Park Aide (East Columbia Gorge Area) Multiple Parks

State of Washington; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington is hiring temporary Park Aides for various parks. These roles offer an opportunity to work outdoors, contribute to park maintenance, and gain practical skills. Ideal for students, active retirees, or anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty while working.

Benefits

Vacation and sick leave

Holiday pay may be available

Clothing stipend

Low-cost housing options

Qualifications

• Must be at least 17 years old.
• Possess a valid (unrestricted) driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Maintain park facilities through light routine maintenance and janitorial services.
• Perform grounds maintenance like cutting grass and weeding.
• Provide park information to visitors and register campers.

Skills

Physical labor

Customer service

Bilingual skills

Job 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 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: Brooks Memorial State Park, Columbia State Park, Maryhill State Park, and Klickitat Trail State Park.Contact the Park directly for more information on housing availabilityhere.

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This recruitment will be used to fill multiple non-permanent Park Aide positions located throughout the East Columbia Gorge Area; Brooks Memorial, Columbia Hills, Goldendale Observatory, Maryhill, Doug's Beach, Klickitat Trail and Spring Creek Hatchery State Parks. The majority of positions are available and may begin March, April, May, or June and generally are 3-8 months in duration. The number of vacancies will vary from park to park. Housing opportunities may be available for these positions.

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-Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB)

Park Aide Recruitment Video - Typical Day - Washington State Parks

To read about other current and former Park Aides' experiences, clickHere!

Brooks Memorial State Park- (located in Klickitat County) Brooks Memorial sits in the pine forests of the Simcoe Mountains at the edge of the Columbia River Gorge. This environmental diversity makes for a stunning park site. The miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails lead along the Little Klickitat River and up through Ponderosa pine and stands of Oregon white oak. As you gain elevation, you will find yourself in subalpine meadows with a profusion of wildflowers in spring and panoramic views that include Mount Hood to the south. One of the newer amenities at Brooks Memorial State Park is the disc golf course set in the pines.

Columbia Hills State Park-(located in Klickitat County) Columbia Hills Historical State Park puts the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area at your fingertips. This 3,637-acre park is composed of four different sites which offer a range of experiences. Rock climbing, camping, swimming and spring hikes through vast fields of balsamroot flowers make for an action-packed stay, not to mention the nearby attractions of Goldendale Observatory and Maryhill Museum as well as the communities of The Dalles & Hood River, OR and White Salmon, WA.

Goldendale Observatory State Park-(located in Klickitat County) - Is a 5-acre educational facility that has just undergone comprehensive upgrades. Set in the hills above the Columbia River, the Goldendale Observatory houses one of the nation’s largest, most accessible public telescopes. The park offers spectacular views of the countryside from atop the observatory hill in the daytime, and magnificent views of the universe at night. The site is famous for its informative science programs.

Maryhill State Park-(located in Klickitat County) Maryhill State Park is an 89-acre camping park with 4,700 feet of waterfront on the Columbia River. Maryhill offers that classic state park experience, with camping, boating, windsurfing, fishing, a swim beach and picnic facilities. Backed by the golden hills of the often-windy eastern Columbia River Gorge, the area is significant for its scenic beauty, access to the surrounding natural wonders, and cultural history.

Spring Creek Hatchery State Park -(located in Skamina County) Is located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, in southeast Skamania County, along the Columbia River. Spring Creek Hatchery is a premier windsurfing and kiteboarding site in the Columbia Gorge with views of Mount Hood from the shore. The park sits at the entrance to the Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery which offers tours of the facility and other interpretive opportunities for visitors.

Klickitat State Park Trail -(located in Klickitat County) The Klickitat Trail runs 31 miles through stunning Columbia River Gorge country between Lyle and the Goldendale plateau. As it leaves the Columbia to follow the Klickitat River, the gentle trail leads cyclists, hikers, birders and, in some places, equestrians through dramatic Swale Canyon.Under the supervision of a 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. 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.

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 unrestricteddriver'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 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
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.

To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at State Parks Jobs.

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:https://wfse.org/.

Diversity Policy Statement:The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing 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 here.