Employment

Although job fields are limited, there are possibilities for employment in Sigonella. Various positions are available throughout the Sigonella community and announcements can be found at our Civilian Human Resources and the Fleet and Family Support Center. Because of the Status of Forces Agreement, you will have to work on base and are not permitted to work on the economy. There are opportunities for career development and the FFSC offers many classes to help you move forward in your career. Workshops focus on subjects such as resume writing, interview techniques, applying for federal employment and job search skills. Non-U.S. citizens who are not Italian nationals have the lowest priority for employment. You can contact the Family Employment Readiness Program “FERP” at the FFSC for more information.

Employment information is also covered during New Spouse Orientation classes held once a month at the FFSC.

On average, it takes three to six months to find employment. Therefore, situations requiring dual incomes should anticipate saving enough to cover the supplemental income during this time period. Family members with well-developed careers may take a reduction in salary (see the Office of Personnel Management pay tables for more information). Some professionals in the nursing, dental, legal, teaching and administrative fields may have opportunities to work as volunteers to keep their resumes and skills current.

According to the Status of Forces Agreement, non-European Union family members are not authorized to work or conduct business outside the confines of the Sigonella military installation. Family members seeking to start a business may not compete with the Navy Exchange or Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities. Take note that home businesses must be approved by the chain of command up to the installation commander.

MWR and the Navy Exchange have positions available in customer service and food service. There are typically a variety of full-time, part-time and temporary positions on the base in the following areas: retail, security, clinical, contractor, civilian human resources, warehouse and food service.

The Fleet and Family Support Center offers workshops and counseling on all aspects of transition for those who are separating or retiring from the military. The Transition Assistance Program or TAP class, once known as TGPS  (Transition Goals Plans Success), offers courses designed for service members and spouses who would like to learn more about job-search strategies, interviewing techniques, the federal employment system and other areas focused on assisting individuals with their transition from military to civilian life. Contact the FFSC at DSN 314-624-4291 or commercial 011-39-095-56-4291 to learn more about these classes and other programs.

Education assistance:

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers education assistance on a needs-based system to help eligible clients pursue their academic goals by providing a source of education financing. Applications are accepted Nov. 1-May 1.

NMCRS education assistance is available for:

• Children and spouses of active-duty or retired sailors and Marines (including retired reservists drawing military retirement pay)
• Children of deceased sailors and Marines, who died on active duty or after retirement
• Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program or Military Enlisted Commissioning Program students or selectees

For information about education assistance, contact education@nmcrs.org or visit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Sigonella:

NMCRS Sigonella
NAS 1 Building 319, Room 1145
PSC 824 Box 15
FPO, AE 09623-0001

Phone numbers: 011-39-095-56-4212 or 314-624-4212
Email: sigonella@nmcrs.org
NMCRS website
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., closed on U.S. Holidays

My Career Advancement Account:

For information on MyCAA and military spouse education and career opportunities, visit the Military OneSource website.