When seasonal workers start showing up, most service businesses feel the pressure. One day you’re managing jobs. The next, you’re buried in interviews, missed shifts, and last-minute calls. If you’re not prepared, it can throw your whole season off track.
That’s where smart systems come in. With the right tools, you can make hiring, training, and managing way easier.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to find, manage, and keep seasonal workers using simple steps and tools like marketing automation for staffing that actually work.
How to Hire Seasonal Workers Without Wasting Time
Hiring seasonal workers doesn’t have to be stressful. But you can’t leave it to the last minute.
Build a Year-Round Hiring Funnel
Most landscapers start hiring in March. That’s already too late. Start your hiring funnel in January.
Use a simple Google Form or the free RBS job application and post it to:
- Craigslist (renew every 48 hours)
- Facebook Jobs (target local areas and high school groups)
- Indeed (even with a $5/day budget)
Keep it short:
- 3 screening questions
- One-minute intro video from you
- Quick apply button
Use Automated Follow-Ups So You Don’t Forget
RBS has a Recruiting Automation built for this. Once someone applies, they get a sequence of messages that go out over the year:
- February: General hiring message
- March: Sign-on bonus + $250 after 3 months
- April: “Last chance” message
- June: “We’re still hiring”
- September & November: Holiday bonus reminder
It works even if you’re not actively hiring that week. And it makes you look organized and reliable.
Fast, Repeatable Training for Seasonal Workers
Your new hires don’t need a 40-page handbook. They need a clear routine.
Use Field Checklists to Train Without Micromanaging
With the Hiring/Termination Automation, you get auto-generated field training checklists. These are sent to your crew leaders when a new hire starts.
Example checklist for a new mowing crew member:
- Day 1: Safety gear, mower setup
- Day 2: Route layout, time tracking
- Day 3: Property walk-throughs, customer greeting
- Week 1: Review + short quiz
Now your training is repeatable and doesn’t eat your time.
Use 2-Minute Videos for Common Tasks
Record short videos showing how to:
- Strap a mower on the trailer
- Talk to a customer
- Spot upsell opportunities
Store them on Google Drive or upload to your Service Autopilot system. These can go out automatically with Training Automation.
Every new seasonal worker sees the same videos without you repeating yourself.
How to Keep Seasonal Workers Coming Back
It’s way cheaper to keep a good worker than find a new one.
Stay in Touch During the Off-Season
Use the RBS Employee Automation to send out:
- Spring Message: “Are you coming back?”
- Fall Message: “Thanks for your hard work”
- Winter Message: “We’re planning for next year already”
Give Quick End-of-Season Reviews
Use the RBS Manager Automation to remind you when it’s time for reviews. Keep them short:
- What they did well
- What to improve
- Invite them back
How to Use Marketing Automation for Staffing
Marketing isn’t just for customers. It helps with service business staffing too.
Re-Engage Old Applicants
Most companies let past applicants go cold. But with marketing automation, you can re-target them.
Use RBS Recruiting Automation or upload the emails into Mailchimp. Then send:
- A short message about your sign-on bonus
- Updates on open positions
- Testimonials from current crew members
Automate Interviews and Onboarding
With RBS Hiring Automation, you can:
- Let applicants schedule their own phone interview
- Send a checklist to your HR manager
- Trigger training emails as soon as someone is hired
Final Thoughts
The benefits of managing seasonal workers the right way are clear: faster hiring, better training, and smoother seasons. We help landscapers set up simple systems that actually work.
Let us handle the backend so you can focus on the field.
📞 Call Ready Business Systems at (800) 485-1404 or Click Here to Get Started
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