If you enjoy fixing things, working with your hands and solving problems, and you want to travel and live in your RV, finding a Workamping position in “maintenance” might be the key to unlocking your Workamping lifestyle.
Maintenance jobs are among the most common Workamping opportunities because nearly every campground, RV park, resort and public recreation area needs dependable people to keep facilities safe, functional and welcoming throughout the season.
Employers often hire couples with one partner working in maintenance while the other assists in the office, camp store or housekeeping. But, solo Workampers also find abundant opportunities because many employers hire multiple maintenance workers throughout the season.
These positions appeal to people who enjoy working by themselves, with their hands, solving problems and seeing immediate results from their efforts.
While some maintenance roles require specific experience, many employers simply want reliable workers with practical skills, a willingness to learn and a positive attitude.
If you have ever repaired things around your home, maintained a rental property or tackled do-it-yourself projects, you likely already possess many of the abilities employers value most for these types of positions.
What Do Workamper Maintenance Jobs Involve?
Maintenance jobs in the Workamping world have a broad range of responsibilities depending on the needs of each specific employer.
Most employers are looking for Workampers with general maintenance skills who can mow lawns, make minor repairs and help with a variety of day-to-day manual labor tasks around the property. Others need someone with specialized skills such as plumbing, electrical work or carpentry.
Let’s dive a little deeper into what Workamper employers might expect you to do in their maintenance positions.
Groundskeeping Maintenance Jobs
Grounds maintenance is a very common task for many Workamping maintenance positions. Campgrounds and other outdoor hospitality businesses strive to create an inviting environment and well-maintained landscaping plays an important role in that.
Depending on the season and location, groundskeeping maintenance staff may mow grass, trim shrubs, prune trees, rake leaves, maintain flower beds, clear fallen branches, repair walking paths or remove storm debris after severe weather.
Roads and campsites require regular attention as well. Gravel roads may need grading, potholes filled and signs repaired or replaced. Campsites often need leveling as well as cleanup or routine inspections between guest stays to ensure everything functions properly before the next arrival.
Keeping the property clean is another common part of the job. Emptying trash receptacles, picking up litter and maintaining common areas may not be glamorous, but they help create the clean, welcoming environment guests expect.
General Maintenance Job Duties
Some employers hire general maintenance workers to handle whatever requires attention on a given day and duties typically involve a little bit of everything rather than focusing on a single specialized trade.
Much of the work centers on keeping RV sites, buildings, and infrastructure in good condition. Doors need adjustment, locks wear out, windows break and fixtures eventually require replacement.
One day may involve repairing a broken picnic table while the next includes painting a building, replacing a damaged water faucet or adjusting a campground gate. The next day might be cleaning fire pits and mowing. That variety is one reason many Workampers enjoy this type of work.
Maintenance Jobs Seeking Specialized Trade Skills
Some employers seek individuals with specific expertise in a trade like plumbing, electrical work, painting, carpentry, HVAC, or heavy equipment operation. Those positions are less common but frequently provide greater earning potential because qualified applicants are harder to find.
Electrical work varies depending on experience and local regulations, but maintenance workers might find themselves replacing light fixtures, switches or outlets, and testing and maintaining or even installing RV site power pedestals.
Minor plumbing repairs like repairing leaking toilets, clearing drains or fixing irrigation systems are tasks frequently assigned to maintenance staff. Major plumbing projects are often handled by licensed contractors, but employers appreciate Workampers who can diagnose problems and complete routine repairs.
Light carpentry and painting are also common responsibilities. Buildings, fences, picnic tables and other outdoor structures require periodic maintenance to withstand weather and heavy use. Patching drywall, repairing trim and touching up worn surfaces all help preserve a property’s appearance and might fall into a more specialized maintenance position.
Tools and Equipment Required for a Maintenance Workamper Job
Maintenance positions for Workampers typically involve using a wide range of tools and equipment, but employers usually provide what’s necessary to perform the assigned duties.
Mowers, trimmors, tractors, utility vehicles, chainsaws and other maintenance equipment are normally provided by the employer unless you are being hired as a sub-contractor. As a Workamper, that is a much less common scenario and likely wouldn’t include your RV site so make sure you ask if you will be treated as an employee or a contractor before you go.
Many experienced Workampers also bring a small personal toolbox with essentials like a cordless drill, screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, tape measure, utility knife, hammer and pliers. While employers typically provide the tools needed for the job, having your own basics can make a positive impression and help you work more efficiently.
