Live, Work & Travel in the USA
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The KNOM Radio Mission – Broadcasting to isolated Eskimo villages, volunteers have been critical to this station’s success. Only 15 per cent of applications are accepted but those successful will receive room and board, round trip air transportation, health insurance and a monthly cash stipend. Volunteers work in a variety of positions including DJ, producing feature interviews and documentary programmes, news reporters and producers.
Coolworks – They claim to link to 70,000 jobs in great places. We haven’t counted but they certainly do provide excellent coverage of working in America, including info for non US citizens. This is a very good place to find a job in a summer or ski resort, in national, state and amusement parks, on water, at camp, or as a volunteer.
Employment in the USA
Employers, Agencies & Placement Services
Alaska Tour Jobs – Offers spectacular land and sea experiences from Princess Cruises and Holland America Line. Along with cruise ship positions there are also jobs in wilderness lodges, luxury motor coaches and domed rail cars.
American Camp Association – A community of camp professionals who, for 100 years, have joined together to share their knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. An extensive number of vacancies are listed in their jobs section.
American Institute for Foreign Study – The major au pair in America programme. Represented in the UK by Au Pair in America.
American Work Experience – Apply to AWE or request an assessment of your potential and guidance on how to strengthen your application.
American Youth Foundation – Apply for summer camp jobs with two camps in New Hampshire and Michigan.
Americas Best Value Inn – A large number of hotels across America. No employment info is found but those with the appropriate visa and skills could use the hotel directory to find telephone numbers and email addresses.
AmericInn – Hotels in 22 states. Enquiries about employment should be directed to the individual hotels.
Aspen Snowmass – Operates four ski areas around Aspen. Helpful visa information is provided for potential applicants from abroad.
Aubergis Resorts – Hotels, and resorts in the western states of the US. Employment information no longer seems available.
Au Pair in America – Au Pair in America offer young people a chance to spend a year in the USA and enjoy exciting cultural experiences while working as a nanny.
Awosting and Chinqueka Camps – A boys camp and a girls camp in Connecticut. Online application form provided.
Big Bear Mountain Resorts – Summer and winter jobs in California.
Budget Host – Many hotels across the US. There is a jobs page for finding work with their affiliates but it has been blank on each occasion we have looked.
BUNAC – Work available as a counsellor or behind the scenes on the KAMP programme. KAMP, open to students only, supplies maintenance, security and clerical staff to American summer camps.
Camp America – Part of the American Institute for Foreign Study, Camp America has been recruiting camp counsellors for 30 years and currently sends more than 8,000 to work at camp each year.
Camp Ballibay for the Fine and Performing Arts – Non competitive fine and performing arts activities in a traditional camping environment. Swimming and tennis instructors wanted as well as artistic types.
Camp Barney Medintz – Jewish camp in Georgia.
Camp Counselors USA – Place counsellors from over 30 countries.
Camp Cedar – Camp in Maine.
Camp Lohikan – A summer camp for boys and girls aged 6 to 15, located in the northeast Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.camps. A job link is available but don’t bother with the site if you hate downloading plug ins and are impatient with slow loading sites.
Camp Modin – New England Jewish camp that has been recruiting counsellors for over 75 years.
Camp Nashoba North – Nashoba North offers crystal clear water for swimming, sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, canoeing and fishing.
Camp Thunderbird – Two independent camps (one boy, one girl), family-owned and operated since 1946, nestled on 700 acres in the wild and wonderful lakes and woods country of northern Minnesota. Excellent information available to camp counsellors.
Cedar Point – American amusement park recruits 3,700 staff every summer. Most jobs are live-in and the site includes an application form.
Childcare International Ltd – Au pair jobs.
CLM Services Corporation – Operates outdoor recreation facilities and related hospitality services in California, Oregon, Washington State and Nevada. A list of current positions is provided, mostly for camp hosts.
CIEE – Work and travel in the USA.
Deer Valley Resort – Jobs in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, 36 miles east of Salt Lake City.
