Most workcampers seem satisfied with both their work and compensation. But, there are enough dissatisfied workers to suggest that some guidelines might be helpful. For example, a common complaint is being asked to do heavy labor that was not mentioned during the hiring process.If you’re planning on work camping here’s a crash course to help you evaluate employers, jobs and agreements.
Get the Facts
Debates on forums about ethics and employer or worker expectations make it clear how important it is to get all the facts before accepting a work camping job. This means:
- Ask the right questions
- Get clear, complete and specific answers
- Avoid misunderstandings
- Get your job description and work contract in writing before committing
Our personal experiences with work camping are a mix of good and bad. One otherwise perfect job was soured by an employer who micromanaged everything.
A job, advertised as “mowing and trimming” triggered a few red flags when we visited the park after getting a job offer over the phone. The visit gave us the opportunity to get into a relaxed conversation and to ask open-ended questions. The manager, boasting about expansion plans involving remodeling, gravel and cement work, may have revealed more than she realized.
After telling us that mowing wasn’t needed during weeks when there was no rain, she said, “but, we’ll find something for you to do.”
Those expansion plans suddenly loomed large as the undefined “something for you to do. This job looked more like a construction job in disguise. We declined.
What Should Workcampers Look For
A good employer respects his employees and won’t have to disguise the job details to attract the right work camper.
A good employee commits only to work he knows he can do. Take the initiative to learn what’s expected of you and make sure you can do any work you commit to. If you are unable to do heavy labor, or climb stairs make sure you find out if there is any lifting, hauling, chopping, climbing or heavy work you might be asked to do.
Avoid “creep”–the gradual addition of more responsibilities to your job description. This often starts by being helpful and doing favors that later become routine expectations. Written job descriptions set boundaries and are just good business.
If you are expected to run errands confirm that they provide the vehicle and insurance. Never use your own vehicle for their purposes unless it is in your contract and you have the proper insurance coverage.
If you have to work specific days clarify the total monthly hours required when there are five of those days in a month.
Are one or two people required to fill those hours? If two, can you work the same hours or does one cover when the other is off?
Avoid jobs where you can get trapped. If you get a free site and full hookup, even a small stipend can still leave you at the employer’s beck and call.
Work Camper Compensation
Most work campers are compensated with a full-site hookup, but make sure you know what is included. Electric can be high in some states. WiFi and cable may be optional. Weigh these against the hours and type of work involved.
Find out which site you will get. So often employers give their poorest sites to work campers, so make sure it is one you can live with.
Can you use the amenities, pool and recreation areas? The value of your site for the number of hours worked is likely to be less than minimum wage. Do you really want to work for an employer who won’t let you use the facilities where you live?
Will you be paid in cash for any part of your work? Get to know the IRS employer vs. contractor regulations concerning your working arrangements. Are you an employee or contractor? If you are a contractor you need to pay your income taxes quarterly to avoid penalties.
Prepare Your Questions Before Interviewing
Ask specific questions that can be answered with either “yes” or “no” or have specific answers that describe the scope and limits of the work you are expected to do.
- What are the specific duties?
- What other duties might come up?
- How many hours per day/week/month will I work?
- What is my compensation for my work?
- Hourly pay
- RV space? Which RV space will I have?
- What is included: Full hookup including electric; WiFi; Cable
- How do you handle times when I work more or fewer hours?
- If I can’t complete my commitment how will you handle reimbursement for the partial month worked?
- Will space rent for the remainder of the month be prorated at the monthly rate?
- Can I review a contract before I commit?
- Does the contract limit my duties to those listed?
- Does it contain any clause that might mean “and any other duties that need to be done?”
- What if the “other, unspecified, duties” are ones I cannot perform?
- Can I see the equipment I will have to work with? (Is it safe to use?)
- Will I be expected to do repairs or maintenance on the equipment?
- What happens if I am injured while working for you? What kind of insurance do you have?
- What if I get sick and need to take a day or two off?
Dealing with Sensitive Information
Employers are reasonable in wanting to know if a worker’s condition, treatment or medications will cause him a liability. Workers rightfully want to keep their personal lives and medical conditions confidential. To avoid disclosing confidential information, take responsibility for finding out if there will be any work you cannot do.
A simple solution to this dilemma is full disclosure of and adherence to the job requirements. This means both parties need to do their homework, and the employer may ask questions about medications that might interfere with performance or insurance coverage. Considering how many work campers are retirees, medications may be an issue.
If you can’t climb stairs, lift weights, bend to pick things up, help people with their hookups or do work that might be expected in that specific park you need to be up-front about this or look elsewhere for work.
That said, let me tell you about one job that had all the perks you could imagine. Beautiful large full hookup space, big shaded grassy area, picnic bench, 28-hr work week total, pool, easy work, and plenty of time off to go do our own thing. Good jobs are out there. Now go find them.