Are there are certain qualifications or other training that might help in landing a workamping job in a National Park or Forest Campground? Also, what about privately owned campgrounds?

Basically, just asking what makes an employer in these instances choose one person (or couple) over another. Is it all about the interview? Or who you know?

We are in our late 40s and looking into getting out of the rat race, and into something a little less stressful.

Unless the ad specifies specific qualifications are required I've found that normal home owner type experience is fine. Examples might include cutting grass and weed eating, pool cleaning, cleaning toilets and showers. Office requirements include computer reservations, answering phones and taking reservations, and handling payments of both cash and credit cards.

The resume should list experience with these types of duties. Also include your hobbies. I'm always amazed at offers we've received because of our hobbies. The phone (or video) interview is important. You can tell a lot about a person just from a phone call. I've never heard or experienced any "good ole boy" networks.

In general, unless your licensed/insured to perform electrical or carpentry type work, the campground will not accept the liability associated with letting you perform major projects and will hire these types of jobs to professionals. But simple repair type work is usually allowed if your comfortable performing the work.

Hi Lisa!

As a former business owner and subsequently a corporate manager I found the two traits that separate the easy to hire workcampers from the rest are enthusiasm for whatever and a strong work ethic.

It is not hard for these two traits to exuce from a casual resume that is written more like a letter than a resume that follows the "commercial mold".

Show you care!

Like yourself, I did not relish cleaning bathrooms.  In the smaller, yet high end, cg we spent a great four months as wk's, the two restrooms were always spotless and pretty easy to keep that way.  Cleaning fire pits that people tried to burn trash in rather than putting it in a can gets my vote for less desireable than cleaning a bathroom that is kept clean.

Again, enthusiasm, work ethic and showing you care!!!

Doing work camping jobs since 1998, I found that being honest and letting the employers know what you are willing to do is the best. I know this will eliminate some of the possibilities, but if cleaning bathrooms or anything else is not your thing then make sure you put that on your Resume. A good way to find out more is to go on Escapees forum, search from your browser, don't need to sign up unless you want to post. Scroll down to Volunteering and find "Kirk". He has a lot of useful info, done this for the past 12 years. There are also jobs listed on Work for RVers, workcamping.com, RVPark Store and are free listings. Hope this helps. And hope it is OK to post these here. best to you and thanks for joining RV Dreams forum. Many people here are very helpful. Pieere

Eric,

 Some times you will stumble onto workcamping jobs. While we where in  Phoenix for two weeks. I went to a Jeep dealer to rent a Jeep for some desert exploring.

 Before we left with the Jeep, I was offered a winter time job. Told the guy I wasn't looking for work, but why the offer? He said because I was from the mid west and we have a high level of work ethic.

 So you never know where that job opertunity may come from, just keep your ears and eyes open.

Wayne

I would also add to the great responses above that a professional-looking and well-written resume is important.  Be sure to focus on the skills, experiences and attributes that match the position you are seeking.  If you are applying at a campground, go online to their Web site.  Not only will you see if it appeals to you, but you will be well versed in commenting on their facility, i.e., "It looks really nice."  "I see you have a full calendar of activities; perhaps you need someone to help in that area?" 

Just because it is campground work does not mean it is not a "real" job. Present yourselves in a professional manner.  It is just like seeking employment in the corporate world.

Don't be afraid to let your enthusiasm for the lifestyle and for the job shine!

We have had several offers from campgrounds even when we were simply overnighting, after mentioning in conversation we are full-timers, etc.

Workamper News is an excellent venue for "putting yourself out there."  Do take advantage of it.  We subscribed several months prior to actually hitting the road.  I wanted to get a feel for the types of jobs available, when employers started seeking help for the coming season, etc.   You can always put your resume out for viewing by prospective employers with an "available by" date on it.  

In addition, there are other sites on the Web for looking for employment and submitting your work wanted ad; many of those are free.

Those are just a few ideas off the top of my head.  :)  

Hi Eric & Lisa,

To Stand Out

You have gotten some excellent suggestions here.  I will second "enthusiasm/positive attitude", "professionalism", and the "physical ability" to do the job you are seeking.

And since you are asking "what might give the employer a reason to choose us over other applicants", I will add personality, personality, personality.

Often hiring is done via a phone interview and often the employer is seeking someone to interact with their customers.  Those with personality that exude enthusiasm and professionalism over the phone go to the head of the line.

