If you are looking for a summer seasonal job and don’t know where to start, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know. Each year, various types of companies need seasonal staff to fill many different positions that do not require prior experience. Finding and applying to these jobs is a lot simpler than you think, you just need the proper information to do so. This post will provide you will all the details on different types of summer seasonal work, where to find these jobs, how to apply, and how to choose the best summer job for you.
Table of Contents
FAQs About the Summer Work Season
What is seasonal work?
Seasonal work is short-term/temporary employment that usually lasts from 3-6 months.
When is the summer work season?
The summer season starts in May/June and runs through September/October. The start and end dates of your summer contract will vary depending on your company’s opening and closing dates.
Where in the USA can you find a summer seasonal job?
Every state in the USA has summer seasonal jobs due to the variety of seasonal/hospitality business that operate during the summer season.
Summer Seasonal Job Options
Businesses That Need Summer Staff
There are all types of companies hiring for a wide range of jobs for their summer season. Below is a non-exhaustive list of types of companies looking to hire for the summer;
- Summer camps, YMCAs, and outdoor education institutes
- Working ranches and guest ranches
- National and State Parks
- Campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping sites
- Sea charters, boating clubs, and marinas
- Golfing, fishing, and hunting clubs or lodges
- Outdoor recreation, tours, and gear rental companies
- Lodges, hotels, and other resorts
- Seasonal bars, restaurants, ice cream shops, and gift shops in tourist areas
Summer Seasonal Jobs
There are many different types of summer seasonal jobs. From entry level jobs that will train you on the spot or specialized jobs that require a certain skill set, name a job and you can probably do it for the summer.
You can find a variety of job options across various locations/business. For example, you do not need to be a wrangler to work on a ranch or a fishing guide to work on a boat. You can be a housekeeper at a guest ranch in the rockies or a tour guide on a site-seeing boat in Alaska.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of summer seasonal job options;
Outdoor Jobs
- Transportation: Jeep or ATV Tour Guide, Railroad Tour Guide
- Food & Beverage: Patio Server, Beverage Cart Attendant
- National Park Work: Visitor Center Staff, Park Attendant, Hiking or Backpacking Guide, Groundskeeper
- Jobs Around Water: Lifeguard, Deckhand, Swim Instructor, Rafting Guide, Fly Fishing Guide, Deep Sea Fishing Guide, Kayak/Canoe Guide, Rafting Guide
- Childcare: Summer Camp Counselor, Outdoor Education, Trip Leader
- Farm/Ranch Work: Ranch Hand, Farm Hand, Fruit Picker, Wrangler
- Other: Photographer, Zipline Attendant, High Ropes or Low Ropes Guide, Maintenance, Tour Guide
Indoor Jobs
- Transportation: Bus Driver, Transit Operator, Shuttle Driver, Valet
- Hospitality: Front Desk, Reservations, Retail, Spa Attendant, Sales, Night Auditor, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Tickets
- Retail: Gift Shop, Cashier, Ice Cream Scooper, Grocery Clerk, Rentals
- Food & Beverage: Server, Bartender, Host, Busser, Barista, Line Cook, Chef, Dishwasher, Baker, Food Prep, Cafe Worker,
- Events: Catering, Activity Coordinating, Event Set-Up
- Childcare: Youth Programs, Daycare
How to Find a Summer Seasonal Job
Seasonal Work Websites
While I highly recommend using CoolWorks, you can also use one of these 19 websites to find seasonal jobs. These websites are made to advertise seasonal work, which makes it easy to find job openings for a specific season. Most will allow you to search by season, state, and more.
Free General Job Search Websites
Indeed or Monster are two examples of general job search websites where you can also find short-term summer seasonal positions. You may need to comb through multiple jobs to find those looking to hire for the summer season only. You will find more “general” seasonal jobs on these sites such as retail positions that do not provide housing.
How to Google Search for Summer Seasonal Work
You can find businesses looking to hire for the summer season by utilizing google. Search with keywords such as;
- seasonal summer hospitality business near me
- seasonal job openings in Arizona
- summer seasonal positions in National Parks hiring now
- summer staff needed for ranch in Montana
- golf clubs hiring for the summer
Or, you can decide on the type of job you want and search with keywords such as;
- summer wrangler needed
- server position needed near national park
- summer camp counselor jobs in California
- grounds keeper summer job openings in South Carolina
Don’t Underestimate Word of Mouth
Ask around! In the seasonal work industry, it is common for people to find out about jobs via word of mouth.