One thing you’ll likely be responsible for is your personal protective equipment like comfortable work boots, gloves, hats, eye protection, etc. Some employers might provide these, but having your own to fall back on is always smart.
Skills and Abilities of Good Maintenance Workampers
Fortunately, most maintenance Workamper jobs don’t require licenses or formal certifications. If you’re dependable, willing to learn and have experience fixing things around the house or maintaining property, you’ll already have many of the qualities employers are looking for.
Experience operating lawn equipment, tractors, utility vehicles or other machinery is a valuable asset.
Basic plumbing knowledge, simple electrical troubleshooting, general carpentry skills, and experience repairing fences, decks, cabinets or household fixtures also translate well to campground maintenance responsibilities.
Even if you’ve only developed these skills while maintaining your own home or property, employers are often happy to see that practical experience.
Maintenance jobs are often physically demanding – lifting, climbing, bending and working outdoors are routine parts of the job.
Being able to adapt to weather changes is an important factor for maintenance positions. You’ll likely be working outside and need to be able to work in the summer heat, rain, or cold weather depending on the season and location.
Employers also value Workampers who can solve problems on their own and work independently. Maintenance staff are often trusted to assess a situation, determine the best solution and complete the job with minimal supervision.
Troubleshooting equipment problems is another valuable skill. Determining why a piece of equipment is malfunctioning allows managers to make informed decisions and reduce unnecessary downtime.
Soft skills matter just as much as technical abilities. Reliable Workampers who arrive on time, communicate well with supervisors and interact politely with guests quickly become valuable members of any maintenance team.
What do Maintenance Workamper Jobs Pay?
Like all Workamping jobs, compensation for maintenance positions varies considerably depending on the employer, location and skill level required.
Some employers don’t offer pay and only provide a full-hookup RV site in exchange for a specified number of weekly work hours.
Other employers pay hourly wages in addition to providing an RV site. These opportunities tend to attract experienced applicants because they provide the greatest overall value.
Depending on the property’s location and the complexity of the work, hourly rates commonly range from about $10 to more than $20 per hour, although skilled tradespeople with specialized experience often command higher wages.
How Many Hours Do Maintenance Workampers Work?
Again, like all types of Workamping jobs, work schedules and hourly requirements vary widely from one employer to another. It’s going to depend on the season, the location, and the needs of each individual employer.
In general, a maintenance position that only compensates you with an RV site may only require 15-20 hours per week, while one that gives you an RV site plus pay for all hours worked may require 30 to 40 hours per week.
Workloads often increase during peak camping season. Holiday weekends, sold-out campgrounds and periods of heavy guest traffic can create more maintenance requests, meaning additional hours may be needed to keep the property running smoothly.
Some maintenance positions also require responding to occasional after-hours emergencies like water leaks, electrical issues or storm damage that require immediate attention. You should ask about on-call expectations during the interview process so there are no surprises after arriving.
How To Find Maintenance Jobs for Workampers
Maintenance jobs for Workampers can be found in every state at a variety of businesses including private campgrounds, RV resorts, state parks, national parks, guest ranches, outdoor recreation facilities and seasonal attractions. They all depend on maintenance staff to keep their properties attractive, safe, and functional for guests.
Because so many employers need dependable maintenance workers, opportunities are available throughout the year on the Workamper.com Job Listings page. Most Workampers prefer to line up their travels months in advance so be sure to apply early if you want to be in a popular destination.
Join today as a Workamper Seeker or Pro to unlock access to all of the job listings and the search features. Then, when reviewing the job listings, search for terms such as maintenance, groundskeeper, facilities, handyman, property maintenance or park maintenance.
When applying for a maintenance position, remember to highlight specific hands-on experience rather than simply describing yourself as being handy. Explain the types of repairs you have completed, equipment you have operated and projects you have managed. Concrete examples help employers picture the value you can bring to their operation.
There’s a Maintenance Job Waiting For You!
Every campground depends on people who can keep things running smoothly, and dependable maintenance Workampers are always in demand.
Whether your experience comes from a career in the trades or years of maintaining your own home and property, those practical skills can open doors to rewarding Workamping opportunities.
If you’re looking for a hands-on role that lets you stay active while traveling, a maintenance position may be exactly what you’re looking for. The skills you’ve built over a lifetime can take you farther than you might think – they could be your ticket to a rewarding Workamping adventure.
Leave a Reply