The Job market

A lot won't talk to you because you may never show - they've probably been burned more than once! I'm sure if every employer answered every mainlander who let the thought cross their minds, they never WOULD get anything done.

This is the reason a pre-move visit is so highly advocated among members of this board - not only to secure housing and make sure you're on the "right" island, but to make job contacts and try to pin something down with a definite return and hire date.

Hope that helps!

Elena,

The posts that recommend securing a job before you move are likely referring to those who expect to be employed in a professional capacity on island, like doctors or lawyers. For most jobs, people need to be living on island for an island employer to take their job query seriously.

Also keep in mind that most job postings are for immediate needs, not from companies looking for someone to hire several months from now. You might want to start submiting resumes/applications a month ahead of your arrival and give the employer your expected arrival date and request an interview. You might get lucky and have one or two respond. If not, be ready to hit the pavement hard your first week. Hanging out at the beach can wait for the weekends. It's easy for new arrivals who don't yet have jobs to get sucked into telling themselves they are just going to enjoy the island a few weeks before they get serious about finding a job. That can have you broke in a hurry and it can be very difficult to get back on track.

We came down to STX 3 years ago without work or a place to live. We brought 2 cars, some household goods and A LOT (for us) of money. We also bought a pension from the states.

We found a rental we liked (not perfect but ok and the price was right) on our 3rd day on-island. I wasn't looking for work, but my husband was and it took him 3 months to find an entry level job at one of the resorts. Today he has a management position at the same resort and I work there part time in a clerical job. Our salaries together and my pension roughly equal our stateside income, but our expenses are higher.

Seriously consider coming down first to look around and make contacts. Don't schlep all your stuff and your daughter down only to find that it's not for you.

But good luck and give us a call when you get here.

Linda J

Wow! Thank you so much for the prompt, kind and informative replies! We won't be sitting on the beach until we're employed and settled (Keith is insisting on bringing his carpenter tools in luggage.)

Thanks!!
Elena

What kind of carpentry tools? Keep in mind that construction here is almost entirely masonry block and poured concrete, not stick-built framing.

I'd take that carpentry experience and apply it to the maritime industry. It'll pay about 10x as much because anything with the word "marine" in it automatically means you need a second mortgage to finance it.

If you are former military, try http://www.usajobs.com/. A friend of mine found a cushy job with the park service because of her military background.

Thanks Rich. We are on usajobs everyday, but what I'm finding is more my line than his. Can you think of anything "marine" specifically, or should we just look in that direction?

Thanks Alexandra. I will try and find out more about that. He has worked in masonry also. Thanks for the heads up.

I have a sailboat down here and wanted to get some work done in the cabin. A couple of panels of decking and some new decorative stuff on the walls to replace older wood that had some water damage.

I got a quote from some place in Tortola and they estimated 5-6k! The whole boat cost me 10k a few years ago!

Needless to say, I still have the same woodwork in my boat. 🙂

I'm not a carpenter, but my suggestion is that if your husband works with wood in general, he would make far more money working with "wood on boats." I'm assuming it's basically the same skillset with a little bit of extra knowledge regarding the types of wood that are specifically suited to marine use, chemical treatments, varnishing, and painting of said wood.

One job on a boat is worth a month's work drywalling!

Thanks for the info Rich. We'll keep it in mind.

Lena

Hi Lena,

If you look in the classifieds on virginislandsdailynews.com there is an ad wanting finish carpenters for a commercial job.

I think the advice from Rich about applying your husbands woodworking skills to the marine industry is a good one. The problem is getting started. I think there would be more of a market initially on STT, but I wouldn't rule out the idea on STX.

I have similar ambitions and I've moved my woodworking equipment around quite a bit; most recently from Bocas Del Torro, Panama back to Spring, Texas. I lived on STX some time ago and am working on returning. If Keith would like to kick around the woodworking idea some, I would be interested in the exercise of exploring it with him.

In any case, good luck with your endeavour I think its a good choice.

Hello Everyone!

I just checked out www.usajobs.com as well. Thanks for the lead.

Here's my question:

My husband and I have both been animal trainers for many years. Are there Canine Handlers/Trainers who work at any of the ports of entry or with the police department or security companies?? Any other Animal Training/Care type of ideas?? We are most interested in St. Croix and St. John. I know that keeps it quite narrow, but thought I'd give it a shot with those of you who know!!!

Thanks for all of your time and patience!! 🙂

Kat

"Dogs On Guard" security service is on STX at 340-719-9300 and the VIPD has a K-9 unit but I think that's about it.

Thanks Bob!
I did see that post, thanks for mentioning it. So far the general plan is any job will do when we get there and then learn and expand as we go. I would very much like to get in touch and kick around some ideas. I'm not sure where Spring is, but we're in Shreveport righ now. Email or PM and we'll go from there.
clr4optn@msn.com

Thanks again,
Lena

I've been told that Customs Border Patrol on STX has an open slot for a drug-sniffing canine, but they can't seem to acquire a dog or two to fill it. So you can imagine how impossible it is for them to locate most of the stashed drug shipments when searching boats suspected of drug running.

Keith, Sent you a PM, Talk with you soon. Bob C.

Hi Alexandra,

Thanks for the reply to my question about drug dogs on St. Croix. You mentioned the Border Customs Patrol has been looking to acquire a dog or two. What seems to be in the way of them being able to do that? Is it cost prohibitive or what? Is the Border Customes Patrol apart of the police department or homeland security or airport security. Do you know? Who or what agency would I contact with further questions?

Thanks!

Kat

I'm not sure what the cause is, I just was told by a buyer I'm working with who is a new CBP agent here that their dog slots aren't filled and it sure complicates his job. Customs Border Protection is their own agency, not part of the others you mentioned. If I can get any more info on this from the guy I know, I'll pass it on.

That would be great Alexandra! I just did an internet search for CBP and read a lot of info there and sent them an email, but nothing specific to St. Croix.

Thanks, Kat