How to Get Seasonal Work Around the USA

Hook up with seasonal workers from around the world

Seasonal work is a great option available to anyone with a wide range of experience. These jobs can be found online or in person and are a great way to try something new for a season. If you don't like it, move on. If you do like it, then stay longer.

You will meet other travelers who are also working the seasonal circuit and get to live in some of the more amazing places in the USA or the world.

Where are Seasonal Jobs Located?

Seasonal jobs are found in cities and states with high seasonal tourist numbers. Often times resorts and tour companies don't have the talent pool of locals to fill the thousands of positions available.

For example, Alaska has a huge boom in tourists every summer and has hundreds of seasonal jobs during this time to accommodate the mass of tourists who vacation on cruise ships and otherwise. During the winter, tourism isn't as popular thus many seasonal workers and businesses leave. This is when you take your savings and use it to travel or find another seasonal job.

Seasonal workers could then end up in Taos, New Mexico or eastern California for the ski season. They might road trip to Key Largo and work a season at the über posh Ocean Reef Club. Or perhaps a ranch in Montana or maybe a summer on Mackinac Island in Michigan. The opportunity is there, and staff is required to operate these locations.

What Type of Seasonal Work is Available?

Seasonal jobs are typically anything in the hospitality and tourism industry. While you can find seasonal work in big cities, many seasonal jobs are in small communities.

Jobs for seasonal workers includes tour guides, front desk staff, shop sales, maintenance, youth staff, kitchen staff, chefs, cooks, wait staff, bartenders, photographers and more.

You can also find specific seasonal positions which will require specialized experience. This includes scuba instructors, kayak guides, communications specialists, mechanic and more. These may be more difficult to find as the demand isn't as general as with other hospitality jobs.

If you want to work a seasonal job but in a specialized field, you should consider working an entry level position just to get your foot in the door. While working, you will network with others who have worked seasons in all sorts of positions. They will have advice and contacts on what other options are available.

How Much Money Seasonal Employees Make?

Seasonal employees make the industry standard wage, depending on the position. This can range from $8.00 - $13.00 per hour. Many hospitality jobs also get additional income from tips, which can be quite lucrative if you are a good worker and know how to pour strong drinks.

As well, more money will be made if you have experience in a certain field or if you hold a necessary skill. This is standard when finding work in any region.

For many seasonal jobs, lodging is taken into account by the employers. Many resorts offer a place to stay for their employees either free of charge, or for a minimal weekly or monthly rate. This is something you must discuss with your employer before accepting a position.

If a resort position does not offer free or reasonably priced lodging, then you must research living expenses in that area and create your budget for the season. Make sure it is worth your time to work there before moving.

How to Find Seasonal jobs

Seasonal jobs can be acquired on any number of websites. In the last few years, seasonal work has become more popular among those who either want a career break or a bit more adventure in their life. Finding websites that offer seasonal work is easier than ever.

Coolworks A resource that connects you to jobs at resorts, hotels and ranches all over the USA.

Another way to apply for seasonal work is to research different resorts in a certain region which you're interested in living or a state which you want to work. Find the employment section for that company and apply directly to the person who is hiring. Even if they don't have a job posted on a popular seasonal work website, it doesn't meant they aren't looking for quality staff.

Get your information directly to the person who does the hiring and make a follow up call. Let them know you are serious about having a seasonal position. With the advent of the Internet, personal communication is huge, and will set you apart from the resume-forwarding losers.

When to Apply for Seasonal Work

The best time to apply for seasonal work is a month or so before the season gets started. For example, if you want a job at a resort in Alaska or Montana for the summer, then you best start applying in April. They want you to be trained and ready to work for when tourists start arriving in May.

Additionally, you can find a decent amount of open positions during the middle of the season. These usually open up after people show up and find that working a seasonal job wasn't what they had hoped, so they take off and leave during the contract.

Remember, even though you may be surrounded by the most incredible scenery of your life, it is work. You are there to provide a service. You will be able to hike, fish, camp and drink to your hearts content in your off time, but you do have an obligation to work first and foremost.

If you should decide taking up seasonal work, do remember this is a perfectly viable lifestyle for many. Work the summers at a resort up north, and work winters in resorts down south. Who could want anything more?

Contact Us - If you are a seasonal employer, please contact us about listing your employment opportunity here.