Contents:
- Jobs that vary depending on the size of the campsite and its facilities
- Reception and management roles
- Maintenance and upkeep roles
- Entertainment and supervision roles
- Service and retail roles
- Security roles
- Jobs specific to certain campsites
- Seasonal jobs at campsites
Jobs that vary depending on the size of the campsite and its facilities
In smaller establishments, roles are often not strictly separated. The manager must be versatile and wear many hats: shopkeeper, manager, reception manager, and sometimes even a handyman to carry out minor repairs. The number of staff on the team can therefore be very small: a small 2-star campsite, for example, , may be run by a couple, with the help of one or two seasonal workers during the high season.
Conversely, larger establishments may employ several dozen, or even several hundred, people. Les Ormes, Domaine et Resort*****, in Ille-et-Vilaine, has 150 permanent staff and up to 350 people during the season. This vast tourist complex includes a campsite, holiday accommodation, several swimming pools, restaurants, a golf course and an equestrian centre.
However, the size of the campsite is not the only factor. The services and facilities on offer also influence the composition of the teams. An establishment with a restaurant, a water park, a wellness centre, sports activities or a mini-farm may need professionals specialising in these different areas.
Hospitality and management roles
Running a campsite involves more than just welcoming holidaymakers. Behind the front desk and day-to-day management lie commercial, administrative and communications roles, which are particularly prevalent in large establishments.
Campsite director or manager
The director or manager runs the campsite and ensures it operates smoothly. They supervise the teams, the management of the site, the services offered to holidaymakers and its commercial operations. Depending on the organisation, they may be the owner-operator or manage the site on behalf of a company or another owner.
Receptionist
As the first point of contact for holidaymakers, the receptionist handles check-ins and check-outs, provides information to guests and supports them throughout their stay. They respond to their enquiries, inform them about the campsite’s services and can also advise them on activities and tourist attractions to explore in the surrounding area.
Sales Manager
The sales manager develops the campsite’s business and seeks to maximise occupancy rates and turnover. In particular, they may work on pricing, promotional offers, partnerships and the various booking channels.
Communications and Marketing Officer
The communications and marketing officer promotes the campsite and helps to build its image amongst holidaymakers. Their responsibilities may include managing the website and social media, creating content, running communications campaigns and organising marketing initiatives.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
In larger establishments, the CFO oversees administrative and financial matters: budgets, accounts, expenditure monitoring, cash flow and management control.
Administrative and Accounting Assistant
The administrative assistant is involved on a day-to-day basis in the administrative and accounting management of the campsite: invoices, payments, administrative files, bookkeeping and various management tasks.
Maintenance and upkeep roles
Cleaning accommodation, maintaining toilet facilities, mowing lawns, carrying out minor repairs or maintaining equipment: these roles are essential to the smooth running of the campsite. In larger establishments, tasks are generally shared amongst several professionals, sometimes with a technical manager to supervise the team.
Maintenance worker
The maintenance worker is responsible, in particular, for cleaning the toilet facilities, communal areas and various parts of the campsite. Depending on the services offered by the campsite, they may also be required to prepare and tidy up holiday accommodation between stays.
Grounds maintenance worker
The grounds maintenance worker looks after the campsite’s lawns, flowerbeds, hedges and other green spaces. They may also be responsible for pruning, clearing undergrowth or tending to plants, to keep the outdoor areas in good condition throughout the season. At council-run campsites, it is often council staff who manage the grounds.
Maintenance worker
The maintenance officer ensures that facilities are in good working order and carries out routine maintenance and repairs. Their duties may cover building , holiday accommodation, utility networks, leisure facilities or the campsite’s technical installations.
Technical Manager
Found mainly in larger campsites, the technical manager supervises the maintenance team, which consists of all-rounders and/or specialist staff. They are responsible for the upkeep of buildings, rental accommodation, leisure facilities and green spaces. They ensure that facilities and equipment are in good condition and functioning properly.
Entertainment roles
The activities offered by campsites also require staff to organise entertainment, supervise certain activities and ensure the safety of holidaymakers. Requirements vary depending on the facilities and activities offered by the campsite.
Entertainment coordinator and sports supervisor
Entertainment coordinators and sports instructors devise and organise the activities on offer for holidaymakers, for children at the mini-club as well as for adults: games, sports activities, workshops, shows and evening events. At large campsites, several entertainment coordinators may form a team under the responsibility of a manager or coordinator.
Lifeguard
Where a campsite has a swimming pool or other supervised swimming area, the lifeguard monitors swimmers and intervenes to prevent accidents. They may also help to enforce safety rules around the pools.
Service and retail roles
Restaurants, bars, grocery shops, boutiques or wellness centres: some campsites offer a wide range of on-site services. These activities require dedicated professionals, particularly in establishments with a wide range of facilities.
Shop manager
The shop manager is responsible for running the campsite’s mini-market: restocking, stocking shelves, monitoring stock levels and welcoming customers. Depending on the campsite, the shop may sell food, everyday essentials, souvenirs or local produce.
Catering staff
Chefs, waiters and staff working in snack bars or bars provide the campsite’s various catering services. In campsites with a restaurant, snack bar, bar or several outlets, the teams can be particularly large during the high season.
Wellness centre manager
Where a campsite has a spa or wellness centre, a manager may oversee its running and coordinate the services on offer: treatments, massages, sauna, steam room or other facilities, depending on the establishment. They also ensure guests are made to feel welcome and comfortable.
Security roles
The need for security staff depends on the size of the campsite, its facilities and how it is organised. Some campsites employ security guards, particularly to monitor the site and its facilities.
Security guard
The security guard carries out surveillance and preventative duties within the campsite. They may conduct patrols, monitor access to the campsite or intervene in the event of an incident, depending on the duties assigned to them.
Caretaker
The caretaker maintains a presence on the campsite and may, in particular, keep an eye on the premises outside reception opening hours and whilst the campground is closed. At some campsites, they may also handle late arrivals or deal with any problems that arise during the night.
Night watchman, night receptionist
The night watchman ensures there is someone on site at the campsite during the night. They may keep an eye on the facilities, welcome late arrivals, respond to holidaymakers’ enquiries and raise the alarm in the event of a problem. Depending on how the campsite is organised, these duties may be carried out by a security guard.
Specialised roles at certain campsites
Some campsites offer facilities or activities that require specific skills. Water parks, spas, sports activities, golf courses or leisure facilities may also require specialist staff. The range of roles therefore depends directly on the services and facilities offered by each campsite.
Animal caretaker
At campsites with a mini-farm or which house various animals, an animal caretaker may be responsible for their daily feeding, care and welfare.
Horse riding instructor
Campsites with an equestrian centre or offering horse-related activities may employ a riding instructor. They supervise sessions and guide holidaymakers as they discover or practise horse riding.
Sustainability Officer
Some campsites have a member of staff responsible for environmental issues. Their duties may include reducing water and energy consumption, waste management, preserving biodiversity or raising awareness amongst holidaymakers. In smaller establishments, these responsibilities are usually incorporated into the role of the management or another member of staff.
Seasonal jobs at campsites
Most campsites expand their teams during the peak season to cope with the influx of holidaymakers. Seasonal jobs cover a wide range of roles: reception, maintenance, entertainment, catering, retail and lifeguarding. Depending on the size of the site and the services offered, staff numbers may be increased for a few months to ensure the smooth running of the campsite and the provision of all services to holidaymakers.