Employment

Like many overseas installations, Kaiserslautern can be a challenging environment for  Spouses seeking employment. At times, job openings are limited and receive many applicants. It is common for some applicants to wait six months or longer to gain a job commensurate with their education and experience. Fortunately, there are a variety of options for employment. Federal job opportunities, both Appropriated and Non-Appropriated Funds, Army Air Force Exchange Service, and Contracting positions are available on military installations throughout the Rheinland-Pfalz area, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Kaiserslautern Military Community, and Ramstein Air Base. Additional opportunities are available through Home-Based Businesses, local small businesses, private employment on the German economy, and remote positions. There are also many volunteer opportunities that may assist with gaining new skills, growing your network, and potentially “getting your foot in the door” for future opportunities.

Securing employment in Germany can be challenging, but it is not impossible. The job market continually changes as people relocate into and out of the area.

Below are some tips for those seeking employment in Kaiserslautern:

1. PREPARE:

• Meet with your local Army Community Service (ACS) Employment Readiness Program at your current duty location for assistance with creating your private sector and/or federal resume and cover letter.
• Hand-carry all important documents (i.e. Resume, PCS Orders, Marriage License/Certificate, Passport, Driver’s License, Social Security Card, College Transcripts, Licenses/Certifications, Letters of Recommendation, Appraisals/Evaluations, List of References, SF-50s, Schedule A Letter, DD 214, SF 15, Citizenship Documents, etc.).
• Contact your local ACS Financial Readiness Program specialist to help create a family financial plan to include possible extended waiting times for employment.
• Research transportation options. Will you have more than one privately owned vehicle? Will you utilize public transportation (i.e. bus, train, etc.)? Is walking, riding a bike/scooter, or carpooling an option?
• Contact the Kaiserslautern ACS ERP to set up an appointment to discuss Military Spouse Preference for Employment, Job Search, Labor Market Information, Employment Skills Classes, Volunteering Opportunities, Interviewing, Local Resources, and more.

2. BE FLEXIBLE:

• Keep an open mind and positive attitude
• Explore all employment options (i.e. Federal, Contract, AAFES, DeCA, DODEA, CYS, MWR, on-post banks/services, in the German economy, etc.)
• Be open to possibly changing career fields/industries
• Determine how far you are comfortable with/willing to commute
• Meet with an ACS FRP Specialist to gain a better understanding of the cost of living in your area and the impact on pay/salary expectations.
• Volunteer, this is a great way to give back to the community, learn new marketable skills, expand your personal and professional network, and may lead to future employment.
• Consider education, training, and certification options

3. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

• Citizenship
• International Laws
• German Taxes
• Language
• Logistical Support (SOFA Status, etc.)
• Resources
• Hiring Preferences (Veterans, Schedule A, Military Spouse, Overseas Family Members, etc.)

Military Spouse Preference for Overseas Assignments

Military Spouse Preference is available to eligible jobseekers to assist with finding employment overseas with the Department of Defense. These positions are listed on USAJOBS. 

To be eligible for MSP, you must meet all the following conditions:

• You must have been married to your sponsor prior to the date of your sponsor’s orders authorizing PCS. Be prepared to provide a copy of your marriage license/certificate.
• You must be listed, by name, on your military sponsor’s PCS Orders. Be prepared to provide a copy of your sponsor’s military PCS Orders.
• The position must be within the commuting area of the sponsor’s duty location.
• You must not have accepted or declined (to include a request/invitation to interview for) a continuing position. A continuing position is defined as an Appropriated Funds or Non-Appropriated Funds position with the Department of Defense, that is a Permanent Position and has a Fixed Work Schedule (i.e. full-time or part-time). Positions that are Intermittent or NAF Flex Work Schedule are NOT included.
• You must also be among the most qualified for the position.

For more information on MSP, contact the ACS ERP, the Civilian Human Resources Agency/Office, or Civilian Personnel Office at your overseas installation.

The ACS ERP can assist you with:

• Career Assessment and Counseling
• Personal and Professional Improvement Workshops and Classes
• Training and Education Opportunities
• Job Search Strategies
• Exploring Current Job Openings
• Volunteering
• Application Assistance
• Resume Development and Critiquing
• Interviewing Techniques
• Cover and Follow Up Letters
• Understanding Labor Market Information and Job Trends
• Salary Negotiation
• Dressing for Success
• Career Fair Preparation
• Licensure and Credential Counseling
• Leveraging Professional Social Media
• Networking
• Personal Branding and Marketing
• Access to Free Employment Resources
• College and Scholarship Application Assistance for Teens
• … and so much more!

For job-hunting, it is highly recommended to hand-carry important documents:

• Updated Civilian and/or Federal Resume
• Permanent Change of Station Orders
• Your marriage license/certificate (for Military or DOW Civilian Spouses)
• Social Security Card
• Driver’s License
• Passport (No Fee and/or Tourist)
• College Transcripts
• Original and copies of Licenses/Certifications
• Letters of Recommendation
• Previous Annual Appraisals/Evaluations
• List of References
• If applicable –
• SF 50 (Personnel Actions)
• Schedule A Letter (Individuals with Disabilities)
• DD 214 (Prior Military)
• SF 15 (10-Point Veterans Preference)
• Citizenship, Visa, Green Card/Permanent Resident Card, etc. Documents
• Other Employment Related Documents

Military Spouses preparing for a Permanent Change of Station can streamline their transition by researching resources at their new duty station or coordinating directly with their new local Army Community Service. To maintain career continuity, SpouseWorks at Military OneSource provides tailored employment readiness, one-on-one career coaching, and dedicated hiring pathways. Explore military-spouse friendly career opportunities at the SpouseWorks Job Board or chat with a career coach.

Returning to the U.S. and know your location, speak with a representative stateside at Department of Labor through Career OneStop or view their nationwide job board on their site at CareerOneStop.

Tuition assistance is available from a variety of sources for Spouses who want to attend post-secondary institutions. Army Emergency Relief offers a Spouse scholarship based on financial need at AER Scholarships.

In addition, a number of federal grants and scholarships are available through the federal government. Applications for such assistance can be obtained through the education centers. Get started with your studies through Army Continuing Education Services. Local contacts and office information can be found online at Rheinland Pfalz ACES.

For information on SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly My Career Advancement Account) a program that provides financial assistance to eligible Military Spouses pursuing a license, certification, or associate’s degree necessary for gainful employment, visit Military OneSpouse SpouseWorks Scholarship.

To receive unemployment benefits, applicants must apply prior to leaving the United States. It is recommended to contact a Financial Readiness Program Specialist at your departing location to understand the possible benefits and restrictions. For more info reach out to ACS.

For more information and assistance with Employment in the Kaiserslautern area, contact the Kaiserslautern Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program:

• Commercial from United States: +49-611-143-541-9000
• Commercial from Germany: 0611-143-541-9000
• DSN: 314-541-9000

Located on Kleber Kaserne in Building 3210 / Mannheimer Strasse, 67657 Kaiserslautern