Park Aide; Upper Cowlitz Area Parks

Park Aide (Upper Cowlitz Area) Multiple Parks

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

People who like to get outside, enjoy nature, do physical work, and contribute to maintaining a fantastic parks system may find a long‑term career here. Students looking for summer work and active retirees seeking part‑time opportunities are also welcome.

• Vacation and sick leave eligibility
• Potential holiday pay
• Great teammates and learning opportunities
• Practical transferable skills
• Physical and mental well‑being in nature
• Wildlife sightings

Positions may be less than full‑time and include weekend or evening work. Parks are busiest during spring and summer holidays; time off around holidays is not guaranteed.

These positions are located at Ike Kinswa, Lewis and Clark, Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center, and Seaquest State Parks. RV spots are first‑come, first‑serve. Contact recruitment directly for more information.

Under the supervision of the Park Ranger, Park Aides perform a variety of tasks including registering campers, collecting fees, cleaning facilities, mowing lawns, and providing park information. Duties vary by location.

• Maintain park facilities through light routine maintenance and janitorial services.
• Perform grounds maintenance (cutting grass, weeding, pruning, raking leaves, picking up litter).
• Operate mower, weed eater, trimmer, and maintenance tools.
• Provide information and answer phones.
• Register campers, collect and process revenue; prepare bank transmittals.
• Perform daily garbage collection.
• Clean restrooms and stock supplies.
• Clean rental properties and perform housekeeping (washing windows, mopping, sweeping).
• Drive light trucks or other state vehicles for supplies and garbage hauling.

• Minimum 17 years old.
• Valid unrestricted driver’s license (provide proof if out of state).

• Bilingual skills (Spanish preferred).

• Learn and interpret park rules and local history.
• Manage multiple projects accurately.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, and small equipment.
• Perform general building and facility maintenance.
• Perform janitorial services, including chemicals.
• Perform extended physical labor.
• Work in all weather conditions.
• Work Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

All non‑permanent Park Aides wear a uniform and receive two shirts, a baseball cap, and a $75 per‑year clothing stipend (up to $150 for longer positions).

Complete the online application. Veterans may attach DD‑214 or other verification; blackout PII. For veteran preference instructions, .

Background checks (criminal record) will be conducted before hire.

This 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. We encourage applicants from underrepresented groups, including women, Black, Indigenous, people of color, people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, veterans, people over 40, and 2

SLGBTQ+ community members.

For more information, contact recruitment ruitment.gov or (360) 902‑8569.

All applicants with legal right to work in the U.S. are encouraged to apply.