Employment

FFSC Located on Sigsbee Annex 804 Sigsbee Road V4058

• Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday through Sunday Closed

The Key West area has a tourism-based economy. Most occupations are service industry-related and offer mostly entry-level employment. Individuals with formal education or experience in technical disciplines will find limited opportunities.

One of the first steps you should take when planning to enter the work force is to contact the Employment Assistance Program manager at your present family center to receive assistance with compiling your resume, completing employment applications and suggestions on interviewing.

Good Prospects

Among the good job prospects are clerical services, health services, bookkeeping/accounting clerk, food and beverage services, substitute teaching and security services.

Fair Prospects

Jobs in banking are fair to good.

Poor Prospects

Federal occupations are not plentiful. Many Navy positions are being filled by employees hired by contractors. Applicants must be persistent. Go to the USAJOBS website for the latest in opportunities. Additional opportunities for employment on base include non-appropriated fund positions with Morale, Welfare and Recreation (e.g. recreation aids, food service, child development center and youth center) as well as Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (e.g. front desk, housekeeping, maintenance). Residential construction has slowed in response to the housing sales slump.

Due to the mobile nature of the military lifestyle, individuals with education and/or experience in the health care and education fields are often more successful in finding employment upon relocation than individuals in other career fields. Because of this, and the relatively low wages paid in the local area, many spouses choose to improve their future employment prospects while at Key West, through training or education, rather than seeking employment while their spouse is assigned here.

Fleet and Family Support Center

When you arrive at Naval Air Station Key West, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center for job-search assistance. Family members may contact the family life specialist; military and Department of Defense civilians separating or retiring from government service should contact the transition assistance manager.

The following services are available: resume assistance, data on area employers, job referral information, DOD job search, America's job bank, Internet access and assistance, resource library and individual counseling. Classes are provided to assist with resumes and interview skills.

Individual planning on pursuing employment should ensure that they have the proper documentation to provide to prospective employers to include, a drivers license or photo I.D, Social Security Card or Valid Passport and Work Permit Card if applicable.

FFSC Located on Sigsbee Annex 804 Sigsbee Road V4058

• Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday through Sunday Closed

Transition "TAP" provides pre-separation counseling, which is mandatory for military members. The Transition Assistance Program’s GPS classes are held every 6-8 weeks. Active-duty members are encouraged to sign up with their career counselor as far as 12-18 months out. Spouses are encouraged to attend the Transition Assistance Program classes with their retiring or separating spouse.

MyCAA

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

To file for Unemployment in Florida, visit the Florida Unemployment Claims Website.

The Key West area has a tourism based economy. Most occupations are service industry related and offer mostly entry level employment. Individuals with formal education or experience in technical disciplines have very limited opportunities. Industries providing employment: Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services (22.3%), Retail trade (12.9%), Educational, health and social services (11.9%). Unemployment Rate 2.8%. Median Household Income $50,121.