Denali Mountain Morning Hostel and Cabins – Jobs available in a rustic backpacker’s hostel and private cabin rentals in the mountains near Denali National Park, Alaska. The season runs from mid May to mid September.
Devils Farm Ranch Resort & Spa – Winter jobs at this hotel in Colorado include Nordic ski instructors, snow removers and catering staff.
Disneyland – The biggest and most well known park in the world.
Dollywood – Originally Silver Dollar City, this theme park has seen attendance figures rise 75% since Dolly Parton took over in 1986.
EF – Au pair programme in the USA.
Expert AuPair – A federally designated US au pair agency, providing cultural exchange programs for international students and families in the US They match international students between the ages of 18 and 26 with host families in the United States who need childcare. International au pairs work legally for host families, providing up to 45 hours of childcare per week, in return for a weekly salary, educational support, and free room and board for one year.
Fado Irish Pub and Restaurant – Irish pub chain with bars in Las Vegas, Dallas, Denver, Atlanta and a few other American cities. Online application is available.
Grand Teton Lodge Company – Summer jobs from mid May to mid October in Wyoming.
Green Tortoise – North American adventure bus company employs drivers and campus ambassadors.
Harmel’s Ranch Resort – Employment available from May to September 8000ft up in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. They hire college aged staff from across the States and some from overseas.
Harrah’s – Hotel group specialising in casino hotels in Vegas and Atlantic City. There is a link to careers information.
Hidden Valley Camp – Located in Maine.
The Home Ranch – American guest ranch recruits wranglers, guides, and service staff for June to mid October. Preference given to those willing to work for the entire season. Winter positions are also available with applications taken from September.A note from The Home Ranch: “Unfortunately, due to the small nature of our business, we do not currently have the resources to accept international travelers. I would hate for anyone to contact us expecting to be able to work for us.”
Iroquois Springs Camp – Iroquois Springs is a safe, fun filled environment for children looking to experience the magic camp has to offer and create positive memories that will shape each child’s future since 1931. Application form available.
Kildares – Chain of Irish pubs. Short employment information available.
KOA Workamper – Work options for RVers at KOA Kampgrounds across the states.
Lake Greeley Camp – A slow loading site, weighed down with Java. The camp itself is a private coed overnight summer camp, located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, with 375 vacancies each year.
Loon Mountain – Applications for the winter jobs offered by this New Hampshire resort begin in August.
Mount Herman Association – Christ-centered camps, conferences and concerts for every member of the family.
NaniNet – Resources available via this US organization include nanny positions wanted board, calculation of taxes and a search of their databases.
Northstar at Tahoe – Openings available all year at this American summer and ski resort.
Northstar California – Openings all year at this American summer and ski resort.
Olympic National Parks – Jobs are available in a number of resorts within national parks on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
Park City Mountain Resort – American resort.
Prime Health Care Staffing – Offers recruiting services and job listings for employers and employees in physical therapy and related fields.
Road’s End Farm Horsemanship Camp – Riding instructors.
Rocky Mountain Recreation – Seasonal work in campgrounds.
Sioux YMCA – Volunteers live in rural Native American communities and run local YMCA Youth Centers.
Six Flags – Six Flags run several theme parks across America and accept job applications from international students at many of their centres. Good English skills are necessary as all of the positions (ride operations, games and attractions, landscaping, food services, ticket selling, safari guides and guest relations) require dealing with guests.
Ski Heavenly – An American ski company, part of Vail Resorts, with year round jobs in Lake Tahoe.
Smugglers’ Notch – A family resort in Vermont. Plenty of positions were listed in their employment page when we last looked.
Steamboat Springs – Resort employment opportunities plus winter jobs.
Sundance Trail Guest Ranch – Hard work available in the summer and winter seasons in the Colorado Rockies. Positions include wranglers, wait staff and cooks.
Supercamp – Is it a bird or a plane? Comprehensive employee guidelines are available.
Thousand Trails – Operate RV camping and outdoor preserves in 22 American states and in British Columbia, Canada. A link to jobs can be found via the site on Monster.
