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After my first summer working in Utah I decided working seasonally is something everyone should do at least once.  It’s not for everyone, but there’s only one way to find out.  Plus, you’re not limited to national parks.  There are ranches all over out west.  Ski resorts are all over as well.  In the summer head up to the midwest for a some summer work in little tourist towns.  The possibilities are endless and this is why I think you should try it at least once.

How to find a seasonal national park job

Things to consider in a national park job

What to pack for a national park job

You meet awesome people

You meet awesome people from all over the world.  I’ve met people from Florida, California, Maryland, Texas, Louisiana, and countless other states.  And that’s just states.  Can’t forget Russia, Peru, Ukraine, Taiwan, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Romania.  Some I’ve gotten to know more than others because I work closer with them, but some I met in Wyoming and will see back in Utah or Arizona over the summer.  Some from abroad have come back again this summer, too.  It’s fun meeting people from all over the world.

You see awesome stuff

This season already, since April 20, I’ve seen seven national parks and two national monuments.  That in less than two months.  The only way most people can do that is to take a couple weeks off from work to go on a road trip or something.  I can do it on my weekends.  I’m a professional weekender.  By living in a place for six months instead of just visiting, you can explore way more and see things that most people don’t get to see.

You can learn a lot about a new place

I knew absolutely nothing about Utah before I came out here and now I feel like a semi-pro Utah adventurer.  Now I can give people directions.  I can recommend hikes in all the Utah, and some Colorado, national parks.  I know which canyons are awesome to explore on Lake Powell.  I know great places to go camping in Southeastern Utah.  I know the pretty drives vs. the quick drives.  I think you get the idea.  And I would know none of this if I didn’t live here.

You have the potential to make a lot of money

Depending on the job, you can make a lot of money.  That means things that get tips.  Some jobs get more tips than others, so keep that in mind.  But a guide, a bellman, a server, or a bartender are some of the chances to make more money.  I get the occasional tip at the front desk, but it’s rare.  Plus, if you don’t have a car and are in a really remote area, you don’t have as many opportunities to spend your hard earned money.  Or explore and just do it on a budget.

It’s a good experience

it’s a good experience for all the reasons above, even if you don’t like it.  There was only one way to find that out.  You still got to see a new place.  You still probably got to meet awesome people.  And, if you did like it, then you found a new way to explore the US and earn money at the same time.  SO, I say give it a shot.

Have you worked seasonally?  Where?  Did you like it?  Where have you always wanted to work a season?