Internship - WA State Parks (DOD Skillbridge) Multiple Locations
Salary
$0.00 Monthly
Location
Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type
Internship
Job Number
2026-00128
Department
Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date
01/01/2026
Description
This internship opportunity is only open to active duty service members who are with 180 days of their transition date.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (WSPRC) is looking for transitioning service members who are interested in participating in the DOD Skillbridge Internship Program for 2026. This program is specifically aimed at servicemembers who are in their last 90-180 days of service that are interested in learning more about State Parks Rangers (enforcement), operations, interpretation or maintenance. Learn more about this exciting opportunity go to the DOD SkillBridge website and get started today!
The availability of the duty stations for these positions are state-wide through 26 separate internship opportunities by geographical parks management area. These internships require in person on-site at the park. For more information on Washington State Parks and their locations please visit our website, click here!
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Washington State Parks and Recreation provides these fantastic opportunities in our beautiful settings. Many people join Skillbridge to gain professional development skills or "try out" a position similar to one they're thinking of making a career in - such as teaching or environmental habitat restoration. These opportunities to gain real-world experience which gives you the advantage for follow on, full-time employment post separation/retirement. No guarantee is made for follow-on employment with WSPRC, although we have a good track record of bringing on our interns for full-time work.
Whatever the initial reason, by the end of their service term, Skillbridge members realize the impact that the service itself has had on them; forever changing the way they view and interact with the world around them.
At this time, we offer three potential internship tracks- Park Ranger/stewardship, Operations/ construction, and Park Interpretation/education.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Be a military service member with enough service time remaining prior to your date of discharge to participate in a 120-180 day program and you have at least 180 continuous days of active service
Please DO NOT apply if youre more than 12 months out from your Terminal Leave date.
Obtain approval from your unit commander, and agree that participation in SkillBridge can be terminated at any time by the Service if mission requirements dictate.
Agree to and complete a Background Check (This position requires a fingerprint criminal background investigation prior to an approved internship; background checks are used in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform as an intern).
Unrestricted Drivers License (other than corrective lenses).
Must be able to work weekends, holidays, nights, days, and 40 hours a week.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
POTENTIAL OBJECTIVES AND DUTIES:
Core Competencies:
Accountability
Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of their work. Can be relied upon to achieve excellent results.
Communication Effectiveness
Conveys clear, timely and persuasive message that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
Customer Focus
Builds and maintains internal and external customer satisfaction with the services offered by the organization.
Ethics and Integrity
Earns the trust, respect and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions.
Inclusiveness
Actively contributes to a work environment that embraces building relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders, recognizing the value of cultural, ethnic, gender and other individual differences, to enhance the attainment of organizational goals.
Take actions to learn and grow
Increase and develop knowledge, skills and abilities. Learns to navigate systems, processes, tools, and technology.
Take action to meet the needs of others
Helping and supporting people and communities from all backgrounds. Welcome and valuing different identities and perspectives. Collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.
Salary and Benefits
Since the participating intern is still on active duty, the DOD covers Military pay and benefits during a service member's time in this internship program continuing their salary at their current level. Please visit their website if you have questions http://skillbridge.osd.mil/military-members.htm. * These internships are funded through the DOD and do not include state salary or benefits.
Note: This internship includes criminal background checks completed through fingerprints, per state law. Candidates will be notified in a timely manner. Internship start date is fully negotiable.
HOW TO APPLY:
If you have questions regarding our Skillbridge internship program please email HR.Skillbridge@parks.wa.gov.
Thank You for your interest in volunteering with Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission! We look forward to hearing from you!
Supplemental 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 Washingtons 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. For more information on Washington State parks please visit click here!
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 this recruitment or Parks internship process, please contact Wendy Vandel at HR.Skillbridge@parks.wa.gov or call (360) 902-8688.
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 a active duty service member with at least 180 days of service or more remaining prior to your date of discharge, with at least 180 continuous days of active service?
02
Choose your branch of Service.
03
Current Military Installation.
04
Retirement or separation date.
05
Terminal Leave date.
06
Please provide the proposed dates you would be available (start and end dates).
07
Have you already spoken with your Chain of Command about your ability to participate in the DOD Skillbridge Program?
08
How many days have you been pre-approved for?
09
Briefly describe why this internship interests you and why you would be an asset to Washington State Parks.
10
Which of the following best describes your level of education.
11
If you have attended college, what is/was your degree focus? if this does not apply, type "NA".
12
This internship works heavily with the public. What do you like about customer service? What do you find is the most difficult part of working in customer service?
13
Are you willing to perform janitorial duties, which may include the cleaning of restrooms/toilets, campsites, picking up litter/garbage?
14
Describe what power equipment you feel comfortable using.
15
What types of maintenance skills do you feel comfortable with?
16
Which of following best describes your experience in public speaking and presenting?
17
Which of following best describes your comfort level with public speaking and presenting?
18
Which best describes your level of experience in training/teaching others?
19
Which best describes your level of experience in leading or assisting with youth activities (K-12)?
20
Do you have a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) drivers license? Please attach a copy of the license to your application.
21
The next three (3) questions reference your desired location. Please be very specific about locations where youre interested in an internship at. Do not chose more than a few locations across all three regions, if you can narrow it down to two or three options, that would be best. If you choose multiple locations, managers may choose NOT to reach out to you and may move forward with other candidates, that are specifically interested in their park system. These internships DO NOT come with housing, so keep this in mind when requesting a location.
22
The following area locations may be available for internships in Northwest Region. Please choose the location you are interested in obtaining an internship with (Please do not select all, be very specific).
23
The following area locations may be available for internships in Southwest Region. Please choose the location you are interested in obtaining an internship with (Please do not select all, be very specific).
24
The following area locations may be available for internships in Eastern Region. Please choose the location you are interested in obtaining an internship with (Please do not select all, be very specific).
25
This internship requires a fingerprint criminal background investigation prior to acceptance and will be considered in determining suitability and competence to perform in the position. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of the internship?
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