It certainly helps to be pro-active with the jobs you want, and it is certainly important to research those employers.  Think polite, enthusiastic aggressiveness as opposed to polite, unenthusiastic passiveness. 

Of course, not everyone has a great personality, and it is not absolutely necessary for every job, but the reality is those that have it will have an advantage especially when much hiring is done over the phone and there are numerous applicants.  The good news is that most positive people can train themselves to be more enthusiastic and "up" during the job hunting process. 

Certain Training/Certifications/Qualifications

As for training/certifications, some positions may prefer special training.  That might be knowledge of campground reservations systems.  Or it might be a commercial drivers license if you will be transporting guests.  Or it might be a food certification, or a CPR certification, or any of a bunch of other items that may give you a leg up.

It's hard to determine whether or not to get extra training, in what field to get extra training, or whether or not your investment in time and money for extra training will be worth it.  But, if you have a particular type of job that you want to pursue that almost always prefers or requires some special skill, it would probably be worthwhile to obtain that skill.

Networking and Who You Know

Now with all of the above said, once you get into workamping and do a great job, you will naturally network and your employers will be happy to give you a reference which goes a really long way in some positions.  Also, the people you work with can also be great sources and references.

In some cases you may be able to skip the whole interview process with some strong, reliable recommendations.  So, it really can be "who you know" and that's a good thing when you are great at what you do and you have developed a network.

Workamper News 

Now, when you are ready to subscribe to Workamper News, let us know if you have any questions.  We are now a Workamper Concierge.  You can learn more about memberships and our recommendations on this page.  And once you are ready to sign up, you can get a little bonus if you use our promotion code "payn3619".  To see how to use the promotion code, click here.

Hope that adds a little to the already wonderful advice. 

53 Merc wrote:

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In my experience with state parks, able to stand erect and consume oxygen is about it. Some parks have a hard time in recruitment due to location, others are very popular and have no problem. Go to the state park section of your selected state and check it out. If you want to go federal, go to www.volunteer.gov/gov and select a state and see what is available.

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 Very funny! Thanks for he help, we'll check out the website.

Thank you everyone for all the responses and great advice! It may sound as if I'm asking questions that would require common sense, but working in a family business for 30 years, I've never had a job interview of any kind. Fortunately, my wife Lisa has, and she's the one with the outgoing personality, so that should help! I am hoping that these questions and more will come up at the rally in April. We've already registered and made our reservations, so looking forward to it and hopefully meeting some of ya'll!
Thanks again!!

I have never had a bad WK experience, have always been asked to return, and once got a job over 133 other applicants. Our technique is to be very selective in who we apply to because our talents and work ethic have been validated by previous employers. We also switch the shoe from being the interviewee to being the interviewer. If I have determined by that process that we will be happy with the employer and the job, then it pretty much means that they will be happy with us.

I will add only one thing to Howard's excellent post. If you perform work for your employer like you owned the business then you will be very successful in your WKing endeavors. It's a rare trait among most employees.

Following up on TXRVR's comment, if you have had anything to do with managing part or all of that family owned business, then you certainly need to point that out to potential "employers."  That might get you a much better job than cleaning toilets in some places.

If I were a park owner/manager, I would be looking for others with the same skills so that it would be possible to leave the business with someone knowledgeable and be able to go elsewhere on business or for pleasure.

If you've had management experience or supervisory positions, you might be chosen to be the overseer of the park while the owner was gone.

I remember years ago that my father-in-law (farmer and rancher) used to make the comment that "his time wasn't important."  One day I had to leave the field I was working in to go help our hired man fix something on his farm implement.  Soon, the father-in-law left his job of baling hay because he felt he needed to be there to help us.

After a bit, I noticed that he and I were doing the work and the hired man was just watching.  So I asked him, "Merle, with baling needed to be done so you have feed for the cattle, do you still think your time isn't valuable?"

He looked at me for a few seconds, nodded his head, handed me the wrench and went back to his more important job.

Point of that story is that while we may not think our "contribution" is so valuable, a lot of times it is more valuable than all the others in the business. So, don't sell yourself short in resumes and interviews.

Terry

Lucky Mike wrote:

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The Internet becomes an amazing tool in the mobile workforce area. I myself make my living on the road as a service Tech. and all my jobs in an area are gleaned of the internet.

