What are the responsibilities and job description for the Parks Interpretive Assistant (Goldendale Observatory) position at State of Washington Parks and Recreation...?
Description
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Title: Parks Interpretive Assistant
Location: Goldendale, WA
Closes: March 4th, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Work schedule is four (4) ten hour shifts a week, Thursday - Sunday. Work hours are typically 1:30 p.m. - midnight.
This recruitment is for one (1), full-time, non-permanent position. The expected duration of this 6-month, non-permanent appointment is April 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025.
**Park Housing is available for this position at a subsidized cost.
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.
Duties
The Goldendale Observatory is a newly remodeled astronomical observatory interpretive center which is the focal point for the area's interpretive support and tourism. Under the direct supervision of the Parks Interpretive Specialist 2, the Interpretive Assistant will support the interpretive programs of Goldendale Observatory State Park by acting as an interpretive resource and providing a clean, safe, and engaging environment to park visitors.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Act as interpretive resource for the visitor center. Greet tourists, students and other organized groups. Present and assist in guided tours, outdoor programs, and audio/video presentations.
- Market and sell gift shop items and WA State Discover Passes. Maintain and submit transaction logs and tabulate donations and other income.
- Provide information to park visitors and respond to telephone and written inquiries from visitors.
- Assist in the maintenance of archival materials and inventory records.
- Assist with the development of interpretive materials and exhibits.
- Assist with research and reference work relating to the site's Interpretive Master Plan and educational outreach programs.
- Assist with facility cleaning, restocking, equipment maintenance and minor repairs.
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:
- Broad scientific interest.
- Experience with general astronomy and telescope operations.
- Experience with photography or videography and/or post-processing.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to comfortably work with children.
- Ability to easily adapt to changing business needs.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The successful candidate for this position will work indoors and outdoors and must be able to hike over rough terrain for up to 1 mile and climb a ladder to a height of 12 feet. This position entails a Thursday through Sunday working schedule which includes work in reduced lighting and working until midnight.
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.
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.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 position, please contact Troy Carpenter at Troy.Carpenter@parks.wa.gov or (509) 773-3141.
For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Nikki Williams at Nikki.Williams@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8678.