Timber Lake Summer Camps – Hiring camp counsellors and other summer camp staff to work at Timber Lake, Tyler Hill, Timber Lake West, and North Shore Day Camp this summer.
USA Summer Camp – USA Summer Camp want to take you over to a US summer camp for a summer of sun, fun, kids and camp.
Vagabond Inn – Hotels in the US. Job applicants must register to access the careers page.
Vail Resorts – Own and operate four Colorado ski resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone.
Valleyfair – Amusement park in mid west USA with 1,500 positions available. Application form available to download.
Vista Verde – An all-Inclusive resort ranch experience in Colorado. Both summer and winter jobs available each year.
Wilderness Experiences Unlimited – Summer camp, scuba lessons, kayaking and rock climbing.
Windsor Mountain International – International Summer Camp in Windsor, New Hampshire. The Crossroads Student Travel Programs will send students across the US and Abroad for cross-cultural exchanges, community service, language immersion, wilderness adventure, and travelling theatre programs. Formally known as Interlocken.
Wyndham Worldwide – A hotel group with many different brands. There is a job search on the website.
Xanterra Parks & Resorts – America’s largest operator of park based hotels, restaurants and stores. Plenty of employment information is provided.
YMCA Camp Hanes – North Carolina camp.
The YMCA of San Diego County – Links to worldwide YMCA camps and organizations.
Employment Resources for Finding Work in the USA
Advice & Useful Sites for Finding Work
Camp Channel – A directory of camps, a nicely filled job board and free resume posting service.
CampJob.com – A summer camp job finder for the New England area.
Casino Careers – News, jobs and a resume posting service for those interested in gaming employment in Vegas.
Coolworks – They claim to link to 70,000 jobs in great places. We haven’t counted but they certainly do provide excellent coverage of working in America, including info for non US citizens. This is a very good place to find a job in a summer or ski resort, in national, state and amusement parks, on water, at camp, or as a volunteer.
eNanny Source – This site is very much aimed at American families, who create an account and post their requirements, but there is a job search for nannies once they have given their own personal details.
The Guam Guide – A guide to the dependent territory in the Pacific, including information on working there.
IAAPA – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. There are a few jobs, mostly management and all in the USA, listed on their jobs page.
Job-Applications.com – Download an online job application from one of the nation’s top employers.
J1 Abroad – An agency that provides a staff recruiting service for the summer Work Travel programme, helping agencies from Europe and South America to find a job in the US for their Work and Travel students.
Las Vegas Jobs – Employment details and news.
MySummerCamps.com – Extensive information on summer camps, summer staffing opportunities and seasonal facility rentals.
NaniNet – Resources available via this US organization include nanny positions wanted board, calculation of taxes and a search of their databases.
Neptune Group – Owns and manages numerous properties in Fort Lauderdale for maritime students. Crewing jobs out of US ports are listed via www.neptunecrew.com.
Nurse Recruiter – An online job board for RNs and sister site to Ultimate Nurse Forum.
OutdoorIndustryJobs.com – Enables job seekers to connect with employers from the outdoor, bicycle, winter and snow sports, action sports, fishing and hunting industries. Registration required.
Oxford Seminars – Hold TESOL and TEFL Certification courses in over 130 locations throughout the US and Canada.
Rainbow Reef – Dive instructor development centre in the Florida Keys. Internships available.
SkiCentral – American ski news, features and employment links.
SnagAJob.com – Part time jobs and summer jobs for students and teens. A good looking site with many well known employers using the service.
Ultimate Nurse Forum – Nurses give each other career advice in this community that also links to a related nursing jobs site.
Vivian – Vivian lists a large selection of travel nursing jobs.
Your RV Lifestyle – Jose and Jill moved from a two story townhouse complete with two car garage into a 40 foot long motorhome, beginning their new RV lifestyle. They’ve helpfully put an RV jobs board on the site to aid those looking to do the same. Most jobs listed are in the US but one or two are across the border in Canada.
