Park Aide; Senior Park Aide Statewide

Description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

• People who enjoy the outdoors and physical work, contributing to maintaining Washington's parks system.
• Individuals interested in a longer‑term career with State Parks, many permanent staff began as Aides.
• Students looking for summer work.
• Active retirees who want to stay active and make a positive impact.

• Eligible for vacation and sick leave.
• Holiday pay available depending on schedule.
• Supportive teammates.
• Hands‑on experience with practical, transferable skills.
• Improved physical and mental well‑being from time in nature.
• Wildlife sightings ranging from chipmunks to orcas and moose.

• Weekend work expected; evening shifts possible.
• Schedule peaks during spring and summer holidays; time off around holidays not guaranteed.
• Bathroom cleaning is a regular task.
• Work is moderately physical: walking, raking, bending, kneeling, lifting lighter items, heavier items with assistance.

Low‑cost housing options and recreation vehicle sites may be available. Housing and RV space are offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis. For details, contact recruitment directly.

This recruitment will fill multiple non‑permanent Senior Park Aide positions throughout Washington State for the 2026 season. Positions may start March, April, May, or June and typically last 3‑5 months.

Positions are typically scheduled for 40 hours a week. Less than full‑time work may be offered on an overall or specific period basis. If interested in less than 40 hours a week, indicate in the supplemental questions.

Marine Parks duties may include boating operations for the following parks:
Jarrell Cove State Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park, Spencer Spit State Park, Sucia Island Marine State Park, and Moran State Park. Refer to duties for details.

This position is not eligible for telework; in‑office presence required.

Benefits eligibility may differ from the benefits tab. For more information, visit the Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB).

Under supervision of the Park Ranger, Senior Park Aides perform a variety of tasks at state parks, beaches, or historical sites. A typical day may involve registering campers, collecting fees, cleaning facilities, performing grounds maintenance, and minor repairs. Duties vary by location.

Primary duties for all positions include:

• Lead Park Aides.
• Perform grounds maintenance and cleaning of all facilities, including picnic sites, trails, and roads.
• Assist with interpretive programs, walks, and talks.
• Register campers, collect, sort, and count revenue; prepare bank transmittals and deposits.
• Provide park information to visitors and answer phones.
• Maintain park facilities through light routine and semi‑skilled maintenance and janitorial services.
• Perform maintenance and light repairs on all trails, picnic areas, and campsites.
• Maintain grounds using power and hand tools: clear brush and trees, prune shrubs, rake leaves, weed, and flower bed maintenance.
• Maintain park lawns using mower, weed eater, trimmers, and various tools.
• Drive light trucks or other state vehicles to transport supplies and equipment; haul garbage and litter control.
• Clean restrooms and stock cleaning supplies.

Primary duties for Marine Park positions include:

• Operate marine vessels up to 21 feet using GPS, tide charts, docking, and anchoring.
• Maintain marine environment facilities: docks, moorage buoys, and compost toilet waste systems.
• Provide water/boater safety, marine animal, and marine vegetation safety information to visitors and answer phones.

• Columbia Hills Historical State Park – Easter Region, Klickitat County.
• Columbia Plateau Trail State Park – Eastern Region, Adams County.
• Fort Townsend Historical State Park – Southwest Region, Jefferson County.
• Jarrell Cove State Park – Northwest Region, Mason County.
• Lake Chelan State Park – Eastern Region, Chelan County.
• Lake Easton State Park – Eastern Region, Kittitas County.
• Lake Sammamish State Park – Northwest Region, King County.
• Lime Kiln Point State Park – Northwest Region, San Juan County.
• Lincoln Rock State Park –…