Pat and Sylvia were staying at a fairgrounds in Washington. They noticed that people were using the facilities but not paying. They approached management about being campground hosts. They received a full hookup site in exchange for taking care of the campground.

While they were there several paying opportunities came up. Groups rented the fairgrounds for events and they picked up several hundred dollars each at a dog show and a car rally. They also worked during the fair itself and have found similar opportunities at other fairs, earning between $2,000 and $3,000 a 10- to 14-day stint.

Another couple wanted to work at a dude ranch. The owner needed help but had never hired workampers with their own RV. They talked to him, he found a spot for their rig and gave them a try. It worked out so well they stayed the winter (in a cabin) and he has since hired more workampers.

Workampers with special skills may find an employer willing to create a different position to make use of these skills. Betty and Lin are photographers and during their volunteer position at a California state park updated the park’s slide collection and gave an evening program on how to take better vacation photos. Steve has incorporated his magic skills into programs on “Leave No Trace” camping. Computer and construction skills could also be useful to an employer.

How do you create these positions?

• If you see a need, approach the employer.
• If you have certain skills, ask if the employer needs this type of work done.

Remember to show the employer how this will benefit him. In the case of the fairgrounds, management would receive more income. The dude ranch would have reliable workers and perhaps free up other housing for additional workers.

What’s the worst that can happen? The employer will say no. However, offering your special knowledge and skills can be a win-win situation for you and the employer. The employer may say yes.