Employment
Amalfi Coastline
The Department of Defense (DoD) is the major employer of United States citizens in Naples, Italy. For a listing of current job vacancies, see current listings.
The Naples area has more than 36 DoD commands that employ a total of 800 American employees in either appropriated or non-appropriated fund positions. Limited employment opportunities are available in appropriated and non-appropriated funded positions. Appropriated fund positions that are most frequently available include Office Automation Clerk, Sales Store Checker, and similar positions at the GS-03/04/05 grade level. Non-appropriated fund positions include the Navy Exchange (NEX), and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR). Other sources of employment include the Navy Federal Credit Union, or other establishments providing services to the United States forces. Some opportunities may exist in the DoD Dependent Schools system for employment as elementary or secondary teachers. Those opportunities, if available, are generally limited to employment as substitute teachers. You will find little or no opportunity for employment in the community. It is not unusual for many individuals who are seeking employment to wait six to twelve months before receiving a job offer.
It is important to understand that the number of Department of the Navy (DON) civilian positions available to United States citizens in the Naples areas is significantly lower than the number available in a similar situation in the continental United States (CONUS). Accordingly, expectations for employment and advancement must be adjusted downward.
The NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) precludes the hiring of "dual nationals" into the DoD labor force in Italy. This includes both appropriated and non-appropriated fund civilian positions. The NATO SOFA prohibits hiring into the U.S. civilian component any person who is either a "national" of, or "ordinarily resident" in Italy. A "national" is a citizen of Italy. An "ordinarily resident" individual is a non-Italian citizen who has made Italy his/her permanent place of residence and has not become affiliated (hired) with the U.S. forces within six months (twelve months for military retirees) of assuming residence in Italy. Therefore, a dual national who retains his/her Italian citizenship or a person permanently residing in Italy in excess of the relevant time requirement cannot be hired into a U.S. civilian component position. Further, applicable statutes preclude U.S. citizens from being hired into local national positions.
An individual who is a dual national and who wishes to renounce his/her Italian citizenship and seek a U.S. civilian component position in Italy should contact the nearest stateside Italian Consulate Office before moving to Italy. For further information, individuals are advised to call the local installation Human Resources Office (HRO) prior to executing orders to activities based in Italy.
A dual national, for purposes of DoD employment in Italy, does not include an individual who is a citizen of the U.S. and any other country other than Italy. Spouses who are neither U.S. nor Italian citizens will be considered only when there are no qualified Italian applicants. In summary, employment is very difficult to find.
To apply for NEX positions, a specific NEX application is required. For MWR positions, either the Application for Federal Employment (SF-171) or the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612) is acceptable. Both the NEX and MWR advertise specific vacancies, and also maintain a file of applicants based on projected recruitment needs for the kind of positions and grade levels found at these activities. Both activities use military spouse preference procedures. Application for non-appropriated fund positions can be accomplished upon your arrival.
To apply for appropriated fund positions, filing a SF 171, OF-612, or a resume is required. If you are a current or former permanent federal employee, it is suggested you mail your application, a copy of your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, and a copy of your latest Standard Form 50 (SF-50) to the HRO. Advance receipt of your application will assist the personnel office to fulfill recruitment needs by matching prospective vacancies with potential candidates. State in your transmittal letter that you are a family member who will accompany a military or civilian sponsor and the date of your expected arrival in the overseas area, and availability to begin work. The SF-50 is used by the HRO to establish your status as a current or former federal employee.
If you are currently a permanent appropriated fund employee, and if you intend to immediately seek employment upon your arrival in Naples, you should contact your current personnel office to determine if you can be granted a period of leave without pay (LWOP) to begin at the time of your departure. After arrival, you must advise the HRO of your availability.
For other types of employment, you should wait until you arrive to determine what opportunities exist and how to apply.
The Department of Defense has a "Military Spouse Preference Program" and "Family Member Preference Program." Under the Military Spouse Preference program, qualified spouses are referred before family members; family members are referred before non-family members. The Veteran's Preference procedures apply; the regulations require selection of a qualified veteran with the applicable preference (i.e., military spouse or family member) ahead of an applicant without such preference.
There is a summer employment program for dependent youths. Each student must have a social security number that should be obtained while in the U.S.
Family members who are employed overseas are appointed under the Dependent Hire Authority. Depending upon your position and length of employment, you may be eligible for career conditional status when you return to CONUS.
Specific questions may be addressed to the Human Resources Office, Naples, Italy at DSN 626-5409, or commercial (011) 39-081-568-5409. Submit applications or questions for federal employment to: NSA HRO PSC 817, Box 29 FPO AE 09622
Navy Exchange Employment Prospects
The Navy Exchange is the second largest employer in the Naples American community, staffing more than 500 positions in exchange facilities throughout the area. Employment opportunities are primarily found in retail sales and food service work but also include a number of clerical, administrative, security and manual or skilled labor positions. Job openings include both full-time and part-time employment.
Family members of active duty military personnel and DoD civilians have priority in hiring. U.S. citizenship is required for these dependent hire positions. Part-time employment is also available for off-duty enlisted personnel.
The Exchange has a good benefits package including paid vacation, insurance plans, and a retirement program that you can build on as you work at any Navy Exchange in the world. You may place your job application with the Exchange at anytime, even if a position is not available immediately. Applications are always welcome for entry level positions which are filled through an open register. Experience is preferred, but not required. On the job training is provided for entry level positions. Job announcements for open register and skilled positions are posted in the Personnel Office and Main Exchange.
The Navy Exchange Personnel Office is located on the ground floor of the Pelli Building, just outside the NSA Agnano Compound.
Naples area schools maintain an open application policy for teachers, substitute teachers and education aide/technicians. Interested individuals may pick up application packets at the schools. To apply, you must be a U.S. citizen. Applications are forwarded to DoDEA offices in Arlington, VA for processing. Referral lists are then sent to the local school administration for selection. Naples American High School, PSC 817, Box 15, FPO AE 09622-0015
Other Opportunities:
The Spousal Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) is a Navy-wide program for family members of military ID card holders. Services include information and guidance on resume writing, applications for government service, interviewing techniques, and career planning.
The Volunteer Program in Naples offers meaningful work for those wishing to make friends and contacts, and maintain or improve job skills. Documented volunteer work may be used on future resumes. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available.
