Senior Park Aide (Kopachuck State Park) Permanent

State of Washington

Gig Harbor, WA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$44,856–$54,204 Per Year
SKILLS
Administrative Skills, Aged Care, Background Investigation, Baseball, Carpentry, Childcare, Cleaning Equipment, Collective Bargaining, Communication Skills, Community Support, Compensation and Benefits, Conservation, Construction, Custodial Services, Customer Support/Service, Detail Oriented, Diversity, Driver's License, Electricity, Employee Benefits, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Flexible Spending Accounts, Government, Groundskeeping, Hand Tools, Health Maintenance, Healthcare, Housekeeping/Cleaning, Identify Issues, Landscaping, Leadership, Maintenance - Electrical, Maintenance - Plumbing, Maintenance Services, Multitasking, Nonprofit, Painting (Facilities and Maintenance), Parks & Recreation, Plumbing, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Project/Program Management, Property Maintenance, Reconciliation, Record Keeping, Recreation, Regulations, Retail Sales, Roofing, Staff Training, Student Loans, Team Player, Telephone Skills, Training/Teaching, Use Tax, Waste/Garbage/Recycle Collection
LOCATION
Gig Harbor, WA
POSTED
6 days ago

Senior Park Aide (Kopachuck State Park) Permanent

Salary

$44,856.00 - $54,204.00 Annually

Location

Pierce County - Gig Harbor, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Permanent

Job Number

2026-05822

Department

Parks and Recreation Commission

Opening Date

07/17/2026

Closing Date

7/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title: Senior Park Aide

Location: Gig Harbor, WA

Closes: July 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Position Status: This is a permanent position.

This opportunity is internal only and limited to current Washington State Parks employees only.

___

About the position:

Under the supervision of a Park Ranger, this position is essential to Washington State Parks mission of operating, enhancing, interpreting and protecting our parks recreational, cultural, historical and natural sites. This Senior Park Aide will assist and contribute toward all aspects of park operations and will lead work responsibilities.

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

The Senior Park Aide position plays a vital role in the success of Kopachuck State Park by providing ultimate leadership to staff and care for all aspects of the park. In this position you will lead seasonal staff on daily assignments as well as special projects. You will be a leader in all aspects of park maintenance, customer service, and seasonal staff training.

This position will be filled with someone who enjoys working in the outdoors, is enthusiastic about working both in a team and individual environment, and is confident in their skills and abilities to be detail oriented with an overall goal of improving Kopachuck State Park, providing an experience to visitors that connects all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage, and providing memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives. Kopachuck State Park now has a popular event space that is a desired location for weddings, work retreats and community functions. As the park's Senior Park Aide, one should expect minor building cleaning and maintenance, groundskeeping, and park improvement projects as part of their regular routine. This position holds room for growth in learning Washington State Parks processes with Special Activity Permits, Commercial Use Permits and general park administration. Become a member of the Kopachuck State Park Team as the Senior Park Aide!

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Leads Park Aides.
  • Assists Construction and Maintenance staff with completion of projects.
  • Answers phones and provides information to the public.
  • Cleans and performs maintenance on picnic sites and park buildings including restrooms, trails, roads, removing and disposing of ashes from stoves and BBQs, clean tables, pick-up and dispose of litter, remove debris from grounds with hand tools and larger equipment, maintain light fixtures, and painted surfaces.
  • Maintains Park lawns using a mower, weed eaters, trimmers and various other tools. This includes cleaning the equipment, fueling and maintaining, recording use and reporting any problems.
  • Assists rangers in maintaining all facilities in a condition that is operationally functional, clean in appearance, and safe for the public and staff, including park grounds, structures, utility systems, vehicles, equipment, tools, trails, fences, restrooms, turf, and irrigation systems.
  • Performs noxious weed control, parking lot maintenance, restroom cleaning, and trash collection.
  • Independently operates Park vehicles to perform maintenance duties.
  • Provides information including educating the public regarding park rules and regulations, local events, activities, walks and talks, and historic information.
  • Assists with interpretive programs and develops displays and events; prepares attendance and interpretive reports.
  • Collects, sorts, and counts park revenues.
  • Completes and assists with administrative duties as needed; to include monthly equipment and safety logs, reconciliation of funds collected, timesheets, and fuel and oil logs.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Option 1:

  • Twelve (12) months of experience in building maintenance or grounds keeping, or performing semi-skilled/general carpentry, electrical and/or plumbing repair work and a valid unrestricted drivers license (other than corrective lenses) and at least 18 years old.

