Ocean Systems Laboratory in St Croix

Both the one on St Thomas and St Croix are privately owned. There have been a few articles published about them so google for more info, because I can't remember where I saw them. They've been around a long time, though.

Don't know how ,many employees they have but dealt with them for many years on STT where they monitored the water at my restaurant. Excellent people and always a pleasure to work with (if that helps).

I've been to the STX location a few times over the years. Very small operation with only a few employees. A good opportunity to start your own lab service.

There have been others, but they've all folded. It's hard to collect money from many of the organizations that have contracts for the testing - like VI government's own Department of Planning and Natural Resources. There was an article within the last year where the owner said she could not make payroll if the government did not pay what they owed. They paid shortly after that article was published.

One of the employees working in St Croix tells some businesses that he/she won't test again until they pay.

I had a long conversation with the previous Office Manager last year before the article appeared, if you're wondering where I got my info. 🙂

Those who sell to the government of the VI without Purchase Orders are very unwise. My company does ten's of thousands of dollars of business with the government each year and I've learned my lesson. Having a Purchase Order = getting paid promptly. Not having a Purchase Order = getting the run around for months. We never have any problems getting paid because we make them do the running around.

Many years ago we would actually call them to make sure the PO was legit, signed by a truly authorized person, and that it hadn't been amended after signing. Yes, things used to be that bad with fake or fraudulent orders.

Good advice, ci. I always tell people to submit a P.O. or invoice if VI govt owes them money. And you do need an acknowledgement.

Thanks for the responses. This seems like a interesting company. According to their website they are also involved in coral monitoring and other marine activities.

@ms411 was the office manager unhappy there? No prob if you don't want to answer that. Everyone is very different in what they are looking for in a job. I know sometimes you just have to take what comes along just to make a living but it sure does help when your co-workers are a good group of people.