Park Specialist

State of Oregon; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays a year

Competitive benefits package

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a permanent, full-time Park Specialist to assist with administrative, business, and program operations at a state park or unit. You will work with the Park Manager to support daily operations, customer service, and program implementation.

Minimum qualifications include two years of admin/program support experience and the ability to manage payroll, policies, and office coordination.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience as an administrative or program support specialist.
• Administrative support entails those duties beyond clerical or secretarial such as: interpretation of laws, rules, and regulations; administrative data collection and analysis; evaluation and explanation of administrative processes, operations, or projects.

Responsibilities

• Support Park Manager and park operations to ensure effective daily operations.
• Provide direct support and assist with ongoing management and direction of the park.
• Assist with payroll, policies, procedures, deadlines, training opportunities, benefits, required paperwork, and supply ordering.

Skills

Laws interpretation

Data analysis

Process evaluation

Payroll support

Policies & procedures

Deadline management

Training coordination

Benefits processing

Supply ordering

Written communication

MS Office

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/10/2026 Application Deadline: 09/21/2026 Agency: Parks and Recreation Department Salary Range: $3,798 - $5,193 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Park Specialist

Job Description

Champoeg State Heritage Area Welcome Statement Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon’s extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state’s resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form.

Your New Role As a permanent, full-time Park Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting the administrative, business, and program operations of an Oregon park or management unit. In this role, you will work closely with the Park Manager, providing direct support and assisting with the ongoing management and overall direction of the park. Your work helps ensure effective daily operations, strong customer service, and successful implementation of park programs and initiatives. For a complete review of the position and responsibilities please click here.

What's in it for you: An exciting opportunity to help millions of visitors connect with the top state parks across America; working alongside a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team of professionals.

Additional benefits include: Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.

Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of experience as an administrative or program support specialist.

Administrative support entails those duties beyond clerical or secretarial such as:

• interpretation of laws, rules, and regulations
• administrative data collection and analysis
• evaluation and explanation of administrative processes, operations, or projects
• OR An equivalent combination of training and experience

Note: One year of post‑secondary education may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.

Special Requirements

To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver’s license.

Desired Attributes

• Supportive Team Member: Demonstrated experience acting as a resource and supporting Team members in areas like payroll, policies, procedures, deadlines, training opportunities, benefits, required paperwork, and supply ordering.
• Customer‑Focused and Collaborative Communicator: Experienced in a reception setting creating a welcoming environment, providing clear communication and productive interactions with visitors, staff, and external contacts, maintaining professionalism and courtesy when responding to phone calls and written correspondence, and effectively explaining policies and rules related to programs, operations, or services.
• Office Coordination: Experience fulfilling office coordination responsibilities including maintaining physical and digital filing systems, data entry, inventory and ordering of office‑related supplies, receiving shipments, monitoring service contracts for office equipment, and processing invoices and payments to vendors.
• Integrity and Prudence: Experience maintaining confidentiality with sensitive information including HR and payroll forms, personal information, travel reimbursements, I‑9 verification, employee onboarding, distribution and tracking issued equipment, keys, uniforms, etc.
• Quick Learner and Adaptable: Experience learning new software programs, adapting to changing workplace procedures, adjusting tasks to changing priorities, meeting deadlines, and adapting workflow to seasonal demands and fluctuating park needs.
• Productive and Focused: Skill in gathering and organizing data, preparing and reviewing reports with high attention to detail. Strong work ethic and organizational skills, meeting deadlines, identifying challenges, and implementing solutions to ensure efficient operations.
• Technical and Analytical Proficiency: Experience working with medium‑complex coding and billing processes, reviewing invoices for accuracy, gathering, analyzing, and organizing data efficiently, and supporting asset inventory programs.
• Skilled in written communication: composing clear and concise emails, providing written instructions, and creating procedures or training materials.
• Experience with Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Additional Information

This position is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships.

Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I‑9, confirming authorization to work in the United States.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department uses E‑Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Contact Information

For questions about this position, please contact hiring supervisor, David Figgins, at [e-mail] or 971-239-9087. For questions on application process, email: [e-mail]. Follow Oregon Parks & Recreation Department on Facebook Instagram

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Madetobe…