(by 29 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, pay, length of work week, 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?
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
Stylish Extras for the Adventure Worker
Grand Canyon YouTube Video
A Spectacle of Nature
The Complete Grand Canyon National Park
Enjoy a clip from this excellent Grand Canyon National Park production. You can purchase the complete DVD at www.nationalparktravel.com/video.htm. 2 DISC SET -- Over 2 Hours! This inspiring program is guaranteed to be the best, most complete Grand Canyon National Park DVD available. Experience spectacular Canyon moods, a breathtaking river raft trip, a mule ride down sheer rock walls, an exhilarating excursion in, over, and around a canyon so incredibly big that words can't describe it! BONUS DVD - This special edition includes a bonus DVD -- Indian & His Homeland: 1590-1876 -- a 300 year survey of the American Indian. Includes great bonus features on Native American cultural traditions in our national parks and surrounding tribal lands. DISC 1 The Complete Grand Canyon DVD EXTRAS •Bonus Video: Petrified Forest • Grand Canyon Music Video • Grand Canyon Quiz •Chapter Search • Multi-Language Subtitles - The main program is narrated in English, but also features subtitles in German, French and Japanese DISC 2 Indian & His Homeland: 1590-1876 DVD EXTRAS • Cultural Traditions • National Parks & Native Americans • American Indian Timeline • Historical Photo Gallery • About the Explorer Artists • Multi-Language Subtitles - The main program is narrated in English, but also features subtitles in German, French
Runtime: 2:01 | 305 views | 0 Comments
Grand Teton YouTube Video
Amazing Footage!
Trave USA-Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park 旅游美国－黄石公园
This clip bring you to Grand Teton, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Park, and Old Faithful Geyser. It's a park of 2.2 million acres. Recovering from the forest fires of 1988. Many species of wild animals live in the park.
Runtime: 8:27 | 6011 views | 0 Comments
Yellowstone National Park YouTube Video
A Short Film
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Take a tour of the natural beauty of Yellowstone. Filmed in July 2007. What you will see... 1. Midway Geyser Basin 2. Waterfall 3. Bison 4. Hot Spring 5. Osprey 6. Mammoth Hot springs (Upper Terrace) 7. Black Bear 8. Yellowstone River 9. Elk 10. Lower Falls 11. Upper Falls 12. Bighorn Sheep 13. Moose 14. Yellowstone Lake 15. Firehole River 16. Grizzly Bear 17. Kepler Cascades 18. The Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone 19. Upper Terrace 20. Rabbit 21. Black Bear 22. Old Faithful
Runtime: 5:37 | 23760 views | 84 Comments
Denali National Park YouTube Video
Journey Through the Park
Denali National Park
Denali National Park July 2001 Video of bus ride through Denali showing moose, dall sheep, red fox, brown bear, marmot, squirrel, etc.
Runtime: 7:37 | 6273 views | 4 Comments
If You Are Interested in Related Lenses
Please check out the following
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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...
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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 the...
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Sign My Guestbook!
If you are interested in this type of work, or have done it already, I would love to hear from you!
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
funwithtrains wrote...
I really enjoyed this lens a lot -- may have to try this some time! 5 stars and a favorite from me! Please visit my Marklin Trains lens.
Posted May 08, 2008
chefkeem wrote...
Hey, super lens! ***** On your map, go straight down to the coast from your AK marker, a little to the right from that tiny spit, that's where I go chefing.
Between that job and my own biz in Texas - it's the only way to work, for me. My own boss wherever I go. And I eat well, too...lol
Posted March 27, 2008
Greekgeek wrote...
Excellent lens, and I especially love the videos you've picked out.
I've added it to my lensroll for my less-well-organized American West travel lens!
Posted March 24, 2008
