Adventure Workers

Adventure workers are people with a lust for life, a passion for adventure, and a love and respect of nature. They are all ages, from college students working during their summer break to retirees making extra money while traveling the world!

Generally the adventure worker is looking for work and life experiences most people never even consider. They are willing to work hard in exchange for an opportunity to play hard in some of the most scenic places on the planet.

The adventure worker enjoys working with other people from various backgrounds. An attitude of respect, consideration and team-work is essential. Adventure workers also need to be service-oriented; that means ready and willing to help guests and co-workers.

For details on HOW to apply, please scroll down...

There are many great resources becoming available on the internet for people interested in adventure jobs.

You might want to make Cool Works your first stop. CoolWorks is a sort of clearing house where a vast variety of employers post their current job openings. By following the links you can find detailed info on what the job entails and often apply online, or download a mailable application. CoolWorks also features a message board where a large community of seasonal workers can exchange info.

Another source is Xanterra Resorts . Xanterra operates the concessions industry at several National Park locations, including ( but not limited to) Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone and Everglades.

A similar company called ARAMARK operates at Denali, Mesa Verde, and Lake Tahoe (amongst others)

Jobs at Grand Teton National Park are staffed by Grand Teton Lodge Company

Hospitality industry professionals should sign up at H Careers

For travelers who are interested in worldwide workshare opportunities, which are mainly positions which offer partial or full room and board but no cash payment, please check out HelpX International

Okay...so now you've set the ball in motion. What else do you need to know? Scroll down for more info...

For summer seasonal jobs, which usually begin by mid-May and run through mid-October or so, you will want to apply anytime from January until no later than March 1st.
Applying later may land you a job at the location you want, but doing something you would not have chosen. Late applicants tend to be used to fill kitchen utility and room service attendants/cleaning staff.

For winter jobs, which begin in late October or November and run through late April or early May (usually ski resort jobs), you should apply no later than late August.

If you are applying for an adventure job, you should choose a position where you either have experience or are willing to devote a lot of energy to learning.

The number of hours you will work, your living conditions, and so forth may vary widely depending on where you end up and in what position you are working.

Generally speaking, housing at these jobs is offered at extremely discounted rates, and room and meal costs are frequently deducted from your bi-weekly paycheck. You may share a dorm room or cabin with 1-2 roommates. You may also find that you have to share a designated employee shower area.

However, in exchange for what at first might appear to be inconveniences, you will realize that you have been extremely blessed with an opportunity to live and work at some of the best natural locations on the planet! Imagine having the Grand Canyon outside your front door, or going on a short trip to a massive glacier in Alaska!

Adventure work is hard, but it is rewarding beyond compare!

I started working in the seasonal hospitality industry in March 2007 as a retail associate at Grand Canyon National Park. I stayed there 11 months, working both for Xanterra and Delaware North.

In May 2008 I moved on to Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park, working in the retail department until the end of August that year.

I briefly took a position in Key Largo, FL at the exclusive upscale Ocean Reef Club in retail in November 2008 but soon decided that I needed a break from the industry "grind".

During the 2009 summer season I worked at Rocky Mountain National Park's TrailRidge Giftstore in the Native American Room, warehouse, and later in coffee bar and hot food counter! It was a fast-paced job in an extreme location (12000 ft above sea level!)

Following that I took what I thought was going to be a vacation in India. I ended up having the most adventurous work yet, volunteer teaching English conversation to Tibetan refugees!

Now I am back in the States, saving money to return to my life's work in India. But to get the necessary funds, I have taken...you guessed it, a season job! Starting April 2010 I will be at Mt Rushmore!

What an exciting way to see some of the most scenic locations in the country!