Ultimate Guide for Where (and how) to Find Seasonal Work
Where the Heck Do I Find All These Opportunities?
I get this question all the time. So here it is—laid out from beginner to advanced.
If you’re brand-new to seasonal work and want a deeper breakdown of what it is, what kinds of jobs exist, and who this lifestyle might work for, start with my previous post: Seasonal Work 101.
Websites
The most straightforward way to find seasonal jobs is through websites built specifically for them.
Coolworks is the industry standard. I landed my current job in Alaska through CoolWorks several years ago.
You can search by season, state, industry, and job type, which makes it a great place to start. The main downside is that everyone uses it, so certain positions can be competitive or oversaturated.
That said, it’s still one of the best entry points—especially for your first seasonal job.
Some other websites worth checking out include:
Backroads (for their specific biking/hiking jobs)
Ranch Work USA : horse/ranch specific
www.RanchWorldAds.com : ranching specific
Indeed.com (yep, you can search things like “includes housing” or “temporary”)
If you’re interested in work exchange programs, check out Workaway and Worldpackers
Job Boards & Newsletters:
Basecamp Newsletter : there are free and paid versions of this weekly newsletter that lists full time industry jobs in the outdoors, as well as a seasonal section
Facebook Groups: My Holy Grail
Now we’re moving into advanced job-search territory.
If you’re not using Facebook, get on it. There are so many niche groups dedicated to seasonal work of all kinds. I’ve listed a few examples below, but don’t stop there—search for groups specific to your skills, industry, and the regions you’re interested in.
One of the biggest advantages of Facebook groups is that you don’t just have to respond to job postings—you can sell yourself. People regularly post introductions describing their experience, availability, and what kind of work they’re looking for, and sometimes the offers come to them.
Seasonal/Outdoor Industry
Outdoor Recreation Jobs : “This is a great small community gathering space where we can share job postings, resumes, ask questions and help each other make the world a better place”
Seasonal Resort Workers USA : “This is a peer-led community for the thousands of seasonal workers in the United States to reach out to each other with suggestions and advice on employment.”
Traveling Seasonal Workers : “Are you a seasonal worker? Do you like to travel? Do you travel for different jobs for the different seasons? Don’t do any? Wanna know more? Anybody is welcome!”
Jobs in Antarctica : “This is a group for anyone who is interested in living and working in Antarctica. Please share your job listings and feel free to ask questions and advice.”
Workcamping/Vanlife/Campgrounds
Workcampers : “This Workampers group is for discussing traditional workamping jobs, seasonal work, and/or onsite employment for RVers and other nomads.”
Workcampers Uncensored : “All about workcamping, work camping, workcampers and work campers experiences”
Service Industry:
Seasonal Workers Service Industry : “For seasonal workers in the service industry and F&B who want to share their experience of where you have worked and how you liked it.”
Horses/Ranches:
Equestrian Jobs - US : Lots of dude ranch jobs are posted here!
Work with ICELANDIC horses in Iceland : because why not?
Conservation/Field Work: This will be a whole post in itself someday, but for now…
National Parks:
Parkies : “Online park hopping community where people can come together to learn about different seasonal jobs and opportunities in other National Parks and resorts.”
Boats/Sailing/Yachts:
Commercial/Charter Fishing:
A Reddit post on breaking into commercial fishing
Farming/Ag:
Festivals:
Field/Experiential Marketing:
Work Exchange/Volunteering:
Other:
Basecamp: Outdoor Jobs & More : The FB group for the newsletter listed above : More than just seasonal jobs, but plenty of those too
Jobs in Antarctica : “This is a group for anyone who is interested in living and working in Antarctica. Please share your job listings and feel free to ask questions and advice.”
These groups are also incredibly helpful for vetting jobs. If you have an offer you’re unsure about, you can post in a group and ask for first-hand experiences from people who’ve worked there. Reddit is another great place to do this.
Reddit isn’t usually the best place for official job postings, but it is excellent for asking questions, getting recommendations, and learning what certain jobs or companies are really like.
Its biggest strength, like Facebook groups, is hearing directly from people who’ve lived it.
In Person
It’s no secret: the best place to find your next seasonal job is at your current one.
Once you land that first seasonal role—even if it’s not your dream position—the connections you make can lead to the next opportunity. In this industry, a reputation for being reliable, hardworking, and easy to live and work with goes a long way.
Very rarely would I recommend just showing up without a plan, but I have heard a lot of people find commercial fishing jobs by simply walking the docks and making connections. Do with that what you will.
If I were looking for a new seasonal job today, here’s exactly what I’d do.
What I Would Do Right Now
Start With Dream Employers
I’d make a list of businesses I genuinely admire—places with mission statements I align with, in locations I actually want to be. This is especially important for smaller, high-end, family-run operations. Many of them don’t advertise openings widely because they rely on returning staff and word-of-mouth hiring.
There are no guarantees, but approaching these businesses—or the people who work there—with curiosity and enthusiasm (and without demands) can absolutely open doors. Personally, I referred four people to the company I work for in Alaska for this summer alone.
My Exact Approach
Here’s how I’d go about it:
Research everything you can about the company, including its website, social media, and the owners or staff.
Try to find someone who currently works there—or has worked there—in the role you’re interested in.
Reach out directly and humbly. Tell them you admire their work and would love to learn more about their path if they’re ever open to chatting.
I’ve done this many times. It’s formally called an informational interview, and more often than not, people are genuinely happy to talk about themselves and their experiences.
If I’m still interested after that conversation, I’d follow up by contacting the owners or using the company’s general email. I’d introduce myself, mention that I had the pleasure of speaking with so-and-so, and say I’d love to learn more about any opportunities—current or future.
And that’s it.
This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but it’s a solid place to start—and a strategy that’s worked for me again and again.
On YouTube and socials, I share my life as a 29-year-old seasonal worker, plus interviews with people building unconventional careers and lives (because who really knows what’s next). Follow along if you want to learn more!