7 Perfect Part-Time Jobs for Snowbirds

3. Seasonal tax preparer and tax associate

Median wage: $27.96  per hour

Find tax preparation jobs

H&R Block and other tax preparation companies hire both new and experienced seasonal tax professionals to work during tax season (January-April). Some of these jobs may even offer the chance to work from home.

Seasonal tax associates conduct tax interviews with customers, provide clients with IRS support, prepare complete and accurate tax returns, among other responsibilities. You must be prepared stay up to date on the latest tax codes and regulations and provide expert advice to clients.

Qualifications: For those who are new to tax preparation, H&R Block offers an online, self-paced income tax course for a nominal fee. The course can be taken either online or in-person and students learn the knowledge and skills required to professionally prepare taxes. You might also consider the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. Tax-Aide positions are volunteer roles, but the training and experience you acquire could help you find a paid position down the road.

These positions typically require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Effective oral, written and interpersonal skills are essential, but no previous experience is necessary.

4. Dog walker or pet sitter

Median wage: $15 per hour

Find animal care jobs

If you love pets, consider working as a pet sitter or dog walker in your winter snowbird community. Sites like Care.com and Rover.com list opportunities for pet sitters and dog walkers. On Care.com, you can check for jobs starting right now, within a week, or in one to two months. While some jobs are a one-time only gig, others are ongoing part-time opportunities.

Qualifications: Pet sitters may watch pets overnight, during the day, or while their owner is on vacation. You’ll be expected to provide pets with food and water, sometimes administer medication and exercise pets regularly. These roles usually require high school diploma and previous pet care experience.

5. Hospitality worker in a National Park

Median wage: $16.55 per hour

Find park jobs

Here’s an opportunity to make money while working in some of the most scenic surroundings the nation has to offer. For example, within Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, a company named Delaware North operates 11 general stores that sell gifts, souvenirs, apparel, jewelry, outdoor supplies, books and groceries. Some of those stores also feature restaurants.

“Nearly a third of Delaware North’s team members at the Yellowstone General Stores are snowbirds – active people who are either retired or semi-retired,” says Kaye Ellen Ford, a talent acquisition manager for Delaware North. “They fill positions from cashiers to supervisors and even general managers and are very valuable team members with deep work-life experience. Many were teachers, first responders or worked in other professional fields.”

Ford says many snowbirds build great relationships with colleagues and even mentor younger team members, many of whom are international students. The snowbirds, who often call themselves work campers, can choose to live in their own RVs, in traditional employee housing or in residences just outside the park.

Qualifications: Seasonal employees should expect up to work 32-40 hours per week in some positions. Most roles do not require a college degree, but good personal skills are essential.

You can learn more about seasonal in national parks through Delaware North’s job board for seasonal positions.

6. Hospitality worker at baseball spring training

Median wage: $16.55 per hour

Find sports jobs

If you love baseball, consider working in a hospitality job during spring training. From February-March, Major League Baseball holds a series of practices and exhibition games, and they need seasonal workers to serve in concessions, restaurants, and retail.

Delaware North offers seasonal job opportunities in places such as Arizona and Florida in venues that host professional teams during the spring training season. These positions are similar to the Delaware North jobs offered in their national park locations and include roles in concessions and retail. The hiring process for spring training positions at Delaware North begins in early December for positions starting mid-February.

You can learn more about available positions by visiting Delaware North’s seasonal sports job page.  

Qualifications: For most of these jobs, a high school diploma or its equivalent is required, but previous related experience is not necessary. While you don't have to be a baseball fan, strong interpersonal skills could be a home run for getting hired.

7. Shuttle driver

Median wage: $16.94 per hour

Find shuttle driver jobs

Just like snowbirds, tourists also migrate to warm weather spots for winter vacations. To help these travelers get to their destinations safely and conveniently, many hotels, resorts and other venues offer shuttles, and these buses need drivers. If you know your way around the roads in your winter residence, this role might be a good fit for you.

Qualifications: Of course, you will need a driver’s license with a clean record. You also should have good social skills to interact with guests and answer questions. In some cases, you may be expected to assist guests with their luggage.