Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 

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. 

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This recruitment is for two (2) non-permanent Parks Interpretive Assistant positions at Cape Disappointment State Park, located in Pacific County, Washington.

The expected duration of these non-permanent appointments are June 1st, 2021 – September 15th 2021.

For more information on Cape Disappointment State Park, click here.

It is in the candidates best interest to apply before 04/05 when a first review of applications will be completed. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.  This job posting may be closed at any time without notice.

Under the supervision of the Long Beach Area Interpretive Specialist, the Interpretive Assistants assist with the research and reference work related to the site interpretive master plan, publications and educational outreach program. The Parks Interpretive Assistant gives cultural and natural history program presentations and supports regional activities related to statewide interpretive programs.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Acts as an interpretive resource for visitors, greets tourists, students and others.
• Participates in revenue generating activities and the collection of entrance fees.
• Presents and assists in guided tours, campfire programs, slide, and movie presentations.
• Responds to questions and correspondence from visitors.
• Assists the Interpretive Specialist with research and reference work relating to site Interpretive Master Plan, educational outreach programs and events.
• Assists in the routine maintenance of site interpretive facilities and resources, trails, and exhibits.
• Cleans exhibit cases, floors, windows, and take out garbage.
• Performs grounds maintenance work such as mowing lawns and assisting with restroom cleaning.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four (4) months experience providing interpretive programs or demonstrations on historical or science based subjects in a public setting.
• Experience working with computers, mobile devices, and other forms of modern technology.
• Valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver’s license.
• Ability to write and speak in the English language.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of (2) two years of college training involving major study in the Pacific Northwest or American History, Anthropology, Geology, Forestry, Archeology, Ecology, or a related field.
• Facility and equipment maintenance experience.
• Photographic or video equipment experience.
• Knowledge of chemistry, electrical theory, biology, geology, or other sciences.
• Knowledge of Native American history, regional history, scientific history, Lewis and Clark or Ice Age Floods.

UNIFORM INFORMATION:
All Parks Interpretive Specialists are required to wear a uniform.  A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of an Interpretive Specialist and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee.  All Parks Interpretive Specialists will receive the same standard uniform that is issued to the Park Ranger series, to include: shirts, pants, shorts, headwear, sweater, belt, necktie, jacket and badge.

HOW TO APPLY
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. Use reference number 02515 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 in chronological order.
• 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.

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 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 Aaron Webster at Aaron.Webster@parks.wa.gov or (360) 642-3098.