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1. To fully understand the amazing variety of opportunities available in campgrounds, theme parks, guest ranches, and a thousand other venues, we strongly recommend that you read every opportunity in Workamper News (also available online*), Workamper Hotline and Workamper.com. We also recommend that you read the many articles and feedback from Workampers in the "Workamper Viewpoint" and "Feedback" sections of Workamper.com.
2. Once you’ve done your homework, make a list of your preferences with regard to location, duties, compensation, hours, start/end dates, etc.
3. Then start looking for opportunities that match your preferences.
4. Narrow your choices to the opportunities that best fit your needs and follow the instructions exactly as they are given in the ad.
5. We also strongly recommend that you enter a resumé in our Awesome Applicants resumé database where it can be viewed by thousands of employers. You can also e-mail your Awesome Applicants resumé to any employer in the world*.
6. Get Workamper feedback about specific employers via the “Praise Your Employer” section on Workamper.com* and “Workamper Experiences” Forum* at http://forums.workamper.com If possible, try to visit the location and meet the owners/managers, and if you get a chance, talk to other employees and customers. A personal visit also allows you to check out the clientele and the climate. If it’s a campground, you can also check out their rating in the campground directories.
7. When you make contact with a potential employer, by phone, e-mail, regular mail, or in person, be sure you fully understand what will be expected of you (duties, hours, pay, etc.). Additional background information, references, etc., may be requested at this time and should be provided in a prompt and business-like manner. This is also your opportunity to ask questions of the employer.
8. Before you accept a job, be certain you thoroughly understand all aspects of the job, including: specific duties, hours, days off, wages, benefits, insurance, training, supervision, starting & ending dates, etc. We strongly recommend that you ask the employer for this information in writing. We further advise that you have this “letter of understanding,” or “work agreement,” in hand before giving notice or traveling a great distance to the new job site. (Good employers will gladly do this, because they want to avoid misunderstandings, too.) See “Sample Work Agreement” under "Employers" on the left side of this page.
9. When considering jobs that involve exchange of hours worked for site, hookups, etc., we recommend that you use the following formula to determine if the exchange meets your individual needs. The value of the site (monthly or seasonal rate) + hookups + perks + any wages/salary divided by the number of hours worked per month = equivalent hourly wage. (This formula should not be applied to volunteer positions at non-profit agencies and organizations.) The equivalent hourly wage at for-profit businesses should not be lower than the applicable minimum wage (Federal = $6.55, higher in some states). The competitive range for most jobs is currently $7 to $12 per hour. Any job that requires special skills or experience, or involves even minimal supervisory or managerial responsibility, should pay toward the higher end of this range or above. Workampers should never "pay" more for their site than a long-term customer would be charged. In most cases, we currently recommend a maximum of 15 hours per week for a full hookup (water, electric, sewer) site at a for-profit organization. That’s a total of 15 hours per week, regardless of whether it is a couple splitting the hours, or a single person working all 15 hours. Obviously there are businesses that ask for more than 15 hours per week. They feel they can justify their offer, perhaps with additional perks, light duties, unique work environment, etc. It is up to each Workamper to determine if an offer meets their personal criteria for a fair exchange, before accepting the job. [The value of these exchanges may be exempt from federal income tax. For details see the “FAQ” page.]
10. Remember, Workamping is about enjoying the RV lifestyle to its fullest. We recommend that you base your final decision on your answers to the following questions: Do I like the location? Do I like the duties? Am I satisfied with the compensation being offered? Do I like the employer? Am I physically and psychologically suited for this job?
11. Do not accept a position unless you are committed to fulfilling all aspects of the agreement. When an agreement is reached, be sure to show up on the appointed day. The employer is counting on you.
12. Key factors in landing and keeping any job: preparation, attention to detail, flexibility, positive attitude, maturity, integrity, and the ability to get along with customers and co-workers.
Happy Workamping!
(Revised 3/26/2009)
* Requires WorkamperPlus
Tools for finding a Job, Volunteer Position or Business Opportunity |
