Salary: $16.61 – $19.55 Hourly
Location : Multiple Locations – Eastern Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2022-16895 Blue Mountain Area
Department: Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date: 06/12/2023
Description
Experience the natural beauty of Washington State Parks and get paid to do it!
* A general wage increase of 4% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2023.
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 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.
The following parks may have low-cost housing options for temporary Park Aides this season: Fields Spring State Park, Lyons Ferry State Park, and Palouse Falls State Park. Contact the Park directly for more information on housing availability.
The following parks may have low-cost options for a recreational vehicle (trailer, camper, etc.) site for temporary Park Aides this season (must provide own functioning RV): Camp Wooten State Park, Columbia Plateau Trail State Park, Lysons Ferry State Park, Palouse Falls State Park, and Sacajawea State Park. Contact the Park directly for more information.
This recruitment will be used to fill multiple non-permanent Park Aide positions located throughout the Blue Mountain Area; Camp Wooten, Columbia Plateau Trail, Fields Spring, Lewis & Clark Trail, Lyons Ferry, Palouse Falls and Sacajawea State Parks. This Area has many positions beginning in March and April. The number of vacancies will vary from park to park.
Positions in this area typically are scheduled to work 40 hours a week, but we may have ability to offer less than full-time work – over the entire period of employment or for specific periods. If you are interested in less than 40 hours a week, just let us know in the supplemental questions section of the application process.
Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what’s listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement, for more information on employee benefits eligibility visit –
Park Aide Recruitment Video – Typical Day – Washington State Parks
To read about other current and former Park Aides’ experiences, click
Camp Wooten State Park- (located in Columbia County) Nestled in the valley along the Tucannon River in the Blue Mountains, sits State Park’s largest retreat center, Camp Wooten. Built in the 1930’s by Civilian Conservation Corps crews this camp now hosts many large groups looking for a beautiful place to get away from it all. Camp Wooten offers a dining hall with large commercial kitchen, a recreation hall, sleeping cabins, restrooms with showers, and even an indoor swimming pool. There are sleeping accommodations for up to 200 people and with park manager approval, tents and RVs may be allowed.
Columbia Plateau State Park Trail- (located in Adams County) is a 4,109-acre, 130-mile-long rail-bed trail that traces the 1908 original path of the Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railroad 15 scenic developed trail miles along the Snake River are stunning for hikers, bikers, or equestrian riders who explore from the Ice Harbor Dam trail head to the Snake River Junction trail head.
Fields Spring State Park- (located in Asotin County) is a 792-acre, forested park open year-round. Located in the Blue Mountains of Southeastern Washington, Fields Spring has several miles of hiking, biking, and running trails, as well as campsites, lodges, teepees, and a cabin for overnight guests. Winter activities include cross-country ski trails, a tubing hill and snowshoeing. Fields Spring has a diversity of wildflowers, native trees and plants, wildlife, and birds, and is located near popular hunting and fishing areas in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
Lewis & Clark Trail State Park- (located in Columbia County) is a 37-acre camping park with 1,333-feet of freshwater shoreline on the Touchet River. The park is a rare treasure of old-growth forest and river in the midst of the surrounding arid grassland. Like an oasis in the middle of the desert, this lovely wooded park on the Touchet River refreshes visitors with its unusual vegetation and geology. The park is rich in history.
Lyons Ferry State Park- (located in Franklin County) is a 168 acre park situated at the confluence of the Palouse and Snake rivers. It once was home to early groups of the Palouse Indians. The park has more than 52,000 feet of shoreline and offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and swimming. Lyons Ferry was named for the ferry crossing that operated across the Snake River from the mid-1860s until the late-1960s, when it was replaced by the Lyons Ferry Bridge, also known as the Snake River Bridge.
Palouse Falls State Park- (located in Franklin/Whitman Counties ) is a 94-acre park known as an ideal picnic and birding spot. The park offers three distinct views of the state waterfall. The lower viewpoint provides a direct view; it is reached by a set of steps from the main day-use area adjacent to the parking lot. The second, at the end of a paved interpretive path, tells the story of the secluded canyon. Both the interpretive path and gravel secondary parking area lead to the third and highest viewpoint, the Fryxell Overlook, offering panoramic views of the falls and Palouse River Canyon.
Sacajawea State Park- (located in Franklin County) is a 284-acre inland waters, day-use park at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers. It features 9,100 feet of freshwater shoreline. The area is spread out with a big sky and excellent views of the two rivers as they flow together. The park features the , where visitors can learn about the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition through the experiences of Sacagawea, the young Shoshone Indian woman who accompanied the expedition.
