Seasonal Jobs at Hotels and Resorts

Many high school students, college students, or seasoned workers in between jobs take advantage of summer resort jobs. In the United States, there are many resorts or attractions that hire a large number of seasonal employees. For some students, these jobs can do more than help them earn money over the summer; for students interested in full-time employment in the industry, they can also help them get a job after they graduate. For example, working at a zoo over the summer can help the naturalist obtain a similar but full-time position after he or she graduates.

Types of Seasonal Jobs

Most families vacation during the summer because their children are out of school and the weather is more amenable for outdoor activities. Because of that, many resorts are closed during the school year, or are only open on weekends. When summer comes, they have to hire many employees in anticipation of large summer crowds. Some very large resorts or attractions may have to hire thousands of employees. There are a growing number of resorts in the United States to accommodate an increasing desire for new and different vacation adventures. Examples of common resorts that hire during the summer include lake and beach resorts, amusement parks, zoos, and adventure resorts where guests can zipline, go white water rafting, rock climbing, and horseback riding. This last example is one that is becoming increasingly popular and will need more summer employees in the future.  

Depending on the resort, the employees that are needed will range from lifeguards to laundry workers, housekeepers, waiters, waitresses, hosts, bartenders, tour guides, porters, cashiers, gift shop workers, and many others. Some of these jobs may require you to have some experience or training, but most will not. At many summer resorts, if you do a good job the first summer you are hired, you will be one of the first employees hired or called back to work the next year.

Most summer jobs are part time positions, although you may work up to 30 hours a week. If you're looking for full-time employment, a summer resort job may not be right for you.

Here's a list of some of the most common summer jobs in the United States.

• Lifeguard
• Beach attendant
• Cruise ticket sales
• Fishing guide
• Hunting guide
• Nature tour guide
• Parasailing worker
• Towel attendant
• Waiter/waitress
• Restaurant host
• Bartender
• Diving coach
• Snorkeling guide
• Boat rental cashier
• Cook
• Dishwasher
• Steward/Porter
• Host/hostess
• Amusement park ride operators

Education and Experience Required

As mentioned, for most summer jobs, you won't need to have specific education, training, or experience.

There are some exceptions to this general rule, though. For example, some amusement parks hire students to perform in shows. They usually look for students who have received some training in acting and/or performing, or have experience performing. Music or theater students are usually preferred.

If you're looking for a job that works with animals, you usually must have some education, training, or experience in this area. These are just a few examples; there are others.

But for many positions, the primary requirement or qualities that employers are looking for from their part time summer staff members is reliability, flexibility with scheduling, a positive attitude, and an aptitude for learning new skills quickly. Some summer workers don't take their summer jobs very seriously, and so call off of work frequently or don't show up for an assigned shift. This is a surefire way to get fired. You certainly shouldn't expect to be rehired the following season. If you're able to perform well, work well with guests, and you are reliable, chances are very good you'll have a summer job for as long as you need one.

Your Summer Earnings

Of course the ultimate goal for working a summer job is to earn as much money as possible before school starts again. For summer resort workers this isn't always easy. Most jobs are low paying compared to other jobs. However, they are the employer hiring the most summer workers, so it is easier to find a job with a resort than with other employers. In some summer positions you can supplement your earnings with tips. For example, waiters, waitresses, bartenders, porters, tour guides, and similar positions typically receive tips from each guest they serve. This can greatly increase both your earning potential and actual earnings. Jobs that usually don't receive tips include amusement park ride operators, dishwashers, towel attendants, cashiers, and any employee that doesn't interact directly with guests. The average hourly salary for most summer resort workers is $10, and that can increase to up to $20 per hour with tips.

Summer Jobs Summary

• There are many summer resort jobs that become available because of the large number of people who vacation over the summer. You may find there is a lot of competition for some summer resort jobs.
• There are a lot of different summer resort jobs, and most of them do not require any kind of special training or education. There are some exceptions to this, so make sure you check a job's requirements before applying.
• Most summer jobs offer part time hours only. You may have to look elsewhere if you're looking for a full-time summer position.
• You can earn a higher salary if you get a job that is eligible to receive tips. Many summer resort jobs do receive tips. With tips you can earn up to $20 per hour.

Learn more about Working at a Casino >>>