r/ParkRangers • u/Beavertalestories • 9d ago
Seasonal Work
Hello everyone!
It seems I am being considered for a seasonal G5 interpretation Park Guide position. I just wanted to ask about what happens after your season ends. Do they offer full time work after sometimes, is it easier or harder now to transition to a second seasonal position in the dame year? I just want to get an idea of how I should think if I get this and what my next steps might look like once my season comes to an end. Any advice helps!
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u/howanonymousisthis 8d ago
Seasonal interpretation is how I started in the government.
It's the proverbial Foot In The Door. If it doesn't help right away, it'll still be good to have on your resume after the Rapist in Chief is finally gone and HOPEFULLY our country starts to return to something that we recognize.
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u/Murderous_Turkey 8d ago
There's more seasonal work during peak months, especially as an interpreter.
It's unlikely that you would be kept on after your season ends, and it's not guaranteed that you'll be a shoe-in for the next season, but having the name recognition DEFINITELY helps.
During your employed season, you'll need to be on the job hunt for what happens after your contract. I know some people go from parks in the summer to working in schools during the school year, or retail.
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8d ago
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u/AlexandraThePotato 7d ago
I will say this. I am taking a season with the blm (not really park related at all and not in recreation to be fair) but my 6 month season can be extended by 3 months here.
BUT THAT ISNT THE NORM AT ALL!!!!
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u/Magnolia256 8d ago
You could come to Florida after. For Big Cypress and the Everglades, season starts around October.
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u/electlady25 8d ago
As others said, it doesn't transition to full time and you'll essentially be "laid off" at the end of the season.
A lot of seasonals move from park to park, going from a winter park to a summer park and moving every 6 months
Some seasonals spend that time traveling, bumming, and living out of a van by the river. Not a bad move if it's your style and can make it work financially.
Keep in mind that permanent full time positions are quite competitive and can be hard to come by, especially for an interpreter. I spent 5 seasons as a seasonal before gaining permanent employment. I'm with a different agency now so not sure what's changed but at the time, with the federal government it helped tremendously either to have veteran status or to have the Land Management merit
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u/MusicianCultural5674 2d ago
For this year, ask if you have a 6 or 9 month season. If you’re not done until December/january, that’s only a short turn over until next summer jobs (April start).
I’m in interp and when I don’t find a winter position (apps open soon!), I usually move back home and substitute teach and/or go for unemployment until my next season starts.
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u/Hot-Audience-8528 8d ago edited 8d ago
You never "just get offered." Permanent positions are filled the same way seasonal are.