What kind of DC-based jobs are found in the Richmond area? (Petersburg: how much, house)

[Tiger Beer]

What kind of DC-based jobs are found in the Richmond area?

What I mean by DC-based jobs, are things with origins from DC, like defense contractors, any gov't contractors, NGOs that perhaps relocate down to Richmond for whatever reason, etc.

As Richmond as somewhat in that sphere, are there people living in the area, or jobs in the area, that are somewhat a reflection of the types of jobs that one might find in the DC area?

[GeorgiaTransplant]

Not so much that I've seen. There is a large corporate presence on Richmond, but it doesn't seem to be related to DC employers so much (just my perspective). Also, I could be wrong-but sensing tour post may relate to pay levels. DC pays more for a net of reasons; pay in Richmond seems to be lower, but so is cost of living (and quality of life is probably better). Accordingly, compensation here is based on the Richmond area.

[onevthoki]

If you head a little south of Richmond to Fort Lee you will find plenty. Fort Lee is the home of Quartermaster, Ordnance and the majority of Transportation, so lots going on down here!

[totheleft]

I just relocated to Richmond from DC. I work in nonprofit management - which is largely based in DC due to its proximity to capitol hill. Down here, the association world is mostly state orgs (being that this is the state capitol) not national orgs. Of course, some state orgs are larger than some national orgs, but in general, it's also very "who you know" instead of "who you are" - i.e., jobs down here in my industry tend to be hired from within or via word of mouth because there are less jobs (and less people in my industry) so it's a closer-knit community. In DC, it was more qualifications based and you were more likely to find your job through a job board than through a friend.
That said, I love it. I took my job down here with me (and work remotely) so I make DC money with Richmond cost of living and it's great. my husband's looking for a new job down here and he's having a harder time finding anything he likes that pays even close to what we're used to though.

[Darin77]

Originally Posted by totheleft

I just relocated to Richmond from DC. I work in nonprofit management - which is largely based in DC due to its proximity to capitol hill. Down here, the association world is mostly state orgs (being that this is the state capitol) not national orgs. Of course, some state orgs are larger than some national orgs, but in general, it's also very "who you know" instead of "who you are" - i.e., jobs down here in my industry tend to be hired from within or via word of mouth because there are less jobs (and less people in my industry) so it's a closer-knit community. In DC, it was more qualifications based and you were more likely to find your job through a job board than through a friend.
That said, I love it. I took my job down here with me (and work remotely) so I make DC money with Richmond cost of living and it's great. my husband's looking for a new job down here and he's having a harder time finding anything he likes that pays even close to what we're used to though.

How do you break into Richmond employment market if you don't know anyone there? Can you provide some techniques or anything that can be helpful? I have an urban planning/government background. It's been brutal trying to break in there.

[sls76]

Originally Posted by Darin77

How do you break into Richmond employment market if you don't know anyone there? Can you provide some techniques or anything that can be helpful? I have an urban planning/government background. It's been brutal trying to break in there.

I work for a small consulting firm. It's a needle in a haystack kind of job. I just emailed them my resume and several months later they contacted me. My previous experience was in DC. Our interns have also been hired because they sent their resume (no specific opportunities were posted).

[Darin77]

I will just keep pluggin away..something has to give. Thanks for the info.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

What kind of DC-based jobs are found in the Richmond area?

What I mean by DC-based jobs, are things with origins from DC, like defense contractors, any gov't contractors, NGOs that perhaps relocate down to Richmond for whatever reason, etc.

The federal presence is very small. The Defense Logistics Agency has a location. Camp Peary is a training facility in Williamsburg (not exactly close), and Fort Lee is in Petersburg, as mentioned before. I once did contracting work in data processing at Fort Lee, but I'm not sure how much contracting happens now.

As mentioned, the state is a larger source of jobs. Medicaid systems were developed by First Health and ported to several other states.

[LakeLifePA]

Large federal court house in Richmond. I just hired an assistant that works out of our office there. Check out the US Courts website for job opportunities.

[goldenage1]

Also the Federal Reserve Bank (quasi-government): https://www.richmondfed.org/