Duties
Under the supervision of the Park Ranger or the lead of a Senior Park Aide, 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. The specific duties will have some variation by park location.
Primary duties include, but are not limited to:
- All positions– Maintain park facilities through light routine maintenance and janitorial services.
- Perform grounds maintenance work, such as cutting grass, weeding flower beds, pruning shrubs, raking leaves, and picking up litter.
- Maintain park lawns using a mower, weed eater, trimmer, and various maintenance tools.
- Provide park information to visitors and answer phones.
- Register campers, collect, sort and count revenue; prepare bank transmittals and deposits.
- Perform daily garbage collection and litter control.
- Clean restrooms and stock cleaning supplies.
- Clean rental properties and perform general housekeeping duties including washing windows, scrubbing floors, mopping, and sweeping.
- Drive light truck or other state vehicle to transport supplies and equipment within the park area; haul refuse and garbage.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be a minimum of 17 years old.
- Possess a valid (unrestricted) driver’s license. – If your DL is out of state (other than WA State), you will be required to show proof of a valid and current unrestricted driver’s license at the time of the interview.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 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 a reasonable completion time 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.
Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods of time.
Ability to work in all weather conditions.
Ability to work various shifts (day, mid, night)
Ability to learn about equipment servicing, diagnosing, and maintenance.
UNIFORM INFORMATION:
All non-permanent Park Aides are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of a Park Aide and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee. All non-permanent Park Aides will receive 2 shirts, 1 baseball cap, and a clothing stipend of $75.00 per calendar year. Some positions may qualify for a $150 clothing stipend depending on the length of the position. Clothing stipends are intended to offset the cost of clothing worn in the workplace such as pants, boots, raingear, etc.
Supplemental Information
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at
NOTE: Prior to a new hire, a background check, including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
This position is included in the non-supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:
Diversity Policy Statement
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to creating an equitable, hospitable, appreciative, safe, and inclusive park environment – one that embraces and values the full spectrum of all community members’ contributions. The Commission makes this commitment because:
- Diversity strengthens the workforce in competence and ability.
- Celebrating diversity appreciates and values individual differences.
- Diversity serves an increasingly heterogeneous society.
- Diversity helps ensure the relevance of a state park system, its mission, properties, and programs to all people of this state today and in the future.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strengthens our ability and commitment to serve all citizens.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and sustaining a working environment that includes, welcomes, and respects diverse identities of race, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and more. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are invited to apply.
Persons desiring any accommodations in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hearing impaired may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
For more information about these positions, please contact the Park directly. You can search for the specific Park contact information
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Which one best describes your current age?
- 16 years or younger
- 17 years old
- 18 years old or older
02
Do you have a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver’s license?
- Yes
- No
03
Briefly describe why this position interests you and why you would be an asset to Washington State Parks.
04
These positions work heavily with the public. What do you like about working in customer service? What do you find is the most difficult part of working in customer service?
05
Please provide the earliest date you can start and latest date you’re available to work until (i.e. May 1 through September 30)?
06
Although most positions are full-time, there may be an option for part-time work. Please choose your work schedule preference.
- Full-time work
- Part-time work
- Open to both full-time or part-time work
07
If you selected part-time work in the previous question, how many hours a week are you willing to work (skip this question if only interested in full-time work)?
- 35 hours per week
- 30 hours per week
- 25 hours per week
- 20 hours per week
- Less than 20 hours per week
08
Are able to hold a casual conversation in a second language? If so, please indicate which language(s)
- Spanish
- Russian
- Vietnamese
- Tagalog
- Korean
- Chinese
- French
- Mandarin
- Cambodian
- Punjabi
- Other
- None
09
How did you hear about this job opportunity?
- www.careers.wa.gov
- Parks’ website (www.parks.wa.gov)
- WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
- Park Ranger
- Parks’ employee
- Professional/Personal Network
- College/University/High School Career Fair
- Craigslist
- Indeed
- Handshake
10
Please choose the State Park location(s) where you will definitely accept employment:
- Columbia Plateau State Park
- Fields Springs State Park
- Lewis and Clark Trail State Park
- Lyons Ferry State Park
- Sacajawea State Park
- Wooten State Park
- Palouse Falls State Park
11
I am interested in a position only if an RV site is available. (must provide own functioning RV)
- Yes
- No
12
I am interested in a position only if housing is available.
- Yes
- No
13
Are you willing to perform janitorial duties, which may include the cleaning of restrooms/toilets, campsites, picking up litter/garbage?
- Yes
- No
14
These positions require a fingerprint criminal background investigation prior to employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?
- Yes
- No
Required Question