Southern Cross offers one of the most financially rewarding and flexible non-traditional Workamping opportunities available today. Instead of working in a campground or RV park, Workampers with Southern Cross travel from assignment to assignment while helping utility companies monitor underground natural gas systems in communities across the United States.
This mobile role appeals to Workampers who enjoy travel, outdoor work, dependable schedules, and meaningful jobs that contribute to public safety.
What Southern Cross Does
Southern Cross hires and trains Workampers to become qualified technicians who help utility companies detect and address natural gas leaks. Gas leaks are a serious safety concern, and the information collected by technicians allows utility providers to make immediate repairs or schedule necessary maintenance to protect communities.
Christina Joyner and her husband have worked with Southern Cross for several years while traveling full time. She describes the work as especially meaningful because technicians play a direct role in preventing potentially dangerous situations.
A Day in the Life of a Technician
Technicians walk above buried gas lines and use specialized electronic equipment designed to detect even small amounts of natural gas rising through the soil. As they move through neighborhoods, they record their findings on a handheld device. Some assignments also include evaluating gas meters at homes and businesses.
The work is performed outdoors and involves walking several miles per day, typically ranging from three to ten miles depending on the assignment. Occasional bending, squatting, and carrying equipment is required, but most people adapt quickly to the physical activity.
Some locations may also be at higher elevations, and because the work is performed outdoors, humidity and seasonal weather need to be taken into account when evaluating if this is the right opportunity for you.
Because the equipment cannot get wet, technicians do not work in the rain. Workers are also trained to avoid unsafe situations, such as entering yards with dogs or operating in areas where gas levels may pose a danger.
Schedules, Assignments, and Flexibility
Southern Cross assignments can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Most technicians work a standard 40-hour week, either five eight-hour shifts or four ten-hour shifts. Weekends are typically off, giving Workampers time to explore the regions where they are stationed.
Many technicians choose to take the winter off and return in the spring. In some cases, workers may be placed on furlough between projects while retaining their seniority, which allows them to maintain flexibility without losing long-term benefits.
Pay, Benefits, and Travel Compensation
Southern Cross is widely regarded as one of the best-paying Workamping employers.
Pay currently starts at $19 per hour, with two automatic $0.50 raises within the first six months. Additional seniority-based raises are available after the first year.
Technicians also receive a weekly per diem of $300 per person to help cover RV park rent and living expenses. A travel stipend of $120 is paid for every 300 miles moved between assignments. Daily driving mileage is reimbursed at the current federal rate of $0.70 per mile, and technicians receive $1.20 per mile when towing their RVs.
In addition to pay and travel compensation, employees have access to health, vision, and dental insurance, accrued paid time off, and several paid holidays.
Southern Cross hires both individuals and couples – all are welcome to apply.
Training and Expectations
Before working independently, technicians complete online training followed by hands-on field instruction. Once trained, workers are trusted to perform their duties with limited direct supervision.
Honesty and accuracy are core values at Southern Cross. Utility companies must comply with strict federal regulations regarding pipeline inspections, and technicians are expected to accurately represent their activities and findings at all times.
Why This Job Works for Full-Time RVers
For Christina, one of the biggest benefits of working with Southern Cross has been the ability to stay connected with family across the country. With six children and eight grandchildren living in different regions, she and her husband plan seasonal assignments that allow them to travel large loops and spend time with loved ones throughout the year.
This combination of strong income, mobility, and meaningful work makes Southern Cross especially appealing to Workampers who want stability without giving up the freedom of the RV lifestyle.
How to Learn More and Apply
People interested in applying can find current openings under the careers section at southerncrossinc.com. Additional insight into the role is available by listening to Episode 169 of The Workamper Show podcast, which features Christina Joyner describing her experience working with Southern Cross.
Southern Cross is a strong example of how Workamping extends far beyond traditional campground jobs. Opportunities like this show the wide range of work available to RVers who want steady income, flexibility, and meaningful experiences on the road. Become a Workamper member to explore jobs like Southern Cross and many others by searching current job listings on Workamper.com, where employers actively recruit travelers for seasonal and mobile positions across the country.
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