What
are the
Workamping jobs like?
This is our
source for Workampers to share helpful information about both good
and bad experiences. We will not post your name wihout
permission.
The following are impressions and experiences
emailed from our readers.
Tell us about your experiences to help
the
next person who's thinking about working in a campground, or a State or
National Park.
CALIFORNIA
Furnace Creek Resort.
Highway 190, Death Valley, CA
(877) 469-6441
Xanterra Parks
and Resorts
When I worked at Death Valley (Furnace
Creek) in 2009-2010 I paid $30 per week for FHU plus cable TV with
half refunded at the end. I also had free laundry, free ice, 2 free
meals per day in the EDR, and free propane. But I received about 50
cents an hour less in wages. When I considered going back this past
fall, they offered me the same wage ($8.30/hr.), plus they had about
doubled the RV space rent. No mention was made of meals, propane,
etc. So I chose not to go. The rent is taken out of the paychecks,
so you never see it.
In a lot of ways, Xanterra is a good company
to work for. As with all human beings, there are negative aspects as
well. Without sounding critical, I would say that my biggest concern
with Xanterra is the fact that they hire sight unseen over the
internet, so they end up with drunks, druggies, and other
un-professional-appearing and acting employees. The dormitories they
also provide are hotbeds of drugs, alcohol and illicit, casual sex.
A lot of the hirees are in their late teens and twenties, unstable
people who don't have a steady job or home, drifters. Some are
international kids who are very bright and usually decent kids from
good homes in their own countries.
I have not worked for any of
the other companies I listed, but have looked at their job listings
and have applied to some, but never gotten anything.
FLORIDA
Rustic Sands Resort Campground
800 N. 15th St., Mexico Beach, FL 32410
Toll Free: (877)240-7213. Phone:
(850)648-5229
Fax: (850)648-4349. E-Mail:
rentacabin@aol.com
My experience was very good! I worked at
rustic sands resort in Mexico Beach, Fl. I worked in their
snack/pizza bar. For me, I don't have the best knees for cement,
therefore the job was very hard on the old feet and legs. Management
was understanding at all times, when possible I was able to sit and
take orders and serve beer/wine. When I was up and at it, I did my
job and had fun doing it. The staff i worked with was Wonderful.
The Host moved to another state, then I
took that position. I really liked that job also, it was much easier
on my feet and legs. Greeting and helping people makes life good!
The only draw back for me was, 7 days a
week when the office was closed. I must add, I can not think of one
time that I asked the owners if I could have a night or day off, or
even a few days off to go out of town that I was refused.
They were like family to me. (M.K.)
OREGON
Crater Lake Lodge
1211 Avenue C, White
City
Oregon, 97503
Xanterra Parks and Resorts
When I worked for Xanterra I worked in the gift shops, which I
really enjoyed. It was fun to meet people from all 50 states and a
number of countries around the world.
When I worked at Crater
Lake I was charged approx. $150 per month for FHU, half of which I
received back upon completion of my contract. Also had free laundry
and free ice from the store. Had to pay for meals in the Employee
Dining Room (EDR).
There was a boy last summer at Crater Lake
working as a dishwasher in the kitchen who was studying to be an
engineer in his home country. They come to learn English better and
to broaden their experience. I fear some of the impressions they get
of America are less than desirable!!
Tell us about your experience. Send us an email at
snowbirdrvtrails@gmail.com
