Our 4-2-4-2 Plan
Workamping (cont.)
What to Expect
Expect to be working for close to minimum wage. We find that most jobs range from $6.50 - $10.00 per hour. Most places provide either a free or reduced rate site with full hook ups. Some offer other things like LP gas, cable vision, laundry facilities; just about any combination is possible. Some employers want to swap the site for a certain number of hours worked, while others pay for all hours worked. You have to see what works for you, but the one thing you must do: GET IT IN WRITING! After you make your deal, get it all in writing so there will be no misunderstandings. Our employers have always provided a written agreement. It’s not good to travel 2500 miles only to find out the job is not what you expected.
The jobs themselves vary. You could work in maintenance which usually means grounds maintenance, mowing the lawns, cleaning site
s, cleaning bathrooms, cleaning camping cabins, and light repair jobs. You may work in retail as a cashier or sales clerk. You could stock shelves and sell supplies. You may work in visitor centers handing out information about the area or facilities. We have done most everything, including working the front desk at campground registration offices where you check-em-in, check-em-out. (With a smile, of course.)
As NPS volunteers, Cathy did office work while Bill managed a centrally located dump station. (just had to point to the hole in the ground and the slot for the money, to make sure they didn’t get them confused!) Another time, we were Campground Hosts. As volunteers, we never found the workload too extreme.
Expect to work flexible schedules. Most resorts and such are open 7 days per week, so days off will not necessarily be on the weekend. Most places we’ve worked tried to schedule our off days together, although our work shifts varied from one another. Don’t expect to work 40 hours. I’ve only been in one location so far that actually worked us 40 hours. It’s more like 28 - 32 hours. The good thing about that is you get to spend so much time exploring the area.
