Park Aide (Senior Park Aide) Statewide

State of Washington

WA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$21.48–$25.96 Per Hour
SKILLS
Aged Care, Background Investigation, Baseball, Carpentry, Childcare, Collective Bargaining, Compensation and Benefits, Conservation, Custodial Services, Customer Support/Service, Customer Training, Diversity, Driver's License, Electricity, Employee Benefits, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Facebook, Flexible Spending Accounts, GPS (Global Positioning System), Government, Groundskeeping, Hand Tools, Health Maintenance, Healthcare, Housekeeping/Cleaning, Identify Issues, Leadership, Maintenance - Electrical, Maintenance - Plumbing, Maintenance Services, Multitasking, Nonprofit, Parks & Recreation, Plumbing, Project/Program Management, Property Maintenance, Recreation, Resolve Customer Issues, Roofing, Secondary School, Student Loans, Telephone Skills, Time Management, Truck Driver, Twitter, Use Tax, Waste/Garbage/Recycle Collection
LOCATION
WA
POSTED
2 days ago

Park Aide (Senior Park Aide) Statewide

Salary

$21.48 - $25.96 Hourly

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Non-Permanent

Job Number

2026-00250

Department

Parks and Recreation Commission

Opening Date

01/12/2026

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Temporary Washington State Senior Park Aide jobs are perfect for:

  • People who like to get outside and enjoy nature, do physical work, and contribute to a truly important mission - maintaining a fantastic Parks system for everyone!
  • Individuals who are interested in a longer-term career with State Parks. Many permanent staff, including members of our executive team, started their careers as Park Aides or Senior Park Aides.
  • Students who are looking for summer work.
  • Active retirees looking for work that keeps them moving and doing good in the world.

Some benefits you might not know or be thinking about:

  • Temporary positions are eligible for vacation and sick leave.
  • Holiday pay might be available to you depending on when and how long you work.
  • Great teammates who care about their work.
  • Learning and refining a set of very practical and transferrable job skills.
  • Being in nature is good for your physical and mental well-being.
  • Wildlife sightings! From chipmunks and quail, to orcas and moose, and everything in between.

Senior Park Aide jobs can be fun, fulfilling and career starters, but there are a few important things to consider:

  • Weekend work is expected, and you might be asked to work evening shifts.
  • Our Parks are busiest on spring and summer holidays, so we need more of our workers to be on schedule those days. Getting time off around a holiday is not guaranteed.
  • Bathroom cleaning is a task that most Senior Park Aides get to experience fairly regularly.
  • Positions are at least moderately physical - walking, raking, bending, kneeling, lifting and moving lighter items (and heavier ones with assistance).

There may be low-cost housing options and recreation vehicle (trailer, camper, etc.) site for temporary Senior Park Aides this season (must provide own functioning RV for site).

Housing and RV space are available on a first come-first serve basis. Please contact recruitment directly for more information. Contact information is located at the bottom of this job posting.

___

This recruitment will be used to fill multiple non-permanent Senior Park Aide positions located throughout Washington State for the 2026 season. The majority of positions are available and may begin March, April, May, or June and generally are 3-5 months in duration.

Positions in this area typically are scheduled to work 40 hours a week, but we may have ability to offer less than full-time work - over the entire period of employment or for specific periods. If you are interested in less than 40 hours a week, just let us know in the supplemental questions section of the application process.

Please note that Marine Parks may have additional duties to include boating operations. These include Jarrell Cove State Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park, Spencer Spit State Park, Sucia Island Marine State Park, and Moran State Park. Refer to the duties section for more information.

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

Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what's listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement, for more information on employee benefits eligibility visit- Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB)

For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Duties

Under the supervision of the Park Ranger, Senior Park Aides perform a variety of tasks at a State park, beach, or historical area. A typical work day may include anything from registering campers and collecting camp fees, to cleaning facilities, performing grounds maintenance and minor repairs on roads, trails, and campgrounds. The specific duties will have some variation by park location.

