What are the responsibilities and job description for the Parks Interpretive Assistant (Crawford State Park) position at State of Washington Parks and Recreation...?
Description
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Title: Parks Interpretive Assistant
Location: Metaline Falls, WA
Closes: March 4th, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Work schedule is five (5) days a week, Thursday - Monday. Work hours are typically 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. but may be adjusted based on business needs.
This recruitment is for one (1), full-time, non-permanent position. The expected duration of this 4-month, non-permanent appointment is May 15th, 2025, through September 15, 2025.
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)
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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. And the agency is staffed with nearly 1000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere We love what we manage and what we do. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.
As an interpretive assistant at Crawford State Park, you’ll have the chance to guide visitors through a highly unique and fascinating resource: Gardner Cave. Thousands of visitors are drawn annually to see this exceptional limestone formation. You will spend workdays interacting with the public, presenting original interpretive programs, and helping maintain interpretive facilities. Spend the summer in one of the most beautiful corners of the state, exploring amazing geological features and carrying out highly rewarding interpretive work.
Duties
This position supports the interpretive program of the Inland Northwest Spokane Area, specifically Gardner Cave at Crawford State Park, by acting as an interpretive resource and providing a clean and safe environment to park visitors.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Acts as an interpretive resource for visitors, greets tourists, students and other organized groups.
- Presents and assists in guided cave tours.
- Assists with record keeping activities.
- Responds to questions and correspondence from visitors.
- Assists the Interpretive Specialist with research and reference work relating to site Interpretive Master Plan, and educational outreach programs.
- Assists in maintenance of artifact accession and inventory records.
- Assists with the development of interpretive materials and exhibits.
- Assists in the routine maintenance of site interpretive facilities and resources, trails, such as cleaning and garbage checks.
- Performs grounds maintenance work such as mowing lawns and assisting with restroom cleaning.
- Collects revenue generating fees from Iron Ranger; enters collected funds into Camis software and performs daily reconciliations.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Two (2) years of college training involving major study in Pacific Northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or related field.**
- Valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.
**Experience in historic preservation or in historic or natural science research or interpretation may be substituted, year-for-year, for education.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to work independently while using good judgement and problem-solving skills in decision making.
- Awareness and willingness to follow safety policies and protocols.
- Take direction and has an eagerness and adaptability to learn new skills.
- Take initiative and see a project through completion.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- This position spends a substantial part of each workday in an artificially lit, underground cave which is approximately 39 degrees year-round.
- Work tasks vary, including providing interpretive services, customer service, and maintenance needs in various weather conditions (including inclement weather).
- May spend substantial amount of time alone in the Park.
UNIFORM INFORMATION:
All Parks Interpretive Assistants are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of an Interpretive Specialist and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee. All Parks Interpretive Specialists will receive the same standard uniform that is issued to the Park Ranger series, to include: shirts, pants, shorts, headwear, sweater, belt, necktie, jacket and badge.
Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. You must attach or embed in your application the following:
- Letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
- Current resume.
- Three professional references, if not completed in the application process.
This position is included in the non-supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/.
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.
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 position, please contact Kara Frashefski at Kara.Frashefski@parks.wa.gov or (509) 505-7721.
For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Nikki Williams at Nikki.Williams@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8678.
