Working Season to Season

As state and federal funding opportunities diminish, many government agencies increasingly turn to temporary seasonal workers as a means to accomplish work during busy field seasons. Through perhaps an impediment to the new graduate or young professional seeking an immediate permanent position, temporary seasonal positions may be easier to attain and usually provide valuable career experience, connections, and job skill training that may lead to that permanent "dream job."

Below are some tips on how to optimize your early career through seasonal positions:

1. Look nationally! Though your state or local natural resources agency may have temporary seasonal positions available, there are a range of other state and national agencies that hire seasonally at interesting and diverse locations throughout the country. Having experience working in another state may help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate for positions back home.


2. Look for jobs in the off-season! Leverage the advantage of seasonal positions to gain experience in related or unrelated fields either locally or in other areas of the country. Gain business experience working through a temp agency; find employment in areas of the country where assistance is needed in what is otherwise the "off-season". For example, ski-resorts are always in need of employees in the winter period. Similarly, many southern natural resource agencies seek temporary assistance with prescribed fires in the winter months. When properly leverage, jobs in the off-season can provided needed income and experience to tide you through the humdrums of the off-season and prepare you for the next job opportunity.


3. Look to the next season! Many natural resources agencies re-hire seasonal employees, so be sure to maintain connections and your reputation as a valuable worker. Though not always a guaranteed opportunity, be sure to pursue the option of returning for another season. An agency may be more likely to hire someone they know and trust rather than an unknown entity. And when permanent positions became available you may be in line as the first to be considered.