Primary duties for all positions include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead Park Aides
  • Perform grounds maintenance and cleaning of all park facilities, including picnic sites, trails, and roads.
  • Assist with interpretive programs, walks, and talks.
  • Register campers, collect, sort, and count revenue; prepare bank transmittals and deposits.
  • Provides park information to visitors and answer phones.
  • Maintains park facilities through light routine and semi-skilled maintenance and janitorial services.
  • Performs maintenance and light repairs on all park trails, picnic areas and campsites.
  • Performs grounds keeping maintenance using power and hand tools to clear brush and trees, prune shrubs, rake leaves, weed and flower bed maintenance.
  • Maintains park lawns using a mower, weed eater, trimmers, and various maintenance tools.
  • Drive light trucks or other state vehicles to transport supplies and equipment within the park area; hauls garbage and litter control.
  • Cleans restrooms and stock cleaning supplies.

Primary duties for Marine Park positions include, but are not limited to:

  • Performs marine vessel operation up to 21 foot in length and safely navigates waterways utilizing GPS and tide charts as well as docking and anchoring vessels.
  • Maintains marine environment facilities to include docks, moorage buoys, and Compost Toilet waste systems.
  • Provides water/boater safety, marine animal, and marine vegetation safety information to visitors and answer phones.

Current Non-Permanent Openings:

  • Columbia Hills Historical State Park located in Easter Region, Klickitat County, Washington
  • Columbia Plateau Trail State Park located in Eastern Region, Adams County, Washington.
  • Fort Townsend Historical State Park located in Southwest Region, Jefferson County, Washington.
  • Jarrell Cove State Park located in Northwest Region, Mason County, Washington.
  • Lake Chelan State Park located in Eastern Region, Chelan County, Washington.
  • Lake Sammamish State Park located in Northwest Region, King County, Washington.
  • Lime Kiln Point State Park located in Northwest Region, San Juan County Washington.
  • Lincoln Rock State Park located in Eastern Region, Douglas County, Washington.
  • Moran State Park located in Northwest Region, San Juan County, Washington.
  • Palouse to Cascades Trail located in Eastern Region, Kittitas County, Washington.
  • Spencer Spit State Park located in Northwest Region, San Juan County, Washington.
  • Sucia Island Marine State Park located in Northwest Region, San Juan County, Washington.
  • Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park located in Eastern Region, Chelan County, Washington.
  • Wanapum State Park located in Eastern Region, Kittitas County, Washington.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Twelve (12) months of experience in building maintenance or grounds keeping, or performing semi-skilled/general carpentry, electrical and/or plumbing repair work.
  • For Sun Lakes Welcome Station Senior Park Aide ONLY: Twelve (12) months of experience as a front-line customer service representative that includes resolving customer inquiries/complaints and educating customers/co-workers on service-related issues.

OR

  • Six (6) months cumulative experience as a Park Aide (or equivalent), or twelve (12) months experience in a special employment program (Washington Conservation Corps) with a parks 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 (except for corrective lenses) drivers license.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.

DESIRED QUALIFICATION:

  • Possess bilingual skills (Spanish language preferred).
  • For Marine Park positions ONLY: Vessel operations.
  • For Marine Park positions ONLY: Completion of Washington State Boaters Safety Course.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

Ability to learn and interpret park rules, area information, and local history and educate park visitors.

Ability to lead and instruct others and follow direction.

Ability to manage multiple projects and maintain organization, communication, and a reasonable completion time and quality.

Ability to operate a variety of hand tools, power tools, and small and large equipment.

Ability to make minor repairs to park buildings and facilities, such as minor electrical, plumbing, and roofing.

Ability to perform janitorial services, including the use of chemicals.

Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods of time.

Ability to work in all weather conditions.

Ability to work Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidays.

Ability to learn about equipment servicing, diagnosing, and maintenance for all types of equipment, large and small.

UNIFORM INFORMATION:

All non-permanent Senior Park Aides are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of a Senior Park Aide and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee. All non-permanent Senior Park Aides will receive 2 shirts, 1 baseball cap, and a clothing stipend of $75.00 per calendar year. Some position may qualify for a $150 clothing stipend depending on the length of the position. Clothing stipends are intended to offset the cost of clothing worn in the workplace such as pants, boots, raingear, etc.

Supplemental Information

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references. It is highly encouraged to attach:

  • A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
  • Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

  • Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
  • For more information on Veterans Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here.

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 applicants 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 an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

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 more information about these positions, please contact recruitment at HR.Recruitment@parks.wa.gov or at (360) 902-8569.

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. Thats 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.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

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 nonovertime 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 nonovertime 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

01

Are you at least 18 years old?

