Statewide Concessions Program (PS5)

Statewide Concessions Program (PS5)

Salary

$71,136.00 - $95,676.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-07179

Department

Parks and Recreation Commission

Opening Date

09/01/2026

Closing Date

9/15/2026 11:55 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: Statewide Concessions Program (PS5)

Location: Lacey, WA.

Closes: September 15th, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. PDT

Travel: This position may require periodic travel to parks throughout the State Park system.

Washington State Parks is seeking an experienced and motivated Statewide Concession Program Manager to provide strategic direction, program development, and operational oversight to ensure high-quality visitor services delivered through third-party operators. The Concessions Manager establishes program standards, manages complex agreements, and collaborates closely with internal and external partners to advance agency goals, protect public assets, and enhance visitor experience.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, forward-thinking leader with a strong foundation in program management, agreement development, and hospitality or service-contract oversight. They bring demonstrated experience guiding complex, multi-stakeholder programs, and a track record of shaping clear standards, policies, and operational practices that elevate service quality across diverse locations. They excel at building productive relationships with concessionaires, business partners, local governments, and internal teams, and they navigate negotiations, compliance requirements, and risk considerations with confidence and sound judgment.

This candidate pairs strong analytical skills-financial analysis, business planning, and operational evaluation-with the ability to communicate complex information to varied audiences. They are adept at resolving issues, supporting field staff, and representing the program in high-visibility discussions. They thrive in a role that requires statewide leadership, strategic alignment, and thoughtful stewardship of public assets. Above all, they are collaborative, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning, innovation, and delivering exceptional visitor experiences through third-party operators.

Duties

Some of the job duties include:

Program Leadership:

• Leads the statewide Concessions Program, establishing program vision, goals, and performance standards.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure consistent, high-quality concession operations across the agency.
• Provides internal customer service working with multiple stakeholder programs, provides clear standards, policies, and operational practices that elevate service quality across diverse locations.

Agreement Development and Compliance:

• Lead development, negotiation, and execution of concession agreements, including new opportunities and renewals. Cultivates new business relationships and fills open concession opportunities through targeted marketing and competitive recruitment processes.
• Conducts financial, operational and risk analysis to inform agreement terms. Verifies sales accuracy, cash controls, inventory integrity, and compliance with organizational and regulatory standards according to agreement terms.
• Ensure agreements comply with applicable laws, agency policies, grant funding restrictions, and public asset stewardship requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Builds and maintains relationships with concessionaires, business partners, local governments, and community organizations.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for concession operators, resolving issues and facilitating successful partnerships.
• Develop program reports, briefings, and presentations for agency leadership. Compiles correspondence, statistics, and program data in response to public records requests, inquiries from agency leadership, and requests from external agencies.

Schedule: Generally, Monday through Friday with core work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Incumbent may be expected to adjust the work scheduled to meet business needs- occasional evening or weekends work may be required. A flexible or hybrid work schedule will be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval.

Work Setting: This position works primarily in an office or home office environment.

Travel: This position will require periodic travel between parks, throughout the State Park system. Travel will be required for statewide meetings, concessionaire meetings, or public engagement. You must have the ability to operate a state vehicle.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

A bachelor's degree* in business administration or related field AND four (4) years of experience developing, negotiating, or managing agreements, contracts, or business partnerships.

• Additional qualifying experience can substitute year-for-year for education up to four years.

Strong communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate across teams and disciplines

Ability to travel independently to remote park locations throughout the state.

Desirable:

• Experience leading complex programs, projects, or operational functions involving multiple stakeholders.

• Experience interpreting and applying policies, regulations, or legal requirements.

• Experience in concessions, commercial operations, public - private partnerships, or related fields

• Experience in parks, recreation, natural resources, or public sector environments.

• Experience with financial analysis, business planning, or revenue-generating operations.

• Experience with stakeholder engagement, vendor management, or community partnerships.

• Experience managing hospitality services or service contracts.

• Experience in the parks and recreation field.

Core Competencies:

Technical Expertise - managing hospitality services or service contracts. Experience leading complex programs, projects or operational functions that demonstrate advanced knowledge of developing, negotiating, or managing agreements, contracts, or business partnerships.

Leadership & Program Management- provides statewide leadership and direction for concession program. Develops and implements agency-wide policies, standards, and best practices.

Compliance & Risk Management - ensures full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Proactively identifies compliance risks, conducts field investigations as needed. and maintains accurate documentation to protect public health.

