Park Aide (Kanaskat-Palmer State Park) Permanent

Full Job Description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title: Park Aide
Location: Ravensdale, WA
Closes: April 2nd, 2026, at 5 p.m. Park housing is not available for this position.

The Tahoma Gateway Area East is a hidden gem of forest, natural resources, and recreation just outside the city. A great way to connect with nature without disconnecting from everyday life. With four parks with their own unique features, this area offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities, including camping, kayaking, special events, and river and lake floating to a diverse and passionate set of visitors.

This position is not only full-time, but year-round. This is something that is hard to find in a park aide position, and it is a first for our area. Looking for someone who is hard-working and passionate about the outdoors to join our growing team!

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

Under the supervision of the Park Ranger, 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, mowing lawns, or explaining park rules. The specific duties will have some variation by park location.

Requirements

Primary duties include, but are not limited to:
Facilities Maintenance:

• Daily routine inspection and cleaning of comfort stations, CXTs, and lodge using appropriate chemical cleaners.
• Follows posted cleaning procedures to clean toilets, urinals, sinks, walls, shower stalls, floors, etc.
• Restocks paper supplies and empty garbage cans, as needed.
• Routinely inspects and cleans other park facilities including the park shop, picnic shelters, and contact station.
• Hauls garbage with park pickup; litter pickup in all areas, as needed.
• Cleans campsites and picnic sites with hand tools.

Grounds Maintenance:

• Mows and trims all lawn areas at least once per week; operates a riding mower, push mower, weed trimmers, backpack blowers, and other power tools/hand tools.
• Trims trees, shrubs and other vegetation using chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and appropriate hand tools.
• Maintains, inspects, and repairs trail system using appropriate power and hand tools.

Equipment Maintenance:

• Maintains, cleans, and inspects all vehicles, powers and hand tools that are assigned or used to complete assigned tasks.

Public Relations:

• Provides excellent public service by providing park visitors information and answering questions regarding park facilities, park rules and regulations, park passes, reservations, and local attractions and events.
• Reports violations or other problems to park rangers.
• Cross trains to work in the park contact station registering campers and selling park passes and/or merchandise.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a minimum of 17 years old.
• Possess a valid, unrestricted driver's license (except corrective lenses).

DESIRED QUALIFICATION:

• First aid and CPR certification

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently while using good judgement and problem-solving skills in decision making.
• Awareness and willingness to follow safety policies and protocols.
• Promotes cooperation and an eagerness and capacity to learn new skills.
• Self-starter who can see a project through to completion.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
Sanitation & Facility Stewardship

• The ability to follow strict chemical protocols to maintain comfort stations, lodges, and campsites to "treasured land" standards.

Technical Grounds Maintenance

• Proficiency in operating and maintaining heavy landscaping equipment (riding mowers, chainsaws, weed trimmers). Technical skills to repair trail systems and trim vegetation safely.

Public Relations & Conflict De-escalation

• As the "face of the park." This requires excellent verbal communication to provide info on passes and rules, but also the judgment to identify and report violations to Rangers without escalating the situation yourself.

Administrative & Financial Accuracy

• Requires the understanding of basic math, POS (Point of Sale) skills and accuracy in registering campers and selling merchandise is vital for state audit compliance.

Mission-Driven Reliability

• Personal accountability in supporting "day-to-day operations", creating memorable experiences to the public.

The Ability to take Action to Learn and Grow:

• Adapting to change and applying new approaches.
• Identifying and innovating opportunities and solutions.
• Taking responsibility for learning and adapting, rather than relying on others to fill gaps.

The Ability to take Action to Meet the Needs of Others:

• Asking questions to understand and meet the needs of others.
• Collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.
• Adapting communication and approaches to different communities and individuals.

Requirements:
Uniform: All permanent Park Aides are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of a Park Aide and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee. All permanent Park Aides will receive 2 shirts, 1 baseball cap, and a clothing stipend of $75.00 per calendar year. Some positions 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.

Working Conditions: Position works five (5) days a week, requiring evenings, weekends, and holidays. Core working hours are typically 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Work schedules are expected to be adjusted based on business needs. A flexible work schedule will be considered at the incumbent's request but is subject to supervisory approval. Work schedule will vary based on season dates. This position works primarily in a park or field setting including indoor and outdoor work environments. Tasks vary which require attending to customer service and maintenance needs in various weather conditions including inclement weather and work must be performed in all types of terrain. This position may be required to travel periodically between parks and/or statewide for meetings, training, and other field work, overnight. Travel will be necessary in all types of weather conditions and climates.

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 Veteran's Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here.

Additional Information

About Parks:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission provides policy direction for one of the largest, most diverse, and beautiful state parks systems in the country. The state park system is comprised of 124 state parks and properties covering over 138,000 acres throughout the state. The park system includes marine parks, heritage sites, historic parks, interpretive centers, retreat centers, ocean beaches and hundreds of miles of trails. The agency is also responsible for the state’s winter recreation program, boating safety and vessel pump out program and numerous contracted concession operations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency.


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.

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 information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Jenee Kramer at Jenee.Kramer@parks.wa.gov or 360-902-8569.

For more information about this position, please contact Krystal Miller at Krystal.Miller@parks.wa.gov or 253-263-6001.

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.