I find everything from my Flea market ventures to shows, right down to my Daily service calls on line. I know everyone can do you just have to put your Idea to work.

!. find what you do best
2.find a product or service..( both is better)
3.Build A website..(There are plenty of sites that will zip you right thru this)
4.Find local posting boards..(Craigslist is a wonderful thing!!!)
5.stick with it an hour a day is all it takes.

I know Im not the norm. and I have a talented background in the mechanical and repair fields.....but since I went on the road I have met more people in the like , doing what they did for hobbies and making a very fruitful living at it!!

Sit down and think about it or Even take a course online Such as R.V tech or Sattilite Tech. or both ......maybe a small woodworking set up and make a line of products.

Again like I said....I left my brick and mortar behind and still average 50 k plus a year putting simple projects together....Just kick the fear aside and try it.....start simple. dont invest alot .push it and keep the Faith!!!!!

Great winning attitude Mike, thanks for the advice, many people have so many options, they just have to MAKE IT HAPPEN.....

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Like others, we've been offered jobs at campgrounds when we mention we are full-time.  Last summer,we were asked if we could start the next day.Unfortunately other business commitments kept us from accepting that post. I liked the people who owned the facility a lot. I think that is important.Hopefully we will be able to begin workcamping this summer,but we have the remainder of a small business to dispose of,first. I write a monthly article for the top trade magazine in a personal service business,the type of which we ran for 35 yrs. I will also continue to provide consulting services in that field.The readers of that mag most often write  in about the difficulty in finding the "right" kind of people to work, at all levels. That means attitude/ethic. The ability to treat the customer as the most important contact eve, and the willingness to do whatever is needed. When I asked the complex owner why he made us that offer on the spot he said,"Simple,self-employed for 40 yrs,you had to have been willing to do what it takes to treat people right". He also said that he liked the fact that we were outgoing and willing to share our passion for RV'ing. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

AirHedz wrote:

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Terry,

The story about your father-in-law sounds very familiar to me. Actually, too familiar.;)

I was hoping that having previous small business experience would be helpful. But I just didn't know if any employers would find value in that.

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Heh...I tried to post this answer last night, but the servers had problems.  Plus, this morning was worship services and GRANDKIDS time.  So, the answer may be delayed, but the advice is still relevant.

While we haven't yet been involved with workkamping, I actually know of at least two or three people that I follow on blogs or on forums that have gotten jobs as managers where they were workkamping.  One's experience was enough to be the manager of one of the stores at a national park.

Another was hired on first as assistant manager by an RV park for the time they were there and when the left they were offered the manager's position if they were to go back the next year.

Never, ever sell yourself short.  While you might have some physical problems that would limit what you could do in the way of physical jobs, your experience as a supervisor and problem solver (huh...wonder if a small businessman ever had to do that?) might let you do more supervision and management.  You never know.

Terry

Hi.  You've heard  a lot of good sound advice from what I've read so far.  We've had two jobs as WK.  Both we were in the right place at the right time.  The first job was near Disney World at a brand new state park.  We were out driving around the area one day and just happened to drive up to the gate at Lake Louise SP and while talking to the volunteer there we asked about Camp Host Positions.  Found out there were in need of 2 ,applied then an there and were hired a week later.  park is located on a couple of lakes. one of which you share with Gators.  But it was really easy, and yes we cleaned bathrooms.  Not a lot of people but there sure was a lot of bugs.

Fast forward 5 years, when we were living in a really nice CG in Phoenix. DW was web browsing and came across two Park Host positions. One at a large park and the other at a smaller park.  THe larger park was in a county park at th base of the White Tank Mtns.  Thats the one we hoped for.  Being the weekend we had to wait till Monday.  We called the park mgr. and set up an appointment for that afternoon.  He haad a BIG need for Park hosts and wwe had a need for a job.  The mgr. wanted to know when we could start and for how long.  Told him we were planning on leaving in late 2013.  That has now been postponed till Feb. 2014.    Really enjoy the job, summer is really hot but the winters are great, though a lot busier.  WE get site, W/S/E plus propane, ice, laundry and a truck/van to drive to an from the gate.  So if and when you're interested check out the park.  They're looking for host's for the Winter Season.

So jump in, not all bathrooms are that bad, some are but there are other postions open.  Good luck in yyour search.

Tom and Fran Hallock