Employment in the Virgin Islands

Moving to the Virgin Islands is wonderful, but how are you going to earn a living. One of the first questions most ask when inquiring about the U.S.Virgin Islands is “Can I find a job.” The answer to this question has to do with the type of job one is seeking. Some people wish to move to the islands temporarily so appropriately they seek a seasonal job often in the tourism industry. Others seek a professional long-term position, while others on retirement might just want a part time job. It is important to consider what you are seeking in terms of a job so that you can do the appropriate research concerning the Virgin Islands’ job market.

Popular Occupations and Average Salary in the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands has a unique work/cost of living scenario; cost of living is high, averaging 33% higher then other US jurisdictions however the average salary is less then most other US jurisdictions.

Employment in the Virgin Islands Tourism Sector/Seasonal Jobs

Tourism is the basis for the Virgin Islands’ economy. Job possibilities include sales, tours, bartending, wait staff, mates on sail boats and charters, hotel and resort staff, beach attendants and water sports attendants. Many of these jobs are fairly easy to find during season (high season is mid-November to mid-May) although they can also be found during the rest of the year as visitors continue visiting just in a lower volume. Often times managers and owners want the applicants for these jobs to be on island. Phone inquires might be responded to with, “Okay contact us when you get on island”; however you can still try this approach so at least you have some contacts to follow up with when you arrive on island. It is a good idea to come down with an idea of where you want to work, what businesses and then visit them as soon as you are on island. There are lots of hotels and resorts and restaurants particularly on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Jobs can potentially be secured from home by contacting the potential employer with inquires and faxing of resumes, getting copies of the newspapers and applying for jobs from the classifieds and some people have had luck with submitting to resume web sites. You might want to try a combination of methods.

Caribbean Islands Resort Jobs

Most resorts have web sites, some include employment opportunities, you might want to look at the sites for possibilities and for contact information.

Caribbean Islands Food/Drink Service

People who plan to work in food/drink service need health cards. Health cards are issued at the Community Health Clinic. On St. Thomas the clinic is located in the Roy Schneider Hospital, second floor. The cost is around $46.60. Requirements are a photo ID, pictures, a social security card and you are required to take a stool test. For more information call the Clinic at (340)774-7477.

Employment in Professional Fields in the Virgin Islands

Although a large service sector in the U.S. Virgin Islands supports the islands number one industry – tourism, there are other employment possibilities in government, health, law, journalism, education and other private industries. There are generally jobs of all types available; teachers, nurses, doctors, secretaries, paralegals, accountants, professors, chefs, managers. Some professions, in particular nursing and teaching, are in constant demand so jobs in these fields are often available and can be pursued from home.

Virgin Island Teachers

There are both public and private elementary and high schools in the Virgin Islands. There is also a university with two campuses. For application procedures and information on teaching in public schools visit Department of Education. Some private schools have web sites, they often contain employment information. For persons qualified to teach on a college level visit in the Virgin Islands go - here.