Internship – WA State Parks (DOD Skillbridge) Multiple Locations

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Be a military service member with enough service time remaining prior to your date of discharge to participate in a 120–180 day program and you have at least 180 continuous days of active service
  • Please DO NOT apply if you’re more than 12 months out from your Terminal Leave date
• Obtain approval from your unit commander, and agree that participation in SkillBridge can be terminated at any time by the Service if mission requirements dictate
• Agree to and complete a Background Check (This position requires a fingerprint criminal background investigation prior to an approved internship; background checks are used in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform as an intern)
• Unrestricted Drivers License (other than corrective lenses)
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, nights, days, and 40 hours a week

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Placement in this program is not guaranteed, availability and dates may vary from park to park area and is limited.
• Housing for these positions is not provided (before applying to a specific location it is recommended that you research your options, if not local).
• Service members participating in SkillBridge receive their military compensation and benefits, we provide the training and work experience (no salary or benefits are provided by WSPRC).

POTENTIAL OBJECTIVES AND DUTIES:

• To gain experience in how parks operate and are maintained by supporting Park Rangers and other staff in their roles
• To gain an experience in parks operations and interpretation programs
• To gain an understanding of volunteer management and the role of volunteers in the parks
• To gain broad-based knowledge in State Park procedures and methods
• Learn about commissioned law enforcement duties and responsibility
• Shadow Rangers as they perform Law Enforcement duties
• Shadow Rangers while they conduct investigations
• Learn about protecting parks’ properties
• Learn about WAC, RCW, policies and directives
• Shadow Parks staff as they educate the public on park rules
• Learn how to maintain equipment in proper working order to ensure safety
• Work alongside more experienced staff to ensure park facilities are clean and well maintained
• Observe staff interacting with visitors to influence the visitors’ in voluntarily complying with park regulations
• Learn about running campgrounds and park offices and assist with their operations
• Learn about volunteer management and aid volunteers in furthering their understanding of the parks
• Support the successful running of any events or programs
• Shadow other parks staff (Interpretive Specialist, Program Specialist, OA, C&Ms) to understand the full breadth of parks operations and Ranger duties

Salary and Benefits

Since the participating intern is still on active duty, the DOD covers Military pay and benefits during a service member’s time in this internship program continuing their salary at their current level. Please visit their website if you have questions http://skillbridge.osd.mil/military-members.htm. * These internships are funded through the DOD and do not include state salary or benefits.

Note: This internship includes criminal background checks completed through fingerprints, per state law. Candidates will be notified in a timely manner. Internship start date is fully negotiable.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Create an account on careers.wa.gov and build your profile.
• Choose “apply” and completely answer the supplemental questions. The initial screening will be based solely on the completeness of all answers in the supplemental questions. You are not required to include any attachments. 
• **PLEASE NOTE**- We receive a high volume of applications for our internships, program acceptance is limited. 

If you have questions regarding our Skillbridge internship program please email HR.Skillbridge@parks.wa.gov.

