Jobs in the Sun

No one is going to hire you, or even talk to you very much, until you are actually on-island. Too often people say they are coming and never do.

Take a chance, bring $$$ and look for a place to live and a job after you get here. That advice applies only if you are flexible and unimpeded by children or pets.

If you have a family, you MUST plan on coming for a pre-move visit.

Not what you want to hear? Well good luck.

Please don't be discouraged on moving here. Some ppl are not very polite about hearing the same questions over and over. There are plenty of construction jobs here. Which island are you interested in? I know STT and STJs construction business is booming. You can live on STT and ferry over to STJ and work over there to keep your living expenses down. I think you will love it here, I do.

Mike,
There is a great demand for folks with construction knowledge and auto repair. Everyone I personally know was hired before they came to the island so it depends on your field.
It is always recommended to come on down and take a look around so you can make a more informed decesion.

I'm certainly sorry if you felt I wasn't polite. With which part of my advice did you disagree? From my experience, the vast majority of jobs CANNOT be firmed up from off-island. People DO think about coming and never come and employers know that.

People with responsibilty for other living things do not have the same ability to pack up and move as do those who are less emcumbered. It's difficult to move here and more difficult to get back.

I think it is unfair and dishonest to make moving to the VI sound easier than it actually is.

Again, I'm sorry if my initial remarks were misunderstood.

Linda

Have you visited the USVI before? Do you have some idea which of the islands you'd prefer to move to? Some responses are island-specific.

thanks everyone... i was planning on coming down in january to look for a job and place to live... alittle more back round, im 21 and very able bodied. i have no kids, no real relationships so basically nothing to keep me here at this time and thats why i decided to move. im looking at st. croix mostly but im very open to the other two islands. i just started this research and im learning alot everyday so please keep the suggestions coming.

thanks again

mike

Mike, I sent you an email with contact info for the owner of a construction company who you might want to talk to about any openings on his staff.

I forgot to mention one more thing. I'm currently in college for Marine Biology. Is there any Aquariums or animal rescues in the area and on which island.

thanks again

mike

There is an aquarium called Coral World on STT. There is a plan to re-open a fisheries hatching station on STX in the near future.

There is a very good undergraduate program in Marine Biology at UVI. Some of the students work at Coral World part-time.

I am planning a move to St John in very near future.
Currently I am a project Manager for a Florida Construction Co-
Also have Supt exp. As far a hands on experience I am a "Certified Paperhanger" and an established Faux Artist.
My family imports marble and Stone from Turkey.
Do you think I would have a problem finding employment in St John ?

I'm sorry I can't be of enormous help insofar as details are concerned but, at the risk of having my head bitten off, it's always seemed to me that there are more true construction artisans on STJ than on STT. Many of the even relatively simple newer homes on STJ have seemed to me, over the years, to be better-constructed and with better artistic sense than their STT counterparts.

I don't know who to put you in touch with but hopefully some St. Johnians will see your post and direct you accordingly. It sounds as though you have some good experience and knowledge that would be welcome!

Hi Suzconners,
Fax your resume to 349-775-4689. I will pass it around for you.
Thanks,
Billy

My husband is a carpenter by trade (18 yrs. exp.) and I am a Budget Analyst working for municipal government. We have a one year old son (not in school yet, obviously). What are we up against if we thought of leaving the States for the islands? Housing, education, salaries, etc.? It has always been a dream and I would like some honest feedback. Thanks!

Linda J

Could you explain what you mean by it being more difficult to get back?

Thanks

If your husband's carpentry background is primarily in stick-built construction, he'll need to become familiar with concrete construction methods. There is work to be had for experienced construction workers with a good work ethic.

You would be unlikely to find a government position in the islands, as most such positions go to family and friends of people already working for an office. It is extremely difficult for an outsider to break in. There are non-government offices where good employees would be appreciated. Applicants have to be extremely aggressive about job-seeking. Most positions are advertised via word of mouth, so being social and asking everyone you meet if they know of any job openings is necessary. Salaries tend to be a little lower than on the mainland. Some expenses are higher here and others are lower. You will find that you can live with less "stuff" here and that many entertainment activities on the island are free, which helps your budget.

Finding a rental property is also a word-of-mouth activity much of the time. Many houses on the island have a rental unit built in or a guest house on the property. There are usually a few decent lower priced houses on the market if you prefer to own your own home and aren't looking to spend a million on a waterfront mansion. You can search the St. Croix MLS to get an idea of what houses and condos are selling for at: http://www.ourhomesite.com/stcroixhomes

In time, you would probably want to send your son to one of the private schools on the island. The tuition is fairly expensive, so do take that into consideration when determining how much you and your husband would need to earn here to cover your budget.

Lots of people move to the islands. Some stay and some depart. If you do your homework well and arrive with reasonable expectations, the islands can be a great experience and a wonderful new home for your family.

I think you have two skills that actually might be in demand in STX. Make sure you lool into the local classified and perhaps you can find out who the contractors are that provide Hovensa and other companies in the VI with labor/workforce.

It is more difficult to ship cars and furniture BACK to the US. Don't ask me why.