Park Aide; Salish Foothills Area Parks

Description

Experience the natural beauty of Washington State Parks and get paid to do it!

Temporary Washington State Park Aide jobs are perfect for:

• People who like to get outside and enjoy nature, do physical work, and contribute to a truly important mission – maintaining a fantastic Parks system for everyone!
• Individuals who are interested in a longer‑term career with State Parks. Many permanent staff, including members of our executive team, started their careers as Park Aides.
• Students who are looking for summer work.
• Active retirees looking for work that keeps them moving and doing good in the world. Less than full‑time work is a possibility in many locations.

Some benefits you might not know or be thinking about:

• Temporary positions are eligible for vacation and sick leave.
• Holiday pay might be available to you depending on when and how long you work.
• Great teammates who care about their work.
• Learning and refining a set of very practical and transferrable job skills.
• Being in nature is good for your physical and mental well‑being.
• Wildlife sightings! From chipmunks and quail, to orcas and moose, and everything in between.

Park Aide jobs can be fun, fulfilling, and career starters, but there are a few important things to consider:

• Weekend work is expected, and you might be asked to work evening shifts.
• Our parks are busiest on spring and summer holidays, so we need more of our workers to be on schedule on those days. Getting time off around a holiday is not guaranteed.
• Bathroom cleaning is a task that most Park Aides get to experience fairly regularly.
• Most positions are at least moderately physical – walking, raking, bending, kneeling, lifting and moving lighter items (and heavier ones with assistance). If that is not appropriate for you, but you are still interested, read the announcement carefully to determine if there might be a position dedicated to less physical work at the park(s) you are interested in.

Positions are located in the Salish Foothills Area:
Cama Beach, Camano Island, Rasar, and Bay View State Parks. The majority of positions may begin in March, April, May, or June and are generally 3‑5 months in duration. Positions may be scheduled for 40 hours per week, with the possibility of less than full‑time work. Telework is not eligible. Benefits may differ from those listed elsewhere.

Under the supervision of the Park Ranger, Park Aides perform a variety of tasks at a State Park, beach, or historical area. A typical work day may include anything from registering campers and collecting camp fees, to cleaning facilities, mowing lawns, or explaining park rules.

• Maintain park facilities through light routine maintenance and janitorial services.
• Clean restrooms and stock cleaning supplies.
• Clean rental properties and perform general housekeeping duties including washing windows, scrubbing floors, mopping, and sweeping.
• Perform grounds maintenance work, such as cutting grass, weeding flower beds, pruning shrubs, raking leaves, and picking up litter.
• Register campers, collect, sort and count revenue.
• Provide park information to visitors and answer phones.
• Maintain park lawns using a mower, weed eater, trimmer, and various maintenance tools.
• Perform daily garbage collection and litter control.
• Drive light trucks or other state vehicles to transport supplies and equipment within the park area; haul garbage.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a minimum of 17 years old.
• Possess a valid (unrestricted) driver’s license. If your driver’s license is out of state (other than Washington), you must show proof of a valid and current unrestricted driver’s license at the time of the interview.

DESIRED

QUALIFICATION:

• Possess bilingual skills (Spanish language preferred).

JOB SPECIFIC

COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to learn and interpret park rules, area information, and local history and educate park visitors.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and maintain organization, communication, and quality.
• Ability to operate a variety of hand tools, power tools, and small equipment.
• Ability to perform general maintenance to park buildings and facilities.
• Ability to perform janitorial services, including the use of chemicals.
• Abilit…