I'm quite keen on obtaining one of these summer positions, but I'm sort of stuck pondering whether or not its worth the application process because of my availability dates. I'm really only going to be up from about the 20th of May until the 20th of August.
I'm most interested in working out west on a ranch or at an Alaskan lodge, but it seems that most online applications have quite a rant on how they give a preference to those who have lengthy breaks.
Is there still a possibility that they might hire me given that I might not be able to work the entire season?
They hire college students all the time, so yes. Don't let those preferences discourage you one bit. You might want to consider cost of travel, etc. due to the short season that you can work, however.
In Wyoming there is Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Jackson Lake Ldge, Signal Mountain Lodge, Bozeman (Montana), etc... Those places should all be decently busy. If you wait tables or tend bar (depends on the law if you are under 21) or are a busser, you will do o.k. financially. Ranches will work you, but room and board is available... Good luck :0). If I can help any more, just let me know. Akscootr
Those are execellent dates for any Summer Guest Ranch that operates a Summer Season; remember there is still snow on the ground at most of their locations in May.
Most ranches that I know of hire people for the middle of May and usually hire some people that they know have to leave early due to school being back in session. I know at our ranch we have at least 3 people that have left every year right around the 20th of August and we don't generally start them until about the 2oth or 25th of May.. so I would say that you would probably be still in good shape even with your dates.. most places will make exceptions dependant upon your experience or personality.