Senior Park Aide (Tahoma Gateway Area-West) Permanent

State of Washington; Federal Way (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniforms provided

Clothing stipend $150 per calendar yr

No park housing available

Job summary

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission in Federal Way, WA, seeks a Senior Park Aide to support park operations at Dash Point and Saltwater State Parks. This permanent, on-site role requires leadership of a diverse team to promote marine and watershed stewardship, safety, and visitor services.

You will assist with camping registrations, maintenance, and educational programs, while ensuring facilities meet standards and regulations. On-site presence is required; telework is not available.

Qualifications

• Twelve months of maintenance or grounds experience with a valid unrestricted driver's license and 18+ years old.
• Six months as a Park Aide with a valid unrestricted driver's license and 18+ years old.
• Twelve months in a Washington Conservation Corps program with park experience and valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Leads Park Aides and coordinates daily tasks.
• Cleans and maintains campsites, restrooms, trails, and grounds.
• Maintains lawns using mowers and related equipment; reports issues.
• Assists rangers to keep facilities safe and functional for the public.
• Performs administrative duties including daily fund reconciliation and reports.
• Assists with camping registrations and trainings; supports interpretive efforts.
• Educates visitors about park rules, events, and local history.

Skills

Park maintenance

Grounds keeping

Driver's license

Job description

Description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

2026, at 5 p.m. PST

There is no park housing available for this position.

Under the supervision of a Park Ranger, this position is essential to Washington State Park's mission of operating, enhancing, interpreting and protecting our park's recreational, cultural, historical and natural sites. This position assists and contributes towards all aspects of park operations, supporting day-to-day operations for the Tahoma Gateway Area West, and will lead work responsibilities.

Location: Federal Way, WA

Closes: October 19th, 2026, at 5 p.m. PST

Position status: This is a permanent position.

There is no park housing available for this position.

This position is not eligible to telework, as physical on-site presence is required to perform essential functions.

The Senior Park Aide position assigned to Dash Point and Saltwater State Parks offers a unique opportunity to work in the cultural nexus of the Puget Sound. These parks expose you to a greater variety of job assignments than many other parks provide. If you are looking for a position that offers you an opportunity to lead a group of diverse individuals as they promote marine and watershed stewardship, forest health, safe equipment operation, visitor services, interpretation opportunities, campground and vehicle maintenance, and some administrative tasks, this could be the right place for you!

Duties

• Leads Park Aides.
• Cleans and performs maintenance on campsites, picnic sites, park buildings including restrooms, trails and roads including removing and disposing of ashes in BBQ's, cleaning tables, picking up and disposing of litter, removing debris from grounds with hand tools and larger equipment, maintaining light fixtures and painted surfaces.
• Maintains Park lawns using a mower, weed eaters, trimmers and various other tools. This includes cleaning the equipment, fueling and maintaining, recording use and reporting any problems.
• Assists rangers in maintaining all facilities in a condition that is operationally functional, clean in appearance, and safe for the public and staff. This includes park grounds, structures, utility systems, vehicles, equipment, tools, trails, fences, restrooms, turf and irrigation systems.
• Performs noxious weed control, parking lot maintenance, restroom cleaning, trash collection and litter pick up.
• Independently operates Park vehicles to perform maintenance duties.
• Completes and assists with administrative duties as needed; to include daily reconciliation of funds collected, monthly equipment and safety reports, and other tasks, as assigned.
• Assists construction and maintenance staff with completion of projects.
• Assists with daily camping registration program; trains other staff.
• Provide information including educating the public regarding park rules and regulations, local events, activities, walks and talks, and historic information.
• Assist with interpretive programs and develop displays and camp events.
• Participates in agency training requirements and follows uniform standards.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Option 1: Twelve (12) months of experience in building maintenance or grounds keeping, or performing semi-skilled/general carpentry, electrical and/or plumbing repair work and a valid unrestricted driver's license (other than corrective lenses) and at least 18 years old.
• Option 2: Six (6) months cumulative experience as a Park Aide (or equivalent) and a valid unrestricted driver's license (other than corrective lenses) and at least 18 years old.
• Option 3: Twelve (12) months' experience in a special employment program (Washington Conservation Corps) with a park's agency. A combination of experience (WCC and Park Aide) may be used provided candidate has at least three months experience as a Park Aide (or equivalent) and a valid unrestricted driver's license (other than corrective lenses) and at least 18 years old.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• The Ability to take Action to Learn and Grow.
• The Ability to take Action to Meet the Needs of Others.
• Workforce Leadership: Ability to direct the work of others, provide clear instructions, and ensure tasks (like site cleaning or maintenance) are completed to standard.
• Public Stewardship & Customer Service: Providing high-quality information, educating visitors on rules/regulations, and representing the agency’s mission.
• Resourcefulness & Problem Solving: Independently identifying maintenance issues or equipment failures and reporting or resolving them efficiently.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work independently while using good judgement and problem-solving skills in decision making.
• Awareness and willingness to follow safety policies and protocols.
• Promotes cooperation and an eagerness and capacity to learn new skills.
• Self-starter who can see a project through to completion.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Requirements

Uniform Information: All permanent Senior 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 permanent Senior Park Aides will receive 2 shirts and 1 baseball cap every calendar year, 1 jacket, 1 beanie/knit cap and a brim hat every two calendar years, an outerwear jacket every five years, and a boot and clothing stipend of $150 per calendar year. Clothing stipends are intended to offset the cost of clothing worn in the workplace such as pants, boots, raingear, etc.

Working Conditions

Position works five (5) days a week; Core work hours are typically 8 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Work schedule varies and often requires weekend work. Incumbents may be expected to adjust the work scheduled to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule may be considered at incumbent's request and is subject to supervisory approval. Incumbent is expected to maintain regular and reliable attendance to accommodate facility, grounds, equipment, and customer needs. Travel and overnight travel may be required periodically between parks and/or statewide for meetings, training, and other field work. Travel will be necessary in all types of weather conditions and climates.

Supplemental Information

About Parks: Want to join a great organization? The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse—and most beautiful—parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. Parks is staffed with nearly 1,000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Note: This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed position(s) is(are) filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional position(s) for up to sixty (60) days.

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.

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 information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Jenee Kramer at [e-mail] or [phone].

For information about this position, please contact Mitchell Rudd at [e-mail] or [phone].

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

Job Alerts to receive a list of new job postings at Parks.

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.

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 non‑overtime 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 WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non‑overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026