Gap Year & Voluntary Work in the USA
Unpaid Positions & Adventure
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge – The refuge’s 4.9 million acres include the spectacular volcanic islands of the Aleutian chain, the seabird cliffs of the remote Pribilofs, and icebound lands washed by the Chukchi Sea, providing essential habitat for some 40 million seabirds, representing more than 30 species. There’s plenty of outdoorsy volunteer work on offer. Also seasonal employment.
Alutiiq Museum – Preserving the historic cultural traditions of the Alutiiq people is what this Alaskan museum gets up to. Among other things, volunteers greet visitors and give tours, monitor archaeology sites, work on a dig or as a laboratory technician.
American Bear Association – Most tasks involve manual labour so volunteers should be physically fit and available for a week or longer between May and September.
American Land and Leisure – Maintains camp grounds on federal lands. Check out the employment page for a list of camp grounds and current job openings.
Americorps – Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups. Full time members who complete their service earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award towards college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans; members who serve part time receive a partial Award. Some AmeriCorps members may also receive a modest living allowance during their term of service.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy – Trail crews spend a week or more in the backwoods helping to maintain the 2,000 plus miles of the Appalachian Trail stretching from Georgia to Maine.
ATTRA – Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) is the US national sustainable farming information center operated by the private nonprofit National Center for Appropriate Technology. Why is this of interest to us? Because they have a huge list of internships on alternative farms and small holdings.
Avalon Travel Publishing – Publish numerous guidebook titles under a number of brands, including Moon Handbooks and Rick Steves. Internships are available in several departments.
Bethesda Lutheran Communities – Community work and paid employment.
Bronx Zoo – The Bronx Zoo offers two volunteer programmes: helping out the Education Department by leading schoolchildren and other groups on guided tours or as a volunteer ambassador working with the Guest Relations Department. Part of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
The Camphill School – Residential volunteers and interns from diverse backgrounds come from around the globe to live, work, and learn alongside Camphill School staff members, called coworkers, and children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Central Park Zoo – Volunteers act as wildlife guides delivering exhibit talks, staffing information tables, offering administrative support, leading tours, reading to children during story time activities, and participating in a variety of events. Part of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Chegg Internships – Internships across America.
Citizen Corps – FEMA’s grassroots strategy to bring together government and community leaders to involve citizens in all hazards emergency preparedness and resilience. Americans are asked to get training in first aid and emergency skills; and to volunteer to support local emergency responders, disaster relief, and community safety.
Colorado Trail Foundation – Stretching 500 miles through the Rocky Mountains from Denver to Durango, the Colorado Trail is maintained by trail crew volunteers who enjoy the outdoors and the social atmosphere around camp. A small one off fee is required to join a week long trail crew. Additional weeks are free.
Days End Farm Horse Rescue – Volunteer work and an internship programme in Maryland.
Diveheart – Diveheart works to build confidence, independence and self esteem in children, adults and veterans of all abilities through scuba diving, scuba therapy and related activities. Volunteers, both in and out of the water, are welcomed.
English Speaking Union – The ESU operate Capitol Hill Scholarships, allowing undergraduates to undertake placements in the offices of members of the US Congress. Past interns have worked for Teddy Kennedy and on the President’s re-election campaign.
The Fairbanks International Hostel – May have a work exchange programme for wannabe housekeeping staff looking to reduce their expenses in Alaska.
Farm Sanctuary Internships – Internships are available year round in the New York and California sanctuaries. Interns must commit for three months and are required to be vegan while on the sanctuary premises. Accommodation is provided but interns are responsible for buying and preparing their own food.
Friends of Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuges – Return a PDF volunteer application or fill in an online application form.
Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad – Another Colorado trail, this one runs on rails and steam. Various programmes are available including keeping the rolling stock in good order and working on the trains.
Grand Canyon International Hostel – Invite travellers to stop a while in the mountains and live rent free for two to three hours of housekeeping duties per day, five days a week. Other perks include free breakfast and tours. Two blocks away the related DuBeau Hostel offers the same deal.
