Employment

Gulfport Mississippi and the surrounding cities offer some professional and technical careers; however, most of the job opportunities are tourism, industrial or clerical. The job prospects are good at the present time. Some of the larger employers in the area include Northrop Grumman, Chevron, Ingalls Shipbuilding, Halter Marine and a variety of casinos. The casinos have positions ranging from minimum wage up to $15-25 per hour based on your position. There is a strong presence of military and they contribute significantly to the economy. Average annual income is about $48,547 in the Harrison County area.

Mississippi does not have a minimum wage law, so the minimum wage is set by the federal government. Currently, it is $7.25 per hour. Cashiers, food preparation workers, medical and nursing assistants, and customer service personnel are in high demand and often will pay slightly above ($10- $12 per hour) the minimum wage.

The state of Mississippi has a large comprehensive employment site complete with job openings, training opportunities, wage rates, unemployment information and other information needed for a complete job search. Visit their website for information about all their services. The closest office is located at 10162 Southpark Drive, Gulfport, MS 39503, and can be reached by calling 228-897-6900.

Construction Battalion Center Gulfport has a Human Resources Department that can be viewed online. The site list current local jobs, along with information about applying for the jobs. It can assist with non-appropriated funds information. It is located at 60 Dong Xoai Ave., at the corner of Marvin Shields Street. Call 228-871-2641 or DSN 312-868-2641. It also offers classes that will help increase skills in computer usage and provides other job skills.

The Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department also has a hiring program that includes many skills, including child care, dining facilities, gyms and other positions. These jobs are posted in the MWR office at 352 Bainbridge St. Call 228-871-2538 or DSN 312-868-2538.

The Fleet and Family Support Center can assist eligible family members with the development of a good resume, a strong cover letter, interviewing skills, networking and follow-up techniques. If you are a foreign-born spouse coming from an overseas location and you have educational transcripts, you can contact FFSC for information on translating the document into English. This is best done if completed prior to coming, but can be done through MilitaryOneSource.

The center maintains an updated employment list and presents a job fair twice a year. Individual consultations are available by calling the center at 800-342-3525 or 228-871-3000.

For job hunting purposes be sure to bring with you all employment records and information, including resumes, federal resumes, transcripts, certifications, licenses, social security card and SF-50 (if applicable). It is important that you hand carry this material, if relocating, as your job search may begin before you household goods arrive. Please call 228-871-3000 to make an appointment or come by at 245 Moreell Ave, Facility 30 Gulfport, MS 39501.

The Transition Assistance Program is presented monthly by the Fleet and Family Support Center for members who are separating or retiring from the military. Job search information and resume writing are primary parts of the workshop with employers from many companies presenting information about the job market. Spouses are invited to attend the workshop. The Family Employment Readiness consultants are there to help. For more information, call 228-871-3000.

The Fleet and Family Support Center has information about many types of tuition assistance available through grants, scholarships and other programs. To obtain additional information about tuition assistance visit the FFSC.

If you are interested in going into business for yourself, the Small Business Administration has several development centers on the campuses of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. They can assist with receiving grants or loans to begin your business. The Small Business Development Center is no-cost advice to clients and they have access to business related information. They can be called at 228-863-4449 for additional information.

MyCAA

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

Mississippi unemployment benefits provide temporary compensation to those workers meeting the eligibility requirements of Mississippi law. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security and each other state's unemployment office administers its own unemployment insurance program within Federal guidelines.

Most military spouses are eligible to file an unemployment claim in Mississippi as long as you meet the required hours of covered employment. Visit the Mississippi Department of Employment Security website to determine the amount of benefits which can be from $30 to $230 per week. The duration of benefits can be different from other states. You can call the Mississippi Employment Security Commission for unemployment related questions at 601-321-6000.