If you are already working a seasonal job, talk to other staff members and find out what they have done or are doing during the summer season. If you work for a company that only runs in the winter, see if they know other businesses currently looking for summer help, have connections with other companies, or can offer other suggestions.
If you have not yet started in seasonal work, ask around at your current job, talk to your friends, or inquire with your neighbors. It’s highly probable that they “know a guy” who is looking for summer help on their farm or are related to someone that needs a short-term position filled for the upcoming season.
FAQs About Finding a Summer Seasonal Job
How do you find jobs that provide housing?
If a seasonal job provides housing, they will note it on the job posting. You can specifically search for jobs that offer seasonal housing on Cool Works by clicking on the “jobs that provide housing” filter. Summer camps, ranches, and remote resorts will have the highest chance of free or low cost housing options.
How do you find seasonal work if you live in an RV or van?
There are a lot of seasonal jobs that you can do while living out of a van or RV. You can find the links to specific jobs site and how to find these jobs with; How to Find Work Camping jobs for RVers and Vanlifers.
How can you find seasonal jobs for couples?
You can find summer work for couples by specifically searching for seasonal businesses that hire couples, such as campgrounds, working ranches, and domestic couple jobs. Or, you can both individually apply to work with the same company and request to room together.
How can you find seasonal work at a National Park?
You can find work at a national park by applying directly to the National Park Service (via USAjobs) or with a National Park Concessions through companies like Aramark. For more details on how to specifically do this, check out How to Find A Seasonal Job at a National Park.
How can you find summer work on a ranch?
You can find summer seasonal work on working ranches and/or guest ranches by using one of these 14 Websites to Find a Job on a Ranch.
How do you know if they hire international staff?
Most job postings will say if they are hiring international staff. If you are unsure you can check the employee page on their website to see if they have staff from around the world or showcase their international staff program. You can also email them to ask.
How to Apply for a Summer Seasonal Job
The Seasonal Job Application Process
Applying for a summer seasonal job is just like applying for a traditional job. Each job/company will have their own way for you to apply. This means either submitting your resume or filling out an application via their website. Once you submit the necessary materials, that company will get in contact with you. If you make it to the next step in the process, you will probably have one or two phone calls/virtual interviews.
When applying, be sure to apply to multiple jobs. If you want to work at a national park, apply to multiple jobs at that park. If you want to be a camp counselsor, apply to multiple summer camps.
Adjusting Your Resume
Make sure your resume highlights the skills and experience you need for the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a hospitality job, make sure your resume notes your experience working with guests, communicating with others, working in a team, multi-tasking, etc… If you are applying for a guide job, include your experience teaching, working with groups, risk management skills, etc…
Do not worry if your resume does not match the job perfectly. Since most seasonal companies hire new workers each season, they are used to providing on the job training for new staff. What they really want to see is your personality, hospitality skills, and that you would be a good fit for their team.
Video Submissions
If you are applying to a specialized seasonal job such as a wrangler or fly fishing guide, it is possible they may ask you to submit a video showcasing your skills. (This is becoming more and more common in the activity and guiding world.) Your video does not need to be cinematic but it should do a good job of showing that you know what you are doing, that you have the ability to explain directions clearly, and you know how to teach the skills that the job demands.
Cold Calling a Seasonal Business
A cold call is when you call a business to inquire about a job that you have not applied for or to see if they are hiring. If you do cold call, nine out of ten times they will refer you to their website to fill out an application.
Many people still cold call and I have been on the receiving end of many of these calls and have watched several hiring managers become frustrated over these calls. If you do this, please be professional! Be ready to introduce yourself, explain the reason for the call, and ask how you can get in touch with the hiring team.
Cold calls can work if there is no one else in line for the job, but remember that the people who are doing the hiring probably already have a list of applicants who did follow the directions that the hiring team provided on their website.
The Seasonal Job Interview Process
Most likely the seasonal job you are applying for will be at least a few hours away, if not in a different state all together. Thus, you will most likely have a phone call first and then a second interview via zoom or google meet.
Just like any other job, you should be prepared for the interview. Dress and act professional, be ready to speak about your work experience and your skill set, and come with questions as it relates to the job and the company.
During your interview, the person looking to hire is trying to figure out your personality. A lot of seasonal jobs are hospitality related and they want to know you have people skills. They are assessing your ability to communicate and interact with others to figure out if you would be good for their guests/clients and get on with the other staff.
