Employment

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Jacksonville, Florida, as of April 2024 is 3.40 %. The median household income is $73,194 – which is higher than the median Florida household income.

The leading industries hiring in the Jacksonville area are:

• Hospitals
• Insurance companies
• Banks
• Port Authority
• Duval County Public Schools

One of your first stops in search of employment opportunities and job preparation should be at the Fleet and Family Support Center at Naval Station Mayport. To reach the Employment Readiness Program, call 904-270-6600.

The NSMF&FSC provides no-cost consultations, programs and services to help families in the job search process. NSMF&FSC provides employment information to service members moving through the area, transitioning military personnel, retirees and family members.

NSMF&FSC has a Career Development Resource Center for job search including access to computers for searching employment websites and tools to help you write resumes and complete job applications. Employment-related books and materials are available including sample resumes and letters, job vacancy information, and a listing of websites pertinent to job searches. The Employment Assistance staff will conduct, coordinate and/or refer clients to special events related to employment (e.g., job and information fairs).

In addition, FERP can help you look for a job at the next duty station before you move. If you are planning a permanent change of station, start your job search here. Talk to the FERP manager before you go.

The Florida Department of Labor Division of Workforce and Employment Opportunities provides listings of state and local full- and part-time job opportunities. Ask your FERP specialist for more information. 

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are in the job market, you will undoubtedly hear good points and bad points about any advertised positions. 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 Mayport, with an emphasis on the word “go.” There are great opportunities here to learn new skills and diversify your work experience. You can find a rewarding job that is perfect for you. There are a number of career-enhancing opportunities through volunteering.

Employment Documentation

For job hunting purposes, be sure to bring photo identification (e.g., passport, driver’s license or state identification) proving you are in the U.S legally. Most employers confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the U.S. through E-Verify. In addition to proving your eligibility, it is important to bring employment records and information such as transcripts, certificates, licenses and reference letters. If you are a veteran, make sure to have documentation.

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 classes listed below must be made through your command career counselor.

Transition Assistance Workshops

The Transition Assistance Management Program was designed by the Department of Defense in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to smooth the transition from military service to the civilian workplace. Our programs and services focus on making sure our men and women serving in the Navy have the skills, talents and knowledge they need to ensure a smooth transition when they ultimately decide to return to civilian life.

These workshops are designed to give you the basic knowledge and skills necessary to plan and execute a successful job search. This includes:

• Assessing your preferences, skills, experience and education/training
• Making career decisions regarding your career objectives and financial needs
• Winning an interview by identifying job opportunities, writing effective resumes and applications and researching potential employers
• Winning the job by preparing for participating in successful interviews

Military members can attend TAP workshops up to 24 months prior to retirement or 12 months prior to separating. Spouses are invited to attend but you must inform your command career counselor so the appropriate quota can be reserved. Reservations can be taken up to 180 days in advance for a particular workshop. Navy personnel attending TAP workshops are required to bring a copy of their properly filled out and signed Pre-Separation Counseling Checklist, DD Form 2648. Service members should also have their Individual Transition Plan available and completed, as well as the TAP guidelines acknowledgment letter. Contact your command career counselor to arrange a quota to attend a TAP workshop.

Transition Assistance Office Services

Your Transition Assistance Office provides additional employment assistance and resources. Services include:

• Access to job listings
• Assistance in preparing for interviews
• Resume and cover Letter review
• Automated tools for preparing resumes, cover letters and federal job applications, individual counseling assistance
• Job fairs
• Job search libraries

Call 904-270-6600 for more information. 

The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides eligible military spouses with financial assistance for licenses, certifications or associate degrees to pursue an occupation or career field. For information on MyCAA, visit Military OneSource.

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities offers career exploration, education, training and licensing, employment readiness, and career connections. For more information visit Military OneSource.

Unemployment benefits

Florida law governing the Florida Reemployment Assistance Program (formerly Unemployment Compensation) requires RA claimants, unless otherwise exempt, to complete the registration process on the Employ Florida website prior to requesting benefit payments. Employ Florida is a valuable resource that can assist you in securing employment and connect you with other resources.

The easiest way to apply for unemployment in Florida is to apply for unemployment benefits online. You may also apply via telephone by calling 800-204-2418. Mail-in applications are available at Florida’s one-stop career centers.

Career source northeast locations:

• Southside Branch: 11160 Beach Blvd., Suite 111, Jacksonville, FL 32246 - 904-997-3100
• Fleming Island: 1845 Town Center Blvd., #150, Fleming Island, FL 32203 - 904-213-3888

You can also connect with the State of Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity by going to the link below to the CONNECT system (Florida’s online reemployment assistance system).

For additional information or if you have questions, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center at Naval Station Mayport by calling 904-270-6600 and asking to speak to an employment specialist.