Legal Definitions - seasonal employment

Seasonal employment refers to a type of work that is available only during specific times of the year, typically influenced by natural seasons, holidays, or recurring events. These positions are not permanent year-round roles but are temporary and cyclical, aligning with periods of increased demand in certain industries.

Here are some examples to illustrate seasonal employment:

• Example 1: Agricultural Harvest Workers

  A vineyard in California hires a team of temporary workers every autumn to pick grapes during the harvest season. Once the grapes have been picked and processed, these workers' contracts conclude until the next harvest cycle.

  This illustrates seasonal employment because the work is directly dependent on the natural growing and harvesting season of the grapes, occurring only for a specific period each year.

• Example 2: Ski Resort Staff

  A ski resort in Colorado employs numerous individuals as ski instructors, lift operators, and lodge staff from late November through early April. When the snow melts and the ski season ends, most of these positions are no longer needed.

  This demonstrates seasonal employment as the demand for these roles is entirely tied to the winter season and the availability of snow for skiing, making the work temporary and recurring annually.

• Example 3: Holiday Retail Associates

  A major toy store chain hires extra sales associates and stockroom personnel starting in October and continuing through December to manage the increased customer traffic and sales volume during the holiday shopping season. These temporary employees are typically released from their duties in early January.

  This is an example of seasonal employment because the need for additional staff is driven by a specific annual event—the holiday shopping rush—and the employment period is limited to that particular time of year.