiarizes Soldiers and Spouses with services and benefits available to assist in their transition to civilian life. SFL-TAP hosts daily pre-separation briefings and weekly Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Employment Workshops, along with a variety of employment seminars for those registered with SFL-TAP. Career Days and quarterly job fairs are open to everyone.. For information about SFL-TAP services, call 315-772-3434/3286, DSN 772-3434/3286, or visit the SFL-Tap website. www.sfl-tap.army.mil

There are several educational opportunities in the North Country. Several colleges offer classes on Fort Drum and in Watertown. The Jefferson-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) offers courses for personal enrichment, literacy improvement, skills training, re-training opportunities, and continuing education.

Counselors at the Education Center provide education counseling in support of educational programs, financial assistance through Army Tuition Assistance and other federal programs, and veteran's benefits. There are a variety of loans and grant programs to help Soldiers and their Family members fund their education. Military Family members stationed in New York are eligible for in-state tuition and may qualify for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Army Emergency Relief also provides education scholarships to spouses and children Service members. Visit the AER website for information about AER scholarships. https://www.aerhq.org/

Additional information about education opportunities and tuition assistance options can be obtained by calling the Education Center at 315-772-6878 or DSN 312-772-6878.

MyCAA

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

The New York State Department of Labor determines whether an unemployed worker qualifies for unemployment. If you currently have a claim filed in another state and have moved to New York State, the other state may require you to register with New York State. For additional unemployment information visit the New York State Department of Labor website. www.ny.gov/services/unemployment-0

There are a number of job opportunities available, but competition for jobs is high.  Contact the Employment Readiness Program at 315-772-9611 and Visit the New York State Department of Labor website for additional employment information. Unemployment rate is 3.90%. Median household income $43,080.