Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission  

AGENCY PROFILE                                                                                                                                                                                        
Washington 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 a full-time, permanent, Parks Interpretive Assistant position at Goldendale Observatory State Park, located in Klickitat County, Washington.

For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

This posting will remain open until filled. It is in the candidate’s best interest to apply before April 1st 2021 when a first review of applicants will be completed. The hiring authority reserves the right to fill this position at any time after that date without notice.

If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager listed in the “Supplemental Information” section of this publication.

The Goldendale Observatory is a newly remodeled astronomical observatory interpretive center which is the focal point for the area’s interpretive support and tourism.  Under the direct supervision of the Parks Interpretive Specialist 2, the Interpretive Assistant will support the interpretive programs of Goldendale Observatory State Park by acting as an interpretive resource and providing a clean, safe, and engaging environment to park visitors.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Act as interpretive resource for the visitor center.  Greets tourists, students and other organized groups.  Presents and assists in guided tours, outdoor programs, and audio/video presentations.
• Market and sell gift shop items and WA State Discover Passes.  Maintain and submit transaction logs and tabulate donations and other income.  Provide information to park visitors and respond to telephone and written inquiries from visitors.
• Assist in the maintenance of archival materials and inventory records.  Assist with the development of interpretive materials and exhibits.
• Assist with research and reference work relating to the site’s Interpretive Master Plan and educational outreach programs.
• Assist with facility cleaning, restocking, equipment maintenance and minor repairs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED.
• One (1) year of experience providing interpretive programs or demonstrations on historical or science-based subjects in a public setting OR one (1) year of experience in the performing arts.
• Strong proficiency with high-technology including computers, mobile devices and AV systems.
• Valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver’s license.

We are also looking for someone with:

• Broad scientific interest.
• Experience with general astronomy and telescope operations.
• Experience with photography or videography and/or post-processing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to comfortably work with children.
• Ability to easily adapt to changing business needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The successful candidate for this position will work indoors and outdoors and must be able to hike over rough terrain for up to 1 mile and climb a latter to a height of 12 feet.  This position entails a Thursday through Sunday working schedule which includes work in reduced lighting and working until midnight.

UNIFORM INFORMATION:
All Interpretive staff are required to wear a uniform.  Interpretation has a long history in park systems in Washington state, the professional interpreter image evokes a positive public reaction that is supported by the uniform. There are a series of uniform items issued for this position.

HOW TO APPLY
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. Use reference number 01423 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.
• 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.

This position is included in the non-supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).  For more information: http://www.dop.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 Troy Carpenter at Troy.Carpenter@parks.wa.gov or (509) 773-3141.