Are Canadians permitted to work in the U.S.?

The answer is yes - IF they have a green card. A green card is not easy to get so, more often than not, the answer is no.

Canadians Ken and Karen, responding to a post on one of the forums, sent this comment:

Please let the Canadian couple who were asking about working/ volunteering in the U.S. know that they can't work in the USA, and that even volunteering (working for a site) is considered by Immigration as working and more importantly taking away a job from an American. This is especially true if someone calls them and complains. They (Immigration) are obligated to respond. We have considered doing this years ago and have been told by two different couples that they knew of this happening. It is fine until someone calls Immigration. The result is that the one couple who were caught were escorted to the border and banned for life from ever returning back into the U.S. Needless to say our winters are too cold to spend in Canada so we declined the offer to volunteer for a free site.

I have heard of Canadians doing an exchange in the U.S. for their site but had not heard that this was considered working. I have asked a friend who works for the National Park Service if the same applies to volunteering for a government agency. I have not heard back but will report on her answer when I do. In the meantime, Canadians, be cautious. You probably don't want to jeopardize your ability to enter the U.S. Thanks, Ken and Karen, for this information. Jaimie

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com.

Baseball fan? Work spring training

Sportservice, the concessionaire for Scottsdale Stadium, is accepting applications for a variety of positions for spring training. Sportservice is a Delaware North Company, which is also the concessionaire at some national parks.

Working during spring training could give you an edge if you wanted to work for them in one of the national park operations.

Working now would be part time for a limited time and just might fit into your winter travel plans. If you are a baseball fan, you might get autographs for grandkids and get to be part of the excitement of baseball. Jaimie

Finding the fountain of youth

St Augustine is the nation's oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin in North America in the United States. Florida was first sighted by Ponce de Leon. After his death, it was said he had been in search of the Fountain of Youth.

St. Augustine is definitely steeped in history. We stopped for a short visit on our way back from visiting George's brother and sister-in-law near Jacksonville on our way to Tampa.

Our first stop was the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, for many years the northernmost outpost of Spain's New World empire. We followed the walking tour around the fort. A large crew repairing the walls reminded me that the National Park Service hires seasonal workers. Undoubtedly, some of these workers were on just for the project. A costumed interpretive ranger could also have been a seasonal worker. You can find openings at USAJOBS.OPM.gov.

In town, walking in the old section, we saw a help wanted sign in a jewelry store window. Retail establishments in tourist towns often need help during busy seasons.

Since there are many tourist places and tours in St. Augustine, those are also potential employers. The Red Train tour and a trolley company had trams continuously running, dropping people off at various stops. The Fountain of Youth is a major tourist attraction, boasting it has the famous spring.

Any tourist area has potential for finding seasonal jobs. Come early in the season and you might find openings. Or, get a list of attractions and seasonal businesses from the chamber of commerce of the tourist board and begin contacting employers to see if they are hiring. You can not only experience the history of this oldest town by being part of it, you may even find the fountain of youth! Jaimie

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com.

Tampa, FL opportunities

As usual I picked up a free employment newsletter in Tampa before we headed to the airport. There is nearly always a short-term opportunity in these papers. Some don't say they are looking for seasonal help, but because of the area and the nature of the business, they could be delighted to hire you for a month or two. Two ads specifically say "ideal for retirees."

• Two ads are for inventory specialists. Training is paid.
• A temporary agency that supplies drivers is looking for CDL A & B drivers FT, PT and temp to hire.
• Another PT job is delivering free publications. A truck or van is required but no CDL.

Don't limit yourselves to working only in RV parks. That is a good fit for RVers but for short-term jobs, there are many other possibilities. Wherever you are there are often jobs if you will look. Jaimie

Two-day money-making gig

We are visiting George's brother and sister-in-law after the job fair. I picked up a copy of JobNews, a free employment newsletter in the Jacksonville, FL area. A flower shop is accepting applications for contract drivers to deliver flowers on February 13 and 14. You use your own car and earn $7 per delivery.

In the past around Valentine's Day, I have not only seen ads for drivers but also for additional help in the flower shop, preparing flower arrangements or handling phone and counter sales. Keep your eyes open for these opportunities and pick up a few extra dollars. Jaimie

For more information on finding short-term jobs, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, available at RVBookstore.com.

Lakeland Workamper job fair a success!

In spite of a closure on I-4 the day before the job fair which closed I-4 coming from Orlando for two days, we had a good turnout and a successful job fair. A variety of employers gave out information and interviewed Workampers. Six seminars each day gave basic and advanced information on Workamping, the RV lifestyle, writing your Workamper resume and using the online Workamper tools. In addition to me, Alice Zyetz, Phyllis Frey and Jodi Anderson presented seminars. Alice, Phyllis and I also offered individual resume sessions. Attendees and employers all had very positive feedback.

