In Episode 342, learn about opportunities with Idaho State Parks and Recreation

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The Workamper Show Podcast

Greg Gerber

100 episodes

5 days ago

Workampers are adventuresome individuals, couples and families who have chosen a wonderful lifestyle that combines ANY kind of part-time or full-time work with RV camping. If you work as an employee, operate a business, or donate your time as a volunteer, AND you sleep in an RV, you are a Workamper! The Workamper Show is a podcast about workamping and the people who enjoy the lifestyle, either full-time or seasonally. It will feature interviews with current and former Workampers, as well as people who hire them to perform a wide variety of jobs. We'll even feature interviews with experienced RVers. The goal of The Workamper Show is to show people that they don't need to be retired to enjoy the RV lifestyle. We'll offer tips on getting started quickly, and making the most of the journey. Opportunities abound all over North America to work full- or part-time jobs. Some people work sales, management or customer service positions at campgrounds, tourist sites, amusement parks, wineries, farms and other public and private companies. Many Workampers accept new jobs every three to six months, which is plenty of time to immerse themselves in the culture of the area they're visiting. It's an excellent opportunity to experience a part of the country that many tourists only zip through on the way to their next destination. Perhaps they'll spend the summer in New England, enjoy the winter in Arizona, and head to the mountains the next year before venturing to Florida. Buckle up, you're about to launch a memorable adventure you've been dreaming about for years. The good news is that The Workamper Show will help you achieve your goal faster and more affordably than you imagined.

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In Episode 342, learn about opportunities with Idaho State Parks and Recreation

The Workamper Show Podcast

50 minutes 41 seconds

3 months ago

In Episode 342, learn about opportunities with Idaho State Parks and Recreation

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending a summer surrounded by mountain vistas, pristine lakes, scenic trails and friendly people, then volunteering with Idaho’s State Parks may be the perfect opportunity for you. You will find out why today.

In this episode, we’ll explore the wide range of volunteer roles available throughout Idaho’s 30-plus state parks and recreation areas.

Those include jobs as traditional campground hosts and visitor center support staff as well as trail maintenance, educational programming and even building bridges on backcountry trails.

There are multiple opportunities for people with many different skills and interests.

Ken Mason, a Workamper volunteer with Idaho State Parks and Recreation.

Our guests today include Trish Hendrickson, the statewide volunteer coordinator for Idaho State Parks and Recreation, along with longtime volunteers Julie Rensink and Ken Mason.

Together, they describe the kinds of responsibilities volunteers take on, what it’s like to live and work in the parks, and why so many people return season after season.

You’ll hear stories about trail building with chainsaws, planning interpretive programs, supporting new campers, and even fishing at sunrise on a kayak.

Whether you're looking for an active role in maintenance or a welcoming position greeting guests, Idaho State Parks and Recreation likely has a place for you.

Idaho State Parks and Recreation truly depends on the dedication and energy of its volunteers.

Hosting between 380 and 400 volunteers each season, the agency offers positions across a diverse range of parks and landscapes. Those include quiet lakeside retreats to adventurous trail systems deep in the forest.

The standard expectation is just 20 hours of service per week in exchange for a full-hookup RV site. But, many volunteers choose to do more simply because they love the work and the community that comes with it.

Workamper Julie Rensink posing in front of a commercial jet engine.

For the agency, volunteers are far more than just helping hands. They bring decades of life experience and a heart for giving back.

According to Trish, volunteers are not only essential to daily operations, they also serve as mentors for younger staff, bring fresh ideas to the parks, and often help improve guest experiences in creative ways.

Whether it's helping a family learn how to build a campfire, maintaining trails for safe hiking and riding, or greeting guests with a warm smile and local tips, Workampers play a vital role in fulfilling the park system’s mission.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Idaho State Parks and Recreation, you can start by visiting the department’s website at www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.

From there, head to the volunteering section where you’ll find a simple application and contact information for Trish Hendrickson.

You’re also encouraged to follow up directly with the park where you'd like to serve. While applications are accepted year-round, applying earlier is always better, especially for high-demand locations.

To get a sense of current needs and see photos of active volunteers, check out the Idaho State Parks and Recreation Volunteers Facebook page as well.

So if you're looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer, enjoy the outdoors, and make a lasting contribution, consider joining Idaho’s community of dedicated state park volunteers. It might just become your favorite new adventure.

Bridge-building crew at Harriman State Park