Option 2:

  • Six (6) months cumulative experience as a Park Aide (or equivalent) and a valid unrestricted drivers license (other than corrective lenses) and at least 18 years old.

Option 3:

  • Twelve (12) months experience in a special employment program (Washington Conservation Corps) with a parks agency. A combination of experience (WCC and Park Aide) may be used provided candidate has at least three months experience as a Park Aide (or equivalent) and a valid unrestricted drivers license (other than corrective lenses) and at least 18 years old.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ability to work independently or lead others while using good judgement and problem-solving skills in decision making.
  • Awareness and willingness to follow safety policies and protocols.
  • Promotes cooperation and 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.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

  • Ability to make minor repairs to park buildings and facilities, such as minor electrical, plumbing, and roofing.
  • Ability to learn and interpret park rules, area information, and local history and educate park visitors.
  • Ability to lead and instruct others and follow direction.
  • 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 and large equipment.
  • 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, evenings and holidays.
  • Ability to learn about equipment servicing, diagnosing, and maintenance for all types of equipment, large and small.
  • Ability to learn and grow, adapt to change and apply new approaches, learn to navigate systems, processes, tools, and technology, and increase and develop knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Ability to take action to meet the needs of others, collaborate with others to overcome challenges and find solutions, increase access, opportunities, and positive outcomes for others, and help and support people and communities from all backgrounds.

Uniform Information: All permanent Senior Park Aides are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of a Senior Park Aide and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee. This position will receive 4 shirts within the first year (2 shirts per calendar year after year 1), 1 jacket (per 5 calendar years), 1 baseball cap, a clothing stipend of $150.00 per calendar year. Stipends are intended to offset the cost of clothing worn in the workplace such as pants, boots, raingear, etc.

Supplemental Information

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 Veterans Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here.

About Parks:

Want to join a great organization? The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful-parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. Parks is staffed with nearly 1,000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees youll find anywhere. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Note: This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed position(s) is(are) filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional position(s) for up to sixty (60) days.

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.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

For information about this recruitment or Parks hiring process, please contact Jenee Kramer at Jenee.Kramer@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8569.

For information about this position, please contact Ian Clazie at Ian.Clazie@parks.wa.gov or (253) 884-2514.

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

I am a current Washington State Parks employee. NOTE: This opportunity is internal only and limited to current Washington State Parks employees only. If you are not a current Parks employee, you will not be considered for this position.

  • Yes
  • No

02

List your current position at Washington State Parks. Include job title/classification and location.

03

Please select the answer that describes how you meet the required qualifications for the Senior Park Aide.

  • Twelve (12) months of experience in building maintenance or grounds keeping, or performing semi-skilled/general carpentry, electrical, and/or plumbing repair work.
  • Six (6) months cumulative experience as a Park Aide (or equivalent).
  • Twelve (12) months of experience in a special employment program (Washington Conservation Corps) with a parks agency. A combination of experience (WCC and Park Aide) may be used provided the candidate has at least three months of experience as a Park Aide (or equivalent).
  • None of the above.

04

Describe how you meet the qualifications in question #3. If this does apply, please enter "N/A".

05

Are you at least 18 years old?

  • Yes
  • No

06

Do you have a valid unrestricted drivers license (other than corrective lenses)?

  • Yes
  • No

07

Are you willing to perform janitorial duties, which includes the cleaning of restrooms/toilets, campsites, and picking up litter/garbage?

  • Yes
  • No

08

How much professional experience do you have with building maintenance or grounds keeping/landscaping, or performing semi-skilled general carpentry, electrical, plumbing or small engine repair work?

  • I have none of this experience.
  • I have 1 - 11 months of experience.
  • I have 12 - 23 months of experience.
  • I have 24 - 35 months of experience.
  • I have 36 - 47 months of experience.
  • I have 48 months or more of experience.

09

How much professional experience do you have with customer service, campground registration, computers, or retail sales?

  • I have none of this experience.
  • I have 1 - 11 months of experience.
  • I have 12 - 23 months of experience.
  • I have 24 - 35 months of experience.
  • I have 36 - 47 months of experience.
  • I have 48 months or more of experience.

10

Please briefly describe your experience in customer service, campground registration, computers, or retail sales. If this does not apply, enter "N/A.

11

This position requires a fingerprint criminal background investigation prior to employment. 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. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?

  • Yes
  • No

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

About the Company

S

State of Washington