Employment

Hiring procedures on Naval Station Rota, Spain fall under the guidelines of both the NATO Status of Forces Agreement and the Defense Cooperation Agreement between Spain and the United States. A strict adherence is maintained to the ratio of seven Spanish employees for every three U.S. employees. In real terms, this means that jobs are available, but extremely limited. Both agreements and Spanish labor law make off-base employment virtually nonexistent. Navy families who rely on two incomes in CONUS should anticipate financial changes at Naval Station Rota. Most of the available jobs are part-time, intermittent with flexible schedules. Most of the available positions are for clerks, cashiers, food service personnel, salesclerks and recreational aids. The wages vary, but many are as low as $15 an hour.

The majority of jobs require that an applicant be command sponsored and a U.S. citizen or a citizen of another NATO country (except Spain). This means that if a foreign national has a green card granting them permission to work in the U.S. and has a Social Security number, they can obtain employment through MWR and NEX. Military spouses are given job preference. A clear understanding of military spouse preference regulations is essential to conducting an effective job search.

My Career Advancement Account

For information on My Career Advancement Account and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

The Fleet and Family Support Center, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and the American Red Cross all coordinate separate volunteer programs. You may register as a volunteer if you are a U.S. citizen or the family member of U.S. personnel.Volunteerism plays a vital role on the naval station, and is an excellent way to learn new skills, network, market yourself and enhance your career. Volunteer experience can be used on a resume or job application, and therefore really pays off in the long run. 

Volunteer opportunities are numerous as NMCRS is staffed almost entirely by volunteers. Positions include receptionist, caseworker, thrift shop worker, layette knitter or crocheter, volunteer visiting nurse and many others. Child care and mileage are reimbursed. For inquiries about volunteering with NMCRS, please call 011-34-956-82-1614 or DSN 314-727-1614. 

The ARC has volunteers throughout the community, including the hospital, the library and the schools. For inquiries about volunteering with ARC, please call 011-34-956-82-2333 or DSN 314-727-2333.

The FFSC volunteer coordinator is available to answer your questions and assist you in any way possible. The volunteer coordinator is located at the FFSC in Building 3293. For inquiries about volunteering with FFSC, please call 011-34-956-82-3232 or DSN 314-727-3232.

Hiring procedures on Naval Station Rota fall under the guidelines of the Status of Forces Agreement between Spain and the United States. A strict adherence is maintained to the ratio of seven Spanish employees for every three U.S. employees. In real terms, this means that jobs for spouses are available, but are extremely limited.

Employers on base

There are five main employers on the base: the Human Resources Office; Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities; the Navy Exchange; the Defense Commissary Agency; and Department of Defense Education Activity.

Vacancy announcements for MWR and HRO positions are posted at MWR, HRO and the Coastline (the base newspaper). DECA and DODEA announcements can be found at the civilian personnel website, https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?l=Rota%2C%20Spain&k=

 A majority of job announcements are posted at the Fleet and Family Support Center and updated monthly or as job listings expire. It is recommended that applicants actively follow up all job prospects, since many organizations do not routinely advertise their positions.

Alternative employment opportunities do exist. Home-based business opportunities are approved on a case-by-case basis and recently, remote work for spouses has been approved with some exceptions. 

The Family Employment Readiness Program manager is available to answer your questions and assist you with your job search at the FFSC in Building 3293, Call 011-34-956-82-3232 or DSN 314-727-3232.