  • Yes
  • No

02

Please select the answer that describes how you meet the required qualifications for the Senior Park Aide.

  • Twelve (12) months of experience in building maintenance or grounds keeping, or performing semi-skilled/general carpentry, electrical, and/or plumbing repair work.
  • Six (6) months cumulative experience as a Park Aide (or equivalent).
  • Twelve (12) months of experience in a special employment program (Washington Conservation Corps) with a parks agency. A combination of experience (WCC and Park Aide) may be used provided the candidate has at least three months of experience as a Park Aide (or equivalent).
  • None of the above.

03

For Sun Lakes-Dry Falls ONLY: Do you have twelve (12) months of experience as a front-line customer service representative that includes resolving customer inquiries/complaints and educating customers/co-workers on service-related issues?

  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you have a valid unrestricted drivers license (other than corrective lenses) AND two (2) years of driving experience?

  • Yes
  • No

05

Describe your experience in building maintenance/grounds keeping or performing semi-skilled general carpentry, electrical and/or plumbing repair work including when and where you gained that experience. If this does not apply, type "N/A".

06

Please describe your experience as a Park Aide (or equivalent) with relevant examples, including dates of employment and name of park location. If this does not apply, type "N/A".

07

Please describe your experience in a special employment program with a parks agency, including dates of employment and name of park location. If this does not apply, type "N/A".

08

Briefly describe why this position interests you and why you would be an asset to Washington State Parks. Additionally, please explain which of the listed competencies in the job posting, you would bring to this position?

09

(For Sun Lakes/Dry Falls State Park) Please describe your experience performing administrative tasks to include: processing registrations, sending notifications, balancing tills, and operating/troubleshooting the Camis Reservation System or other databases. If this does not apply, please enter "N/A".

10

(For Marine Parks only, including, Jarrell Cove, Lime Kiln Point, Moran, Spencer Spit, and Sucia Island). Briefly describe your experience operating vessels. If this does not apply, please answer, "N/A".

11

(For Marine Parks only, including, Jarrell Cove, Lime Kiln, Moran, Spencer Spit, and Sucia Island). Have you completed the Washington State Boaters Safety Course?

  • Yes
  • No

12

Please provide the earliest date you can start and latest date youre available to work until (i.e. May 1 through September 30)?

13

Although most positions are full-time, there may be an option for part-time work. Please choose your work schedule preference.

  • Full-time work
  • Part-time work
  • Open to both full-time or part-time work

14

If you selected part-time work in the previous question, how many hours a week are you willing to work (skip this question if only interested in full-time work)?

  • 35 hours per week
  • 30 hours per week
  • 25 hours per week
  • 20 hours per week
  • Less than 20 hours per week

15

Are you able to hold a casual conversation in a second language? If so, please indicate which language(s)

  • Spanish
  • Russian
  • Vietnamese
  • Tagalog
  • Korean
  • Chinese
  • French
  • Mandarin
  • Cambodian
  • Punjabi
  • Other
  • None

16

How did you hear of this employment opportunity?

  • www.careers.wa.gov
  • Parks website (www.parks.wa.gov)
  • WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
  • Park Ranger
  • Parks employee
  • Professional/Personal Network
  • College/University/High School Career Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Craigslist
  • Indeed
  • Twitter
  • Handshake

17

Please select the Park(s) where you will definitely accept non-permanent employment.

  • Columbia Hills - Klickitat County
  • Columbia Plateau Trail - Adams County
  • Fort Townsend - Jefferson County
  • Jarrell Cove - Mason County
  • Lake Chelan - Chelan County
  • Lake Sammamish - King County
  • Lime Kiln Point - San Juan County
  • Lincoln Rock - Douglas County
  • Moran - San Juan County
  • Palouse to Cascades Trail - Kittitas County
  • Spencer Spit - San Juan County
  • Sucia Island - San Juan County
  • Twenty-Five Mile Creek - Chelan County
  • Wanapum - Grant County

18

I am interested in a position only if housing is available.

  • Yes
  • No

19

I am interested in a position only if an RV site is available. (must provide own functioning RV)

  • Yes
  • No

20

Are you willing to perform janitorial duties, which includes the cleaning of restrooms/toilets, campsites, and picking up litter/garbage?

  • Yes
  • No

21

These positions require a fingerprint criminal background investigation prior to employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov

About the Company

S

State of Washington