Park Aide (Upper Cowlitz Area) Multiple Parks Salary $18.33 - $23.67 Hourly Location Multiple Locations Statewide, WA Job Type Full Time - Non-Permanent Job Number 2026-00255 Department Parks and Recreation Commission Opening Date 01/12/2026 Closing Date 6/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step Description Benefits Questions Description Experience the natural beauty of Washington State Parks and get paid to do it!Temporary Washington State Park Aide jobs are perfect for: People who like to get outside and enjoy nature, do physical work, and contribute to a truly important mission - maintaining a fantastic Parks system for everyone! Individuals who are interested in a longer-term career with State Parks. Many permanent staff, including members of our executive team, started their careers as Park Aides. Students who are looking for summer work. Active retirees looking for work that keeps them moving and doing good in the world. Less than full-time work is a possibility in many locations.
Some benefits you might not know or be thinking about: Temporary positions are eligible for vacation and sick leave. Holiday pay might be available to you depending on when and how long you work. Great teammates who care about their work. Learning and refining a set of very practical and transferrable job skills. Being in nature is good for your physical and mental well-being. Wildlife sightings! From chipmunks and quail, to orcas and moose, and everything in between. Park Aide jobs can be fun, fulfilling and career starters, but there are a few important things to consider:
Weekend work is expected, and you might be asked to work evening shifts. Our Parks are busiest on spring and summer holidays, so we need more of our workers to be on schedule those days. Getting time off around a holiday is not guaranteed. Bathroom cleaning is a task that most Park Aides get to experience fairly regularly. Most positions are at least moderately physical - walking, raking, bending, kneeling, lifting and moving lighter items (and heavier ones with assistance). If that is not appropriate for you, but you are still interested, read the announcement carefully to determine if there might be a position dedicated to less physical work at the park(s) you are interested in.
The following parks have low-cost options for a recreational vehicle (trailer, camper, etc.) site for temporary Park Aides this season (most require you to provide own functioning RV, vary in size accommodation): Ike Kinswa State Park, Lewis and Clark State Park, Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center, and Seaquest State Park. RV spots are available on a first come-first serve basis. Please contact recruitment directly for more information. Contact information is located at the bottom of this job posting.
This recruitment will be used to fill multiple non-permanent Park Aide positions located throughout the Upper Cowlitz Area; Ike Kinswa, Lewis and Clark, Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center, and Seaquest State Parks. The majority of positions are available and may begin March, April, May, or June and generally are 3-5 months in duration. The number of vacancies and housing availability will vary from park to park. Positions in this area typically are scheduled to work 40 hours a week, but we may have ability to offer less than full-time work - over the entire period of employment or for specific periods. If you are interested in less than 40 hours a week, just let us know in the supplemental questions section of the application process.
This position is not eligible to telework, as physical in-office presence is required to perform essential functions. Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what's listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement, for more information on employee benefits eligibility visit - Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB) Park Aide Recruitment Video - Typical Day - Washington State Parks To read about other current and former Park Aides experiences, click Here!
Job Details
Ike Kinswa State Park - (located in Lewis County) is a 454-acre camping park with 46,000-feet of freshwater shoreline on the north side of Mayfield Lake. The park provides good fishing, recreational boating, and opportunities for swimming and childrens play. The campsites are forested and available year-round.
Lewis and Clark State Park- (located in Lewis County) is a 621-acre camping park situated in one of the last major stands of old-growth forest in the state. Coniferous trees, streams, wetlands, dense vegetation, and wet prairie comprise the park environment. The park contains a vast stand of rare old-growth forest. It is a Civilian Conservation Corps park, and many of the buildings constructed by the corps remain in use today.
Seaquest State Park- (located in Cowlitz County) is a 475-acre, year-round camping park and the Gateway to Mount St. Helens National Monument. Just across Spirit Lake Highway from the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center and 1 hour from the Blast zone of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, there are 6 miles of hiking trails in the park and seasonal fishing, boating and swimming are available nearby.
Duties
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.
Primary duties include, but are not limited to:
Required Qualifications
Must be a minimum of 17 years old. Possess a valid (unrestricted) drivers license. - If your DL is out of state (other than WA State), you will be required to show proof of a valid and current unrestricted drivers license at the time of the interview.
Desired Qualifications
Possess bilingual skills (Spanish language preferred).
Job Specific Competencies
Ability to learn and interpret park rules, area information, and local history and educate park visitors. Ability to manage multiple projects and maintain organization, communication, and a reasonable completion time and quality. Ability to operate a variety of hand tools, power tools, and small equipment. Ability to perform general maintenance to park buildings and facilities. Ability to perform janitorial services, including the use of chemicals. Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods of time. Ability to work in all weather conditions. Ability to work Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Ability to learn about equipment servicing, diagnosing, and maintenance.
Uniform Information
All non-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 non-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.
Application Instructions
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at State Parks Jobs.
Veteran Preference
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 Veterans Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here.
Background Check
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 but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Diversity Policy Statement
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.
Applicant Information
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.
Benefits
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