Top winter season jobs: Cool careers for the cold months
As the weather turns cold and the snow starts falling, many people dread the arrival of winter. However, for those looking for seasonal work, the winter months provide plenty of opportunities. From snow removal to retail, tourism, and more, several industries ramp up hiring before and during the colder parts of the year. For those willing to brave the cold, winter can be an ideal time to find temporary or part-time work. This article will explore some of the top seasonal jobs available during the winter months.
Snow removal
One of the main winter work opportunities is in snow removal. When snow accumulates, businesses and homeowners need help clearing driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. There is high demand for snow removal services after big storms. Independent contractors with a truck or snowplow can market their services to community residents. Larger snow removal companies may hire temporary workers to join their teams during busy periods. The work requires physical strength and endurance, as shoveling snow and using snowblowers can be taxing. However, the pay is usually decent, and flexible shift work is available. With proper cold-weather gear, snow removal provides a way to make money during winter.
Retail and hospitality
Retail stores and hospitality businesses often need extra staffing during the holiday season. Many retailers add temporary workers to assist with increased customer volumes from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Sales associates provide customer service, stock shelves, work cash registers, and help with inventory and displays. Seasonal retail associates may have opportunities to stay on for permanent roles after the holidays. The restaurant and hotel industries also hire more staff in the winter to accommodate holiday parties and travelers. Servers, hosts, housekeepers, and other positions see a spike in demand around popular travel times like Christmas and New Year’s.
Ski resorts and winter tourism
Ski resorts rely heavily on a seasonal workforce to operate through winter. Areas with major resorts like Colorado, Utah, and Vermont have winter job opportunities. On-mountain roles like ski instructors, lift operators, and ski patrol provide ways to enjoy outdoor winter activities. Other ski resort jobs include housekeeping, maintenance, food service, child care/daycare, and shuttle drivers. The peak ski season starts in mid-December and runs through March/April. Resorts may provide communal staff housing. Off the slopes, winter tourism creates seasonal openings in restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, hotels, and transportation.
Winter driving jobs
For those willing to contend with potentially hazardous road conditions, winter driving jobs are available. Package and grocery delivery companies need more drivers to handle increased demand during the holidays. Seasonal driver helpers assist with heavy volumes of packages. Snowplow and deicing truck drivers have essential roles in keeping roadways clear and safe. Some cities use temp workers as snow removal equipment operators when they expect heavy snow. Taxi, Uber, and Lyft see an uptick in riders needing transportation in the cold. Bus companies add drivers to deal with disruptions and lateness during winter storms. Driving in tough winter weather requires focus and skill. But these in-demand jobs offer solid seasonal income.
Rather than hunkering down and hibernating for the winter, job seekers can explore seasonal work opportunities. Snow removal, retail, hospitality, tourism, and driving jobs need short-term workers to meet winter demand. With the right mindset, motivation, and cold-weather gear, there are ways to earn income even when it’s freezing outside.