The Next Steps
After your interview, your interviewer should follow up with an email letting you know the next steps or if you got the position you applied for. It also helps if you send an email letting them know that you enjoyed meeting with them and inquire about the next step in the interview process.
Following Up
If you do not hear back from them in two weeks be sure to reach out to follow up. Unfortunately, it can be common not to hear back from a seasonal job due to various reasons. This is why you should also be applying to multiple jobs.
FAQS About Applying for Seasonal Work
When do businesses hire for their summer season?
The majority of businesses will start hiring for their summer season late-December to January; usually 6 months before their season starts. However, some will hire earlier depending on how many positions they will need filled. But don’t worry, there will be business still looking to fill positions as late as May for various reasons, so it’s good to be on the look out for job openings.
When should you apply for a summer seasonal job?
With any job it is best to apply early (aka: at least 6 months out) especially if you want a fun job. For example, guide jobs tend to fill up faster than most jobs and housekeeping jobs are slower to fill. However, you will most likely be able to find job openings even while the summer season is in progress.
If there is a specific place you want to work and you don’t see that they are hiring just yet, send them an email letting them know what position you are interested in and inquire when they are going to start hiring for the upcoming season.
How many seasonal jobs should you apply to?
You should be applying to multiple jobs. If you want to be a hiking guide, then apply to various outfitters and resorts. If you want to work in a specific national park, then apply to multiple jobs around the area. Many people are most likely applying for the same job and not every company will let you know that you were not chosen for an interview. Applying to more jobs means you have a higher chance of getting hired somewhere.
What if you can’t commit to the whole summer season?
Apply anyway, but let them know your availability. While it would give you a better chance of getting the job if you can work the full season, it does not mean you are out of the running. There are many other people that cannot work the whole season and still apply and get the job because they are the best candidate. It happens more often than you think.
Is it worth it to apply to a summer seasonal job late in the game?
Yes! Seasonal work has high turnover rates for many reasons; people learn seasonal work is not for them, they decide to accept a more permanent offer, housing isn’t to their liking, they get fired, etc… This means jobs open up all the time during the season. So, if the job you want is not currently hiring, keep an eye out throughout the season or send an email letting them know you’re interested if a position opens up.
Choosing the Right Summer Seasonal Job for You
When deciding on what summer seasonal job is best for you, you need to decide if the job and company will provide you with the experience you are looking for. It is important to take into consideration the many factors that will influence your experience. Below is a list of factors you should consider when choosing a summer job.
The Type of Seasonal Job
Can you realistically do the job for the full season? A farm hand job will allow you to be active and outdoors all summer, but can you do all the physical lifting required while working in the heat all day, every day? A front desk job will allow you to interact with others and be in the air conditioning, but is dealing with guest complaints and sitting down for most of the day something you want to do? Consider which job description and tasks work best for your personal work ethic and skills.
Working Hours
What is the length of your seasonal contract and can you commit to it? How many hours will you be working per day or days per week? In the seasonal job realm it is normal to work overtime and some jobs call for a 6 day work week. Is this something you can realistically do/handle for the full season or would you prefer a job that functions more like a 9-5 with two consecutive days off?
Pay and Wages
Many seasonal jobs do not pay super well. Do the perks and provisions of the job outweigh a low paycheck? Consider how much you will make versus your hourly breakdown. Is it worth it to you? How much will you be making in tips? If you need to, will this job allow you to save money or are you probably going to end up spending more than you make? If higher pay means taking a job you would be less inclined to enjoy, is that worth it for you?
Perks of the Job
In my opinion, the best part of seasonal work is the perks of the job. Do you want to work a job where you can live right next to a national park or spend your off days horseback riding for free? A seasonal job lets you do that, but make sure the job you are taking includes the perks you want. What other perks are included in a potential seasonal job? Which job has the best perks according to you?
Location
Where do you want to live for the summer? If you want to live in the mountains of Montana, then are you okay with living hours away from town? If you want to work at a national park in California are you okay with your commute being congested with tourists visiting the parks? What resources will you have on your days off? Will you need to get into town to buy groceries and if so, how will you get there?
Working Environment
Consider how the direct working environment effects you and your mental health. If you take a serving job at a resort, are you okay with working in a fast paced environment the entire season? If you take a camp counselor job, can you consistently be a positive mentor seven days a week? Are you a team player or are you looking for a job where you can work independently? Do you want to work with people or would you rather mostly interact with other staff?