Green Tortoise Hostel – This Seattle hostel is reported to be open to accepting help with the cleaning.
Habitat for Horses – An equine protection organisation whose main facilities are in Texas but we have foster homes and adopted horses throughout the United States. Volunteers, aged over 12, help with all the physical labour needed to keep a ranch running from grooming horses to the administrative details.
Happy Vagabonds – RV camping, campgrounds and work camping jobs.
Hostel Cat – A Las Vegas film location for The Hangover. There isn’t any information on their site but we have seen them posting a (very) brief ad for free stay staff.
Hostel in the Forest – Occasionally has need for some extra help at the hostel and are willing to trade a few nights in Georgia for a dedicated hard working individual should they have a project in need of extra hands.
Hotel Hotel – Takes on help willing to work for their stay in Seattle.
House Sitters America – A house sitting website helping house sitters find free accommodation throughout the US.
The Humane Society of the United States – The USA’s largest animal protection organisation. Internships and jobs are listed on the website.
International Travelers House – Encourages travellers from all over the world to apply for their volunteer programme in San Diego. A standard day for live-in volunteer staff could range from checking in new travellers, keeping the house clean and tidy for the guests, or helping out with social activities. In return volunteers get free accommodation, meals, parties and trips.
International Wolf Centre – Advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future. Office volunteer work is available in Minnesota.
Keep A Breast – A breast cancer awareness organisation. Volunteers can help out with the travelling education booth, or in the San Diego or Los Angeles offices.
Kids Creative – Seeks musicians, actors, artists, dancers and video specialists with teaching experience to help children create original musicals in schools across Manhattan, New York.
The KNOM Radio Mission – Broadcasting to isolated Eskimo villages, volunteers have been critical to this station’s success. Only 15 per cent of applications are accepted but those successful will receive room and board, round trip air transportation, health insurance and a monthly cash stipend. Volunteers work in a variety of positions including DJ, producing feature interviews and documentary programmes, news reporters and producers.
Koke’e Resource Conservation Program – Participate in weed control projects in native Hawaiian forests. Volunteers work four days each week and have three days off and in exchange are given seven nights of bunk house accommodation.
Musical Theater Kids – Lists the volunteer requirements of performing arts and community theatre organisations such as the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC and the Prescott Fine Arts Association in Arizona. Roles vary from singing and dancing to ushering, gardening and maintenance.
Natural Resources Conservation Service – Conservation volunteer work.
New Paltz Hostel – Has a work exchange programme in New York.
New York Aquarium – Aquarium volunteers help staff exhibits; assist keepers with animal care, training, and exhibit maintenance; teach visitors about marine conservation; or work at events and education programmes. Part of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Pacific Whale Foundation – Voluteer work in Hawaii. Also research internships.
Passport in Time – As part of this archaeology programme of the US Forest Service, volunteers have, over the years, helped stabilise ancient cliff dwellings in New Mexico and excavated a 10,000 year old village site in Minnesota. Depending on the project, volunteers either pay for their own food and accommodation or contribute a small fee to the camp cook.
Pineapple Park – Work exchange opportunities are available at all three of the Pineapple Park properties on Hawaii’s Big Island. The deal is four hours of work per day in exchange for bed space with shared bathroom facilities.
Pink Hostels – In exchange for 32 hours a week of work in a variety of tasks, ranging from front desk duty, to housekeeping, you’ll receive free accommodation in New York as part of their work exchange programme. They expect a three month commitment and prefer to accept participants who are students of the hospitality industry or long term travellers.
Prospect Park Zoo – Offers three ways to volunteer: as a discovery center volunteer, a discovery guide or as an education docent. Part of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Queens Zoo – Volunteers at the Queens Zoo work with the Education Department. As a member of the team, you’ll teach schoolchildren and other visitors about animals by leading guided tours, assisting with special programmes and events, speaking at narrated feedings, and helping with arts and crafts activities.
Resource Center for Nonviolence – Since 1976, volunteers from both the community in Santa Cruz, California, and around the world have contributed their time and expertise to sustain Resource Center facilities and programmes.
