The Unseasoned Weekly: April 1
Community support outside the workplace, why I'm *not* coming for your outdoor seasonal staff, explore roles in human resource development.
- Words from the other side of outdoor seasonal work-
The Check In
Early last week, I wrote a letter to the editor of our local newspaper. My small, rural Idaho town is in conflict over a few small Pride flags displayed in the back of a public school classroom. The discourse is predictable, but what has surprised me is how many people - here, in a county that voted 76% for Trump in 2024 - have spoken up in support of their LGBTQ+ neighbors. It’s heartening, even amid the vitriol. I’ve slowly been helping build a LGBTQ+ community here in town and it’s not hyperbole to say it’s one of the more rewarding things I’ve done in my life.
Early in my post-outdoor seasonal career, I worked in the nonprofit sector. It was fulfilling in many ways, frustrating in others, and never quite as effective or efficient as I wanted it to be. While I admire my peers who continue in nonprofit work (and may even return myself someday), I realized that meaningful change in my community didn’t have to be tied to my paid labor. In fact, in some ways, separating “advocating for what I believe in” from my “doing my job” has allowed me to show up more fully for the causes I care about.
There’s no single right way to show up and anyone who tells you so is probably trying to sell you something. But in a winter that feels overwhelming - with so many people and places under attack - it’s worth remembering: You don’t need a social justice or conservation job to do meaningful work for people and the planet.
What you should seek:
If you work in nonprofits or a mission-driven role, seek out culture, compensation and benefits that help you avoid burnout.
If you work in a company or organization with a less clear mission, seek enough time and emotional capacity outside of work to engage in what matters to you.
How are you showing up for people and the planet - inside or outside of your workplace - during this second Trump administration? Reply or comment and let me know.
xx - Emerald
- Questions for Your Next Journal or Hike -
On Reflection
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- Dispatches from the Unseasoned Community -
Heard on Social
I get this question/concern somewhat frequently and I always remind outdoor seasonal employers: We’re on the same team!
A friend in my DMs replied: “This is why our guide staff is entirely piecemeal of professionals. It’s awesome and drives me nuts haha - scheduling is such a beast!”
We love an outdoor seasonal employer who gets it! Join us this week to learn with our community of over 4,000!
- Connecting you with outstanding candidates -
Meet an Unseasoned Career Support Services Client
Aranka Hoosein is an operations and event management professional passionate about creating seamless, engaging experiences. Operations is an industry where I always say: Hire someone with outdoor experience! If they - like Aranka - can manage events and experiences in dynamic outdoor environments, a conference center will be a breeze in comparison.
- Tips for your next application -
How I’d Apply
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is hiring a Human Resources Assistant in Helena, Montana (telework eligible).
While this is an entry-level role with entry-level salary, a human resource career can have significant growth potential. See the open jobs grab bag below for examples!
Unique Value Proposition (UVP):
The job listing requests experience “managing records and documents.” In your outdoor work, have you maintained trail maintenance logs or collected relevant client medical information? Just because it happened outdoors rather than in an office, doesn’t mean it doesn’t count!
Sample Resume Bullet Point (Wilderness Trails Lead):
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