Employment

For spouse employment and career focus information, visit the Vandenberg Military and Family Readiness Center. The center offers civilian and federal resume, networking and interview workshops, on- and off-base employment information, a job bank, computer and internet access, vocational interest inventory, resource library, and individual appointments. 

Prospects to Consider:

There are a number of professional sector opportunities which are good prospects for employment locally. They include:

• Contracting 
• Network systems and data communication
• Computer software

There are also minimum-wage jobs in the retail and restaurant and hospitality business sectors as well as entry-level positions in various sectors.

Additionally:

Job prospects in the followings areas are fair:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Public utilities
• Wholesale and retail trade
• Finance
• Insurance
• Real estate
• Services
• Government

Local Economic Climate

There is a growing and diverse labor base in the Lompoc and Santa Maria area of the central coast of California. Although agriculture, mining, oil development and aerospace are major employers locally, many other significant labor force categories comprise the market.

California's minimum wage, as of Jun 2023, is $15.50 per hour. The average wage for skilled secretaries and administration can start at $20.12 per hour whereas paraprofessionals may earn on average $20.35per hour. The unemployment rate in California is 4.5%, however, the rate for Santa Barbara County is 4.50%.

For job hunting purposes, bring with you all employment records and information, resumes, SF-171s, transcripts, certificates, licenses and SF-50s.

The Transition Assistance Program provides the information, skills and knowledge necessary for a successful transition from military to civilian life. Learn more https://www.militaryonesource.mil/transition-retirement/separation/transition-assistance-programs-and-resources/

Educational opportunities for military service members can be found at the base education services. There are a variety of educational programs and financial aid information available.

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship

The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides eligible military spouses with up to $4,000 in financial assistance for licenses, certifications, national tests or associate degrees to pursue an occupation or career field.

For more information on My Career Advancement Account Scholarship and the Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program visit Military OneSource.

Vandenberg SFB Education Center

The 30 FSS Education Center,  offer lots of opportunities to help you along your career paths such as basic skills education testing, college prep, assistance with financial aid, and tuition. Many of their services are also available to spouses of active-duty personnel. They have professional guidance counselors who will help guide active duty, dependents, and DoD civilian employees on a customized education path to meet your personal and professional goals. They can assist with both local and out of town schools.

Unemployment Benefits

For military spouses, frequent moves often means leaving behind fulfilling employment. As a military spouse you may qualify for unemployment benefits if you have to leave your job due to a PCS move.

For information on applying for unemployment compensation, visit the California Employment Development Department or call 800-342-9647.

Online application and still the fastest way to file your Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim can be found here.

Paid Family Leave for Military Family Members

Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides benefit payments to workers who need time off work to participate in a qualifying event because of a family member’s military deployment to a foreign country.

Employment assistance supports career exploration, education, training and licensing, career connections and employment readiness for military spouses, transitioning service members, and other family members. Learn more about the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, or SECO.

https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/