Just Wondering

[the_bear_II]

A government Agency I work with has remote sites where there has been a rash of vandalism, trespassing and theft.

I was wondering if any workampers would be willing to stand watch over the property in exchange for a free place to park. I'm just testing feasibility before I present the idea to the agency.

Here's An Example of one site:
It is located in the mojave desert of California about midway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
No water on site (available in town)
Possible 20amp electric
No dump facility would need to go to town to dump
Desert temperatures with over 100 during summer months 40 to 60 in winter
Lots of sun and wind for power generation alternatives
Nearest town (very small) 10 miles with groceries and fuel plus post office
Major town with hospital 40 miles
No WiFi but good cell service (AT&T & Verizon- not sure about others)

Duties during the week 5:30 am to 4 pm
Open locked gate in the morning, close and lock gate in the afternoon. Contact Sheriff if you see trespassers.

On the weekend gate remains locked, you would contact the Sheriff if anybody is trespassing. No need to confront the trespasser(s).

Since the site is manned by government personnel during the week days, you may be allowed to leave the site during the week and return on Friday to stand watch for the weekend. Most of the vandalism and theft have occurred on the weekends.

You and anyone else assisting you would need to pass a government background check.

Does this sound like a workkamping situation someone would be interested in ?

This is just a test to determine if there is interest...this is not a job offer since I haven't presented it to the agency for approval. If this is approved I would post ads on the usual workamping websites.

[carl2591]

hate to ask a dumb question but why not LOCK the gate. Put a couple of dogs in there and have someone come by to keep water and food available.

hell a couple of auto water stations and an auto food dispenser will do the trick, that and a couple of nice dogs shelters with fans they only need to be on site for the weekends it seems.

[Executive45]

I would be interested if they supplied us with a Barrett M107...just sayin....Dennis

[the_bear_II]

I thank everyone who has responded and appreciate your concerns and suggestions.

Let me add that with someone on site it would deter the trespassers. The one site I used as an example is a worse case scenario. As I see it, the biggest problem at this site is there's no locked gate. On the internet I found many blog posts where several folks had visited the site and indicated that even though there were federal land "No Trespassing" signs, since there was no locked gate they decided to drive in and look around.

Most of the sites are completely fenced and gated which would offer good security for a care taker.

Communications usually isn't a problem since these sites are on mountain or hill tops along with cell towers from most providers.

Based on the comments so far, when I present this idea I will include the possible need for full hookups with at least 30amp electric.

Thanks again for your feedback.

[Islandman]

As several have indicated, you will need to supply higher amperage power so people can use their air conditioners in the summer, and electric heat when needed in the winter. Some sort of communication is also desirable, is it possible that cell phone coverage could also include access to internet? And maybe a stipend should be included to help partly offset cost of meals and other supplies needed by the workamper. Has to sound a little more exciting to get someone that you can depend on to meet the objectives of standing guard and preventing vandalism.

[Marsland]

To be honest it may be more appropriate for hired security not just the average workamper. What you are offering is basically an (almost) empty parking lot and asking for security monitoring.

It would be more attractive for someone IF there was a fully equipped RV site with water, sewer, and electric.

If you had a reasonably equipped site then you have to think about lining up people to occupy it and the scheduling rat race that goes with it. Good luck.

[MTPockets1]

the bear II wrote:
A government Agency I work with has remote sites where there has been a rash of vandalism, trespassing and theft.

I was wondering if any workampers would be willing to stand watch over the property in exchange for a free place to park. I'm just testing feasibility before I present the idea to the agency.

Here's An Example of one site:
It is located in the mojave desert of California about midway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
No water on site (available in town)
Possible 20amp electric
No dump facility would need to go to town to dump
Desert temperatures with over 100 during summer months 40 to 60 in winter
Lots of sun and wind for power generation alternatives
Nearest town (very small) 10 miles with groceries and fuel plus post office
Major town with hospital 40 miles
No WiFi but good cell service (AT&T & Verizon- not sure about others)

Duties during the week 5:30 am to 4 pm
Open locked gate in the morning, close and lock gate in the afternoon. Contact Sheriff if you see trespassers.

On the weekend gate remains locked, you would contact the Sheriff if anybody is trespassing. No need to confront the trespasser(s).

Since the site is manned by government personnel during the week days, you may be allowed to leave the site during the week and return on Friday to stand watch for the weekend. Most of the vandalism and theft have occurred on the weekends.

You and anyone else assisting you would need to pass a government background check.

Does this sound like a workkamping situation someone would be interested in ?

This is just a test to determine if there is interest...this is not a job offer since I haven't presented it to the agency for approval. If this is approved I would post ads on the usual workamping websites.

. Is this serious? Sounds like a nightmare!

[2gypsies1]

Having only 'possible' 20A and having to endure the high desert temperatures in summer and low temps in the winter, I think it would be hard to fill but not impossible.

[TexasShadow]

you might get someone for weekend work. this would not appeal to recreational rvers, but it might attract someone who is living in a camper trailer and needs to make a little money to supplement his income.

[gbopp]

I second the second response.

And maybe, it's at Area 51, you could possibly meet unusual new friends. 🙂

[noplace2]

I second the first response.

[stickdog]

cooperwl wrote:
Because of the lack of standard RV utilities (water, 50 amp electric, sewer) this volunteer assignment would not very attractive to most.

It certainly wouldn't work for us but there are many who would enjoy the isolation.

[cooperwl]

Because of the lack of standard RV utilities (water, 50 amp electric, sewer) this volunteer assignment would not very attractive to most.