by 38 people |
Seasonal and Hospitality Work- Not Your Everyday Job
Welcome to the world of adventure work. These are jobs "outside the box", maybe even just OUTSIDE! Every year National Parks, ranches, resort and wilderness lodges (amongst others) hire thousands of employees from around the world to staff their facilities. Jobs range from housekeeping and kitchen staff, retail and office workers to ranch hands and trail guides! Positions can run from as short as 3 months to as long as permanent!
If you are between ages 18 and 80 and in good health, adventure work may be just what you need to break out of a rut!
This page will introduce you to a few options to get you started on the way to the best job you've ever had.
Make sure you investigate any company which offers you a job thoroughly to be sure you can handle the requirements. Ask lots of questions about housing (will likely by a shared dorm), pay, length of work week (48 hrs min. is not unusual), and any other details so you will know exactly what to expect and not be disappointed.Then go for it!
Who Should Apply?
characteristcs of an adventure worker
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...
Info on Great Adventure Locations
That way you can prepare by buying the right clothing and accessories, such as hiking gear.
Finding Adventure Jobs
Where do I apply?
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...
When Is the Best Time to Apply?
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.
Some Great Adventure Job Locations!
What Should I Expect?
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!
More Great Reads on Adventure Destinations
Ranger Trails: Jobs of Adventure in America's Parks
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 11/11/2009) 
Usually ships in 24 hours
Hey Ranger!: True Tales of Humor & Misadventure from America's National Parks
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/11/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Hey Ranger 2: More True Tales of Humor and Misadventure from the Great Outdoors (No. 2)
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/11/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
My Personal "Adventure Work" Experience
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".
I am currently working at Rocky Mountain National Park's TrailRidge Giftstore in the Native American Room! It is a fast-paced job in an extreme location (12000 ft above sea level!)
What an exciting way to see some of the most scenic locations in the country!
Stylish Extras for the Adventure Worker
Grand Canyon YouTube Video
A Spectacle of Nature
Rocky Mountain National Park Video
Amazing Footage!
Yellowstone National Park YouTube Video
A Short Film
Denali National Park YouTube Video
Journey Through the Park
Inspiring Stories of Adventure
- Soul Travelers3
- A family of three, making their way on a worldwide adventure.
- Vagabondish | The Travelzine for Today's Vagabond
- Offbeat backpacking and travel news, advice, how-to tips and tall tales from around the world.
- A Road Retraveled
- Welcome to A Road Retraveled. I am your travel journalist and host on the audio and video journals, and together let's discover new and interesting places! From Italy, to New York, and Florida...
If You Are Interested in Related Lenses
Please check out the following
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Grand Canyon National Park
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Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim is a unique environment which hosts an estimated 5 million visitors per year from all corners of the world. For 11 months, I was fortunate enough to live and work here, at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of th...
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National Parks and Monuments
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This lens provides links to detailed information about national park service sites to help you plan a trip, learn more about these special areas, and keep you informed about what you can do to help ensure that they will continue to be protected for f...
Did I Pique Your Interest?
Sign My Guestbook!
If you are interested in this type of work, or have done it already, I would love to hear from you!
AndreaJJ wrote...
Really interesting lens. I am currently doing some walking in Bar Harbour Maine (one of the spots on your map!) and was thinking this would be a great place to spend some more time. Now I know how.
Posted October 03, 2009
Joan4 wrote...
What a challenging and interesting career! Congratulations on your purple star! Blessed by a joyful and happy for you SquidAngel.
Posted August 26, 2009
CherylK wrote...
Awesome lens! Great job and the videos are right on. Housesitting is sort of our version...travel is the key.
Posted August 26, 2009
mulberry wrote...
Love your lens, I've always said that working in a park would be one of my dream jobs. Now I have the info I need to get started!
Posted March 09, 2009
Pastiche wrote...
We're looking at this type of work for our early retirement in New England. VT and PA have park service opportunities I've checked out. Wonderful lens, as usual. 5*s!
Posted October 21, 2008
by CrypticFragments
I leave for 5 months in India in late October 2009, a... (more)
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