Park Aide; Salish Foothills Area Parks

Park Aide (Salish Foothills Area) Multiple Parks

Join to apply for the Park Aide (Salish Foothills Area) Multiple Parks role at State of Washington

2 days ago – be among the first 25 applicants.

Experience the natural beauty of Washington State Parks and get paid to do it!

• Enjoy outdoor activities while contributing to the maintenance of a fantastic Parks system.
• Enter a long‑term career path—many permanent staff began as Park Aides.
• Ideal for students seeking summer work or retirees craving active, meaningful employment.

• Temporary positions are eligible for vacation and sick leave.
• Holiday pay may apply depending on work schedule.
• Collaborate with supportive teammates.
• Develop practical skills that transfer to other careers.
• Enjoy the physical and mental well‑being benefits of working in nature.
• Opportunity to see wildlife from chipmunks to orcas.

• Weekend and evening shifts are expected; holiday work may be required.
• Bathroom cleaning is a frequent task.
• Work is moderately physical (walking, lifting, raking, etc.). If this is not suitable, review announcements for less physical roles.

• Cama Beach State Park – 486‑acre waterfront location.
• Camano Island State Park – 244‑acre park with 6,700 ft of shoreline.
• Rasar State Park – 169‑acre park on the Skagit River.
• Bay View State Park – 25‑acre park on Padilla Bay.

Under the supervision of a Park Ranger, Park Aides perform a variety of tasks across parks, beaches, and historical areas. Typical duties include:

• Maintain facilities through routine cleaning and janitorial services.
• Register campers, collect and count revenue.
• Provide visitor information and answer phone inquiries.
• Perform grounds maintenance: mowing, pruning, weeding, raking leaves, and litter removal.
• Clean rental properties and perform general housekeeping.
• Drive light trucks and state vehicles to transport supplies and remove garbage.
• Drive all‑weather, all‑season work.

• Minimum 17 years old.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.

• Bilingual skills (Spanish preferred).

• Interpret park rules and local history; educate visitors.
• Manage multiple projects with organization and effective communication.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, and small equipment.
• Perform maintenance on park buildings and facilities.
• Conduct janitorial duties, including chemical use.
• Perform physical labor for extended periods.
• Work in all weather conditions.
• Available for weekends, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

All non‑permanent Park Aides wear a uniform: 2 shirts, 1 baseball cap, and a clothing stipend ($75/year, $150 for longer terms). The uniform helps establish a professional identity.

To be considered, complete the online application at State Parks Jobs. For veteran preference, attach required documentation (DD‑214, NGB 22, USDVA). Background checks (including criminal history) precede hiring. The position is part of the non‑supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from under‑represented groups, including women, Black, Indigenous, people of color, individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, veterans, and members of the 2

SLGBTQ+ community.

Contact recruitment ruitment.gov or call (360) 902‑8569.

All applicants with legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

While many benefits detailed here are for full‑time employees, temporary roles typically receive vacation and sick leave. Additional benefits include health, dental, and life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and retirement options through Washington Public Employees' Retirement System.

Vacations, holidays, sick leave, military leave, bereavement leave, and other leave policies follow state regulations and the applicable collective bargaining agreement.