Housing and Accommodation
Seasonal housing varies from job to job. Some employers will deduct a monthly housing fee from your paycheck and others will offer free housing as part of your contract. Consider how much you are paying for housing versus how much you are making. Does your current financial situation need you to work for a company that provides free housing? Is the housing that is provided doable for a whole season? Are you okay having multiple roommates or living in a bunkhouse style building?
Meals
Some employers provide meals for their seasonal staff. If they are providing food for you, is it food you are able to consume when considering any heath concerns, preferences, or allergies you have? Do you have the funds to supplement food for yourself if needed? If you need to make your own meals, do you have access to a kitchen and proper appliances to make food that will fuel you? If you are not bringing a car can you be sure you will have a way to get into town and purchase groceries? If you are living in a resort town, can you afford purchasing groceries every week?
What Job is Right for You?
If you have considered the points above, and are able to answer the majority of these questions, then it should help you consider what summer seasonal job is right for you.
The goal is to use this criteria as you search for jobs to make sure you get what you are looking for. You can cross the jobs off your list that don’t match this criteria, or type these details into the google search bar and see what you find. It is also good to know what you want so you can be vocal about what you are looking for during a job interview.
Tips for Working a Summer Season
Understand what “remote location” means
If you found a great job in Alaska that is in a remote location, know what that means. Is it remote in the sense that it is an hour drive from town but you can get there via public bus? Or is it remote in the sense that it’s on an island and they ship in food via barge every two weeks? Are you comfortable living off the grid for the whole summer and not leaving the resort you work at? What hobbies do you have to keep you busy and not go stir crazy?
Take seasonal reviews with a grain of salt
You should always check out reviews from previous workers to get some insight about the job or company. However, seasonal jobs can greatly vary from season to season even when looking at the same job in the same department with the same company. This is because the staff change each year, management changes, and job responsibilities can shift drastically depending on what did or did not work the previous year.
Reviews people leave are also based on their personal expectations. First time seasonal workers who did not do their research are not usually happy with their experience and their reviews look a lot different than someone who is familiar with the seasonal job circuit.
Network and make connections
The people you will be working with are most likely from around the USA and even around the world. They carry lots of different experiences that you can learn from, especially as it relates to other seasonal or international jobs. I’ve learned about various jobs from co-workers that I did not know existed and I have been able to share my own insights as well. They may also have connections to other summer jobs or a winter job that may be perfect for you.
Be cognisant of the food provided for you
Having a seasonal job that provides food can be wonderful. However, if you are really picky or have allergies it can be tricky. Also, having access to a lot of food, especially really rich food, is great but not always healthy. Eating BBQ and mac and cheese every Monday and taco bar every Tuesday not only gets repetitive but starts to make you feel… not your best after a while. Make sure your body is getting some proper nutrition and what it needs to keep you going and not feel ill.
Know how you will be getting around
Lots of seasonal work locations are situated out in the middle of nowhere. If you are not going to bring a vehicle, is there a way for you to get into town on your days off? Is there a public bus you can use, does your employer offer transportation for staff, is anything actually walkable? Or, are you okay with being stuck on property for the majority of the season if none of these options are available to you? Being able to get from place to place versus being stuck on property can have an effect on your metal health and work/life balance.
Keep an eye on how much you are actually spending
With a lot of seasonal jobs being in really cool locations or high tourist areas, it can be easy to spend money on activities and food. If saving money is a goal then it will help to create a personal budget or preemptively save chunks of your paycheck. Keep an eye on your paycheck and opt for free activities if money matters to you.
Research the lifestyle of the job you will be doing
Not enough people really look into what they are getting into with seasonal work. Make sure you understand your housing situation; living with multiple roommates or in a bunkhouse style dorm is not for everyone. Understand the general traits that go along with specific jobs; certain personalities can flock to certain types of jobs and live a certain way that may work great for you, or may not be what you are looking for.
Ask about your seasonal job perks
Seasonal work can come with great perks, such as joining a whale watching tour or getting free ice cream at the general store. If you are not sure how these perks work, ask! They may forget to explain this while in training or things end up getting so busy you forget what is available to you. Ask about the perks you know come with the job or if there are any that you are unaware of. Of course, be sure to take advantage of those perks and not let things get so busy that you forget to have fun!
Conclusion
Finding a summer seasonal job is probably a lot easier than you realize. You should use seasonal work websites to find a job and apply early, don’t overthink the application process, and make sure you do the proper research before you accept a job. Hopefully this summer seasonal job guide will help you find a great summer job. Do you have any summer seasonal work advice? Please share your tips and thoughts in the comments below.