Rocking Horse Rehab – A New Jersey pediatric rehabilitation and family wellness centre specialising in equine assisted therapies along with alternative and traditional therapeutic programmes. They clearly intend to work with volunteers but at the time of writing the volunteer page on the website says ‘coming soon’.
Seattle International Beerfest – Earn beer money, literally. The festival is made possible by beer loving volunteers. One shift gets you ten free beer tickets, a t-shirt and a glass, three shifts equates to 43 beers. Cheers. The festival, along with another held in Portland, is in July.
Sitka International Hostel – Alaskan hostel opened in 2010 in a historic building previously used as an infirmary, a college and a bachelor officers’ quarters for the US Coast Guard. We have seen them taking applications for ‘houseparent’ volunteers to welcome their guests and do some light housekeeping. On site accommodation and a stipend of $150 dollars per month for the local supermarket is provided in return.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Several volunteer programmes and internships.
The Student Conservation Association – Every day SCA unites young people with hands-on environmental challenges across the United States. They also employ field leaders, aged 21+, to lead youth or young adults in SCA conservation crews and projects.
Sundance Institute – Utah’s world famous film festival relies on the generosity and dedication of thousands of volunteers year round, and seeks volunteers locally, nationally, and internationally, who share a commitment to supporting independent film and theatre.
Transfercar – Transfer cars and RVs across the United States.
USDA Forest Service – The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of public lands in national forests and grasslands. Volunteer work and paid employment available.
US Fish and Wildlife Service – Volunteer opportunities with the USFWS may be found at more than 500 refuges and hatcheries throughout the United States.
US Geological Survey – A science organisation that focuses on biology, geography, geology. Explore the website for information on student jobs, volunteer work and internships.
Venice Beach Hostel – Paid jobs might be available to those that are eligible (ie those with a J-1 visa) but first get your foot in the door at the Venice Beach Hostel by working for meals and a place to sleep.
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado – Volunteers combat invasive weeds, build urban trails, repair park facilities and plant trees.
Wanderlust Hostel – Appeals to the outdoorsy type and those trading their time and skills in Gunnison, Colorado, will be able to go skiing or hiking in the mountains in their free time.
Washington State Parks – Volunteers serve as camp hosts, assist in visitor centres and answer questions from the public; maintain and restore trails; give museum tours and interpret history; and provide routine maintenance such as mowing lawns. Paid temporary jobs are also available.
Wilderness Volunteers – Promotes volunteer service to America’s wild lands.
Wildlife Safari – A non profit zoological park in Oregan dedicated to conservation, education and research. Wildlife Safari Volunteer Teams perform various functions around the park including tour guide and animal watch. There are also internships devoted to certain departments: cheetah, carnivore, ungulate and elephant.
WorkampingJobs.com – RVers offer their labour as a camp host maintaining a recreational facility in exchange for a free camping site plus wages.
WWOOF USA – Volunteer to work on organic farms across the USA.
* Free or Cheap Volunteering *Your family might prefer if you go with a placement agency, but volunteering in the USA can be cheaper when travelling independently. Visit our Free or Cheap Volunteer Work Abroad pages to find NGOs and grassroots organisations. |
Living in the USA
Real Estate and Resources for Staying Long Term
HomeGain – Find a home across America.
Mahoosuc Realty – Ski resort homes for sale.
New York Bits – NY Bits will help you find the perfect New York City apartment in the perfect NYC neighbourhood.
Travelling in the USA
Accommodation & Getting Around
Free Campsites – Places to camp in the US for nothing.
Other Useful American Websites
Culture, News…
Coachella – Music festival.
Embassy of the United States, London
Search University – Online universities directory by state, name and specialisation.
Seattle Languages International – Offers classes and private lessons. Learn Italian, Spanish, French, Russian, German, Japanese, Greek, Mandarin, Romanian, Vietnamese and Arabic in Seattle with language programs for adults, children and corporations.
Index image courtesy of Ronile