Parks Interpretive Assistant; Crawford State Park

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title: Parks Interpretive Assistant

Location: Metaline Falls, WA

Closes: March 14th, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Position Status: This is a non-permanent position.
The expected duration of this 4-month, non-permanent appointment is May 16th, 2026, through September 15, 2026.

Housing is available at a low-cost rate. Crawford State Park has a studio apartment with kitchen and bathroom. For information about housing and pictures, please contact HR.Recruitment.gov.

Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what’s listed in the benefits tab. For more information on employee benefits eligibility, visit the Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB).

This position supports the interpretive program of the Inland Northwest Spokane Area, specifically Gardner Cave at Crawford State Park, by acting as an interpretive resource and providing a clean and safe environment for park visitors.

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

As an interpretive assistant at Crawford State Park, you’ll have the chance to guide visitors through a highly unique and fascinating resource:
Gardner Cave. Thousands of visitors are drawn annually to see this exceptional limestone formation. You will spend workdays interacting with the public, presenting original interpretive programs, and helping maintain interpretive facilities.

Spend the summer in one of the most beautiful corners of the state, exploring amazing geological features and carrying out highly rewarding interpretive work.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Acts as an interpretive resource for visitors, greets tourists, students and other organized groups.
• Presents and assists in guided cave tours.
• Assists with record keeping activities.
• Responds to questions and correspondence from visitors.
• Assists the Interpretive Specialist with research and reference work relating to site Interpretive Master Plan, and educational outreach programs.
• Assists in maintenance of artifact accession and inventory records.
• Assists with the development of interpretive materials and exhibits.
• Assists in the routine maintenance of site interpretive facilities and resources, trails, such as cleaning and garbage checks.
• Performs grounds maintenance work such as mowing lawns and assisting with restroom cleaning.
• Collects revenue generating fees from Iron Ranger; enters collected funds into Camis software and performs daily reconciliations.

• Two (2) years' experience in historic preservation, historic or natural science research, or interpretation and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

• Two (2) years of college training involving major study in Pacific Northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or related field and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

• A combination of college training involving major study in Pacific Northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or related field and experience in historic preservation, historic or natural science research, or interpretation that equals up to two (2) years and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

• Ability to work independently while using good judgement and problem-solving skills in decision making.
• Awareness and willingness to follow safety policies and protocols.
• Take direction and has an eagerness and adaptability to learn new skills.
• Take initiative and see a project through completion.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Acts as an interpretive resource and leading guided cave tours. Has the ability to engage diverse groups (students, tourists, etc.) and deliver information clearly and enthusiastically.

• Requires a professional and welcoming demeanor while greeting visitors, answering phone calls, and responding to correspondence.

• Involves…