Seasonal Work: The Hidden Job Industry

Spring is here and the seasonal work industry is on the lookout to fill positions for the spring/summer season. You might be asking yourself what is seasonal work? Seasonal work is exactly what it sounds like; work where you are employed for a season of time. Seasonal work is for anyone looking to try something new, those looking to work and play hard, and those willing to experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

Work Seasons

Most seasonal work is split up into spring/summer and fall/winter seasons. On average seasonal work lasts from four months to six months. The most popular season to be employed is during the spring/summer when kids are out of school and families want to get out and have some fun. Extending your work agreement may be an option but depends if the company operates year-round.

Job Locations

Believe it or not, seasonal jobs can be found all over the United States and in foreign countries as well. The western states tend to have the most jobs available thanks to an abundance of outdoor activities, resorts, and national parks.

Certain states have more seasonal jobs in the summer or winter months depending on their geographic location. Alaska has over 100 companies hiring for the summer months while Colorado has more than 60 companies hiring for the winter months. Not all states offer seasonal jobs but the majority offer at least one option. Listings are constantly changing so checking in from time to time is highly recommended.

Types of Companies Hiring

Seasonal workers are needed in all areas of the hospitality industry and beyond. Types of companies hiring include ski resorts, gift shops, lodges, resorts, golf courses, restaurants, non-profits, national parks, ranches, outdoor tours, camps, and many other companies. All these companies offer unique opportunities to people excited to work in out-of-the-ordinary environments.

Work Experience

Seasonal work is compiled of numerous job opportunities, ranging from entry-level to experienced positions. Seasonal work is a great way for people with little to no work experience to gain skills and experience. This work industry is very ideal for young adults fresh out of high school or college, people who want to try something new, vagabonds, and those who are retired.

Types of Jobs

Most jobs offered focus on customer service and hospitality but there are a lot of trade jobs and specialized expertise jobs available.

Popular jobs companies are hiring for include front desk agents, cashiers, office assistants, bartenders, servers, cooks, housekeepers, shuttle drivers, and activity leads. Jobs requiring more expertise include wranglers, chefs, plumbers, groundskeepers, massage therapists, mechanics, sports instructors, CDL drivers, technicians, electricians, and much more. No matter your level of experience there is sure to be plenty of jobs you qualify for.

Housing

The majority of seasonal companies provide staff housing or help staff find local housing. Occasionally you'll find jobs where it's completely up to you to find housing near your work. Companies that employ over 100 staff members, such as resorts and national parks, have enough space and infrastructure to provide staff housing on the grounds.

Many housing options can be found in the seasonal work community. Companies may offer dorm-style housing, private rooms, couple housing, family housing, campsites, RV hookups, and more. For seasonal work as a whole, it is very normal to live in dorm-style type housing, where you share a room with one to three people. If you've ever roomed with someone before you're ahead of the game. If this is your first time rooming with someone it might take some getting used to but is very doable, as long as everyone is respectful and can communicate.

Housing Deposit

To live in staff housing companies usually want you to pay a housing deposit that is refundable at the end of your work agreement. This deposit is often asked for upfront before you are given access to your living quarters or will be deducted over the course of your first few paychecks. This deposit is to ensure you leave the property in as good of a condition as you first found it.

Rent

Companies offer housing for free, at a low cost, or at normal rental prices for the region. Rent is usually deducted from your paycheck over the span of a month to not leave you without any wages. Companies sometimes break down rent by day, week, or entire month. Compared with traditional rent and living expenses, staff housing is very affordable.

Utilities

Utilities such as water, sewer, heating, and garbage are usually included in a rental package. If utilities are not included employers will disclose this to you. Feel free to ask the hiring manager if utilities are included. Some employers might cover partial utilities while you cover the rest.

Pets

If you have a pet it might be harder for you to find a seasonal job that allows pets in staff housing. However, that being said there are companies who are willing to allow you to bring your pet, but are simply harder to find.

Wifi

Most staff housing will be equipped with free wifi or will be included in your rent. Depending on your location the internet service might be spotty. Certain jobs potentially will be remote enough to not have wifi connection at all.

Tip: Take a break from the internet and make an effort to get out in nature more often.

Cell Service

Generally speaking, most seasonal jobs will have some form of cell reception. The quality of cell service depends on your location and phone provider. Certain locations might only get cell service if you have a certain phone provider, otherwise, your next best option is to use wifi calling. There are jobs with no cell service at all. Instead, you might be required to use a landline or travel to the nearest town to make a phone call.

Meals

Seasonal jobs offer a wide range of meal options. Companies with fifty or more staff members often provide meals for free or at a discounted price. Meals are usually included with your monthly rent or can be paid for separately. It isn't uncommon to have meals served buffet style.

Do you have dietary needs? A lot of employee dining rooms are willing to accommodate your dietary needs within reason. Simply talk to the chefs and see what they can do for you.

If food is not provided by your employer, they often provide staff kitchens where you can prepare meals and store food. Basic cookware and utensils are usually provided.

Wages

All employers in the USA are compliant with the minimum wage of the state they reside in. A lot of employers pay above the state minimum wage. Wages are subject to experience, job position, length of employment, and other factors. Starting wages are usually advertised on the job listing, otherwise, check with the company's hiring manager.

Tips/Bonuses/Gratuity/Travel Stipends

Companies may offer staff bonuses if a staff member agrees to stay for the full work season. Tips are common in seasonal work for specific job roles or as a gratuity fund. A gratuity fund is where a company collects all the tips guests leave over the course of a season, then equally distributes the funds among the staff. Upon completion of your work agreement, your employer might pay you a travel stipend to help cover travel costs for you to get back home or move on to your next job.

Traveling to the Job

If you don't have a car don't sweat it, you have a lot of travel options at your disposal. The most common ways to travel to a seasonal job are by car, plane, train, bus, or shuttle. You can make arrangements with your employer or local shuttle service to pick you up and drive you to your employee housing.

Common Employee Perks

Employee perks that come with the job may include but are not limited to discounted meals, guest lodging, and company merchandise, along with free or discounted activities, tours, and services. Some companies offer health insurance and 401k matching programs for employees who qualify. Don’t forget, living and working in a beautiful environment is a perk in itself.

How To Find Seasonal Work

The go-to website most seasonal workers look for jobs on is CoolWorks. The site offers a large variety of jobs, allowing job seekers to use search features to be more precise in the job hunt. You can search by state, season, position, company type, housing type, pet-friendly housing, and keywords. The site is well organized and makes it easy to browse jobs, save jobs you are interested in, and easily apply.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal work has been my saving grace many times thus far. I've gotten pushed out of my comfort zone while embracing positive change. Meeting new people from all walks of life is always a blast. You learn so much from your co-workers, guests/customers, and the locals. When a season comes to a close you leave with wonderful memories and lifelong friends. I don't have the right words to express how much I love seasonal work. It is really indescribable and I honestly can't recommend seasonal work enough.

If you're on the fence about if you should try seasonal work or not, I encourage you to dive in and give it a try. Life is an adventure and sometimes you have to throw away your insecurities to move forward in trying something new.

I wish all of you job seekers the best of luck in your search for the perfect seasonal job! If you have any further questions please feel free to leave a comment below and I will do my best to respond. Happy travels!