We will be repeating the job fair in Mesa, AZ on January 29 and 30 at the Mesa Convention Center. Boondocking on the parking lot is available for a modest fee and a number of campgrounds are within a 15-30 minute drive. See Job Fairs at Workamper.com under Job Seekers.

If you are in Arizona, hope to see you there! Jaimie

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.

Now that's entertainment!

Do names like the Smother's Brothers, The Lettermen, The Ink Spots, Patti Page or Tanya Tucker get you to humming familiar songs? RV resorts in Phoenix are finding that booking these entertainers from the 50s and 60s is drawing the crowds.

Today's Arizona Republic has The Smothers Brothers on the front page - of the business section - in an article explaining how RV resorts in Phoenix, as well as other cities, are turning to older stars who are familiar to their clientele and are drawing huge crowds. RV resorts are also finding this a great way to make money.

Activity directors at RV parks are responsible for lining up activities that appeal to their residents. Parks that have long-term visitors rather than mostly overnight visitors usually offer activities.This is a specialized way workers on the RV road can find paying jobs.

Some RV parks are family parks and cater to children so kids' activities are prime. Games, hayrides, crafts and movies are popular. The over-50 resorts are drawn to very different activities. In the Phoenix area, many resorts have daily offerings that include hiking trips, trips to the opera, symphony, and concerts plus classes on all types of subjects in the park. Karoke is very popular for adults. Neetsy brings her costumes and equipment when she works and has a ball! (see photos)

Keep in mind that you will probably have odd hours including night time. You can easily work for more hours than you are paid. If this sounds like fun, look for an activity director job with the age group that appeals to you. Bring out that inner entertainer and have fun! Jaimie

for more information on finding activity director jobs and other jobs in RV parks and resorts, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, available at RVBookstore.com.

Very short term jobs- work at events

A free employment newspaper ad reminded me that there are opportunities to work very short term. We mentioned working the Super Bowl earlier (see my post). However, there are all sorts of other games, concerts and festivals needing temporary help for their event.

One company that specializes in hiring event staff mentions positions as

• valets
• ushers
• ticket takers
• parking
• traffic control
• money takers
• licensed security

You can pick the events you want to work at. In some cases, it would be like a free admission. Temporary agencies, classified ads in local newspapers and free employment newspapers are all sources. And, if you know of an event you'd like to work at, contact them to find out how they hire.

NASCAR events are another possibility, working one event or following the circuit. You can see Workamper.com for more information and find ads in their publication. Jaimie

For more information on finding short-term jobs, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, available at RVBookstore.com.

HIdden camera in RV park restroom - what would you do?

A wireless hidden camera was discovered by a camper in the men's restroom at the Santa Fe Skies RV Park in Santa Fe, NM. The father called deputy sheriffs and the news. You can read the article and watch the KOB interview (at least for a few days). The owner had installed the camera, which was pointed at the supply cabinets under the sinks, because of problems with vandalism and theft of the supplies. After the deputies investigated, the owner removed the camera.

If you were Workamping here, how would you handle questions from other campers - both at the time and in the future?

1. First, refer any calls from the press to the owner. Do not comment.
2. Assure campers that the camera was immediately removed and that existing footage was erased/destroyed. (I'm assuming that was the case, but verify it before telling campers that.)
3. If anyone does raise a fuss, call the owner or manager to deal with it.

Should you continue to work here? Some workers on the RV road have left an employer when they felt uncomfortable with their business practices. While a hidden camera woudl qualify, in this case the owner did quickly remedy the situation. Most Workampers would weigh the entire situation before making a decision.

What do you think you would do? Jaimie

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.

Animal lovers provide help

For workers on the RV road who can afford to volunteer at least part of the time and who love animals, a number of animal sanctuaries would love your help for even short periods of time. A recent article focused on volunteering at a big cat sanctuary, Keepers of the Wild, in Valentine, AZ but mentioned many other opportunities as well. Some are overseas and cost money, however many U.S. sanctuaries do need help.

Another sanctuary mentioned is Best Friends in Kanab, UT. Besides helping out with pet chores and giving the animals attention, they also need animal transporters and virtual volunteers.

Candy Kitchen, a wolf rescue operation in New Mexico, is one I have visited. Their animals range from small to large percentage of wolf. Volunteers receive training in the feeding and care of those with wolf characteristics as their behavior and food is different than dogs.

Not all sanctuaries or rescue operations have spots for RVs so clarify that before making a commitment. Desert Haven in New Mexico does seek volunteers for longer time periods and has RV camping. (see photos)

Check the Association of Sanctuaries for accredited wild animal sanctuaries and their contact information. For dog and cat rescue work, nearly any humane society would welcome your help if you are in the area. A search should turn up many rescue operations that could use your help.

We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals. Immanuel Kant, German philosopher

For information many types of volunteering as well as paid positions, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, at RVBookstore.com.