AGENCY PROFILE                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                        
State Parks is governed by a board of seven volunteer citizens appointed by the Governor. Commission members serve staggered six-year terms, setting public policy and guiding the agency. The Washington state park system includes more than 100 developed parks, recreation programs, trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

Our Mission 
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington’s most treasured lands, waters and historic places. State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives. 

Our Vision
Washington’s state parks will be cherished destinations with natural, cultural, recreational, artistic and interpretive experiences that all Washingtonians enjoy, appreciate and proudly support.

Washington State Parks employs more than 500 permanent staff and more than 350 seasonal and temporary staff throughout the state. The headquarters office is located in Tumwater, and region offices are located in Burlington, East Wenatchee and Tumwater.

The Washington State Parks mission is to preserve and protect natural, cultural and historical resources, while providing parks and recreation programs and opportunities for the public to ensure these resources are available for future generations.  The State Parks Information Center and Front Desk Team at Headquarters have an important role in this mission.  They are the face and voice of the agency, as they help people navigate agency web sites, plan vacations, and make camping reservations.  They also process applications for the agency discount pass and permit programs.  This office assistant position supports the Information Center/Front Desk Team during peak camping season.

Other duties include but are not limited to:

• Pick up and deliver mail from the agency’s mailroom.
• Review and verify eligibility for issuance of agency discount passes.
• Contact customers by phone, email or mail when applications are incomplete.
• Serve customers by providing back-up at the front desk reception for breaks, lunches and staff meetings as needed.
• Respond to incoming calls and walk-in customers; issue and input passes and permits to walk-in customers while they wait; process State Park merchandise sales; receive incoming deliveries and notify recipients for pick-up.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• One (1) year of office experience.

JOB RELATED COMPETENCIES:

• Must be able to lift and carry items weighing 20 pounds.
• Must be able to solve simple mathematical equations.
• Must have the ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• One (1) year of customer service experience.

UNIFORM INFORMATION:
This position is required to wear a uniform.  A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of an Office Assistant and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee.  Office Assistant 2’s will receive 4 shirts within the first year (2 shirts per calendar year after the first year) and 1 jacket every 5 years.

HOW TO APPLY
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. Use reference number 01701 when searching for the job announcement.

You must attach in your application the following:

•  Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
• Current resume.
• Three professional references.

**All requested materials must be submitted. Incomplete or late application materials will not be accepted. Failure to follow application process may disqualify you from further consideration.**
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the application questions. Answers will be verified and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

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.

Your position is included in the non-supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).  For more information: http://www.hr.wa.gov/recruitment/JobSeekerServices/Pages/UnionInformation.aspx

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 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 the people of this state today and in the future; and
• Diversity is crucial to our ability to serve all citizens.

The Commission encourages and supports staff efforts to reach out to people of all races, national origins, abilities, religions, sexual orientations, veteran status, ages, and genders who use the parks and who live in communities nearby parks. This outreach is to focus on engaging in partnerships that expand programs and services in a way that is meaningful and of value to all people. The Commission is dedicated to offering quality experiences to all visitors through a workforce and volunteer corps that reflects the diversity of Washington State.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. 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 encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation 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 hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

For information about this position, please contact Keri Murphy at Keri.Murphy@parks.wa.gov.