Hello everyone! November has brought a noticeable change in the desert weather. With the daytime temperatures becoming bearable, you can feel the atmosphere in the neighborhood shifting.

More out-of-state license plates are appearing in the golf course parking lots, and people dragging their luggage can be seen in front of hotels. You know what? This is a sign that the winter peak season in the Coachella Valley has begun.

Today, I want to take a look at this peak season from the perspective of job opportunities. I've selected only the information that will be genuinely helpful for those considering seasonal work at hotels or golf courses.

First, let's address the question of when the peak season is. While the data varies slightly, it is generally considered that the busy period runs from fall to spring, with the highest demand typically between December and February.

In January, the PGA Tour event, the American Express, takes place at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club. This year, it was held from January 22 to 25.

In March, there's the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament, and in April, the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals follow. With events lined up one after another, there's a continuous need for staff.

As a result, resorts and golf courses in this area usually start their hiring events from late summer. In fact, PGA WEST held a job fair ahead of the busy season, and local broadcaster KESQ reported that they were hiring for positions in golf operations, hospitality, food and beverage, and retail.

La Quinta's Hideaway Golf Club also held a hiring event in September 2023, offering over 40 positions that included full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles. Although this was a few years ago, it provides a good example of the types of positions golf clubs typically hire for.

The hotel side is similar. This spring, a boutique hotel in Palm Springs posted seasonal part-time job openings, offering $16.90 per hour for server and bartender positions.

Remember that $16.90 figure. That's the minimum wage in California that will take effect on January 1, 2026. It has increased from last year's $16.50.

Additionally, California requires that employees who receive tips must still be paid the minimum wage. This means there's no system like in other states where the base hourly wage can be reduced under the pretext of tips.

This is actually a crucial point. For positions like restaurant servers or beverage cart attendants at golf courses, tips are added on top of the base wage, so during the busy season, the actual income can vary significantly.

So, what types of positions are available? At golf courses, typical roles include pro shop staff, cart attendants, starters, clubhouse greeters, and course maintenance personnel.

Hotels and resorts often have positions like front desk staff, housekeeping, poolside servers, banquet staff, and kitchen assistants, which involve direct interaction with guests. There are definitely positions available that don't require fluent English to start.

Before you start working, here are a few labor laws that are good to know. In California, if you work over 8 hours in a day, you receive 1.5 times your regular pay for the overtime hours.

If you work over 5 hours, you are entitled to a 30-minute meal break, and a paid 10-minute break for every 4 hours worked. If you skip these on a busy day, the employer is generally required to compensate you with additional pay.

During peak season, it's said that these rules can sometimes be overlooked. I hope this is one area that doesn't get ignored. Breaks are a worker's right.

This season, there's also a concerning piece of news. In February, NBC Palm Springs reported that local business owners felt there was a decline in Canadian snowbird visitors.

Even during peak season, there were reactions indicating it felt quieter than in previous years. So, rather than assuming there will definitely be a shortage of people this winter, it's more realistic to apply to multiple places at once.

However, there are also hopeful signs in the numbers. Local reports on Riverside County employment statistics indicated that leisure and hospitality were among the sectors expected to see job growth in figures from August 2025 and February 2026.

Now, let's move on to some practical tips. First, large resorts and golf courses often post job openings on their own hiring pages first. For example, at PGA WEST, you can view current openings directly on their career menu on the website.

Second, job fairs often lead to on-site interviews. Bring several copies of your resume and have your availability for weekends and holidays organized in advance to make the process smoother.

Third, even for seasonal positions, be sure to ask about the start and end dates, as well as the expected weekly hours. Some places may significantly reduce hours after spring.

Fourth, when you receive your first paycheck, check to ensure that your hourly rate, hours worked, and overtime are all accurately reflected. If there are issues, you can file a wage claim with the California Labor Board.

If it were me, I would focus on golf courses first. Starting early in the morning allows for more free time in the afternoon, and working in the desert's winter morning air is surprisingly appealing.

Of course, the right position varies for everyone. Those who enjoy conversation might prefer hotel front desk roles, while those who are comfortable with physical work might find course maintenance more suitable.

That's all for today. The peak season is short, but it brings many opportunities, so I hope you take action before it's too late.

Have you ever worked a seasonal job at a resort or golf course? If you have, please share what you enjoyed and what challenges you faced in the comments.