Training, Communication & Workforce Development - develops and delivers training on concession operations, Provides expert consultation to regional and park leadership on concession opportunities, feasibility, and operational considerations.

Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving - applies logical and innovative approaches to concession management; financial analysis; business planning; and revenue generating operations.

Take Action to Learn and Grow - considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives.

Ability to Take Action to Meet the Needs of Others - collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.

Supplemental Information

To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
• 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.

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers to the application questions. Answers will be verified, and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed positions are filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional positions for up to sixty (60) days. For more information: https://wfse.org/

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.

About Parks:

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. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages 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. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

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.

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 Wendy Vandel at Wendy.Vandel@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8688.

For information about this position, please contact Nikki Fields at Nikki.Fields@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8658.

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

Please select the answer that best describes how you meet the required qualifications for this position.

• I have a bachelors degree in business administration or a related field AND four (4) years of experience in developing, negotiating, or managing agreements, contracts, or business partnerships.
• I have eight (8) years of experience in developing, negotiating, or managing agreements, contracts, or business partnerships.
• I have a combination of education and relevant work experience that equals up to eight (8) years in developing, negotiating, or managing agreements, contracts, or business partnerships.
• I have none of the above.

02

Do you have a valid drivers license and the ability to travel independently to remote park locations throughout the state?

• Yes
• No

03

Please describe how you meet the core competencies listed in the job announcement. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.

04

Please describe your experience establishing, writing and monitoring contracts for concessions, public agency or recreational employer. List when and where you received this experience, if this does not apply, enter N/A.

05

Which best describes your experience administering and managing a hospitality services program or service contracts?

• I have less than 4 years of this experience.
• I have 4-5 years of this experience.
• I have 5-6 years of this experience.
• I have 6-7 years of this experience.
• I have 7-8 years or more of this experience.
• I have more than 8 years of this experience.
• I have none of this experience.

06

Rate your experience delivering professional training, consultative guidance, and data-driven recommendations to staff, managers, and executive leadership.

• I have assembled basic data points into clear status update emails.
• I have assisted in preparing training materials or gathering data points for presentations, but senior staff or external consultants deliver the guidance and final recommendations to leadership.
• I conduct standard technical training for staff and provide routine guidance on programmatic rules. I compile data reports or dashboards and present the findings clearly to my immediate supervisor or team.
• I routinely deliver targeted training and consultative guidance to staff and mid-level managers. I confidently interpret operational data to provide actionable, data-driven recommendations that improve team performance, process efficiency, or divisional workflows.
• I have a proven track record of designing and delivering professional training programs and consultative guidance across all levels, including executive leadership. I regularly synthesize complex datasets into strategic, data-driven recommendations that influence organization-wide policies, capital allocations, or long-term business strategies.
• I have none of this experience.

07

Which of the following best describes your experience building and managing working relationships with concessionaires, business partners, local governments, and community organizations.

• I have assisted senior staff in monitoring partner compliance or attending community meetings, but I have not had primary responsibility for managing these relationships.
• I have worked directly with external partners, community organizations, or vendors to execute specific events, programs, or short-term agreements. I coordinate logistics and act as a reliable point of contact.
• I have independently managed day-to-day operations and resolved complex contractual or relational conflicts with business partners and community groups. I ensure compliance with local regulations and maintain consistent, positive communication across all parties.
• I have successfully designed, negotiated, and managed long-term, multi-party partnerships involving concessionaires and local governments. I proactively establish comprehensive written agreements to align conflicting priorities, manage risks, and ensure mutual economic and social growth.
• I have none of this experience.

08

Which of the following best describes your experience conducting financial, operational and risk analysis to inform agreement terms.

• I have assisted in gathering inventory logs, sales data, or financial reports for analysis, but a senior staff member or auditor leads the evaluation of agreement terms and legal compliance.
• I monitor standard business agreements for compliance and perform routine financial or operational reviews. I can verify basic cash controls and inventory data, and I look up agency policies or grant rules to ensure baseline compliance.
• I routinely analyze financial records and operational metrics to inform or modify agreement terms. I independently audit and verify sales accuracy, internal cash controls, and inventory integrity against contract terms, ensuring the agreement remains compliant with agency policies and regulatory standards.
• I have extensive experience designing framework agreements and conducting comprehensive financial, operational, and risk analyses to structure complex contracts. I systematically ensure full alignment with public asset stewardship requirements, grant funding restrictions, and applicable laws, while embedding proactive audit clauses for sales, cash, and inventory verification.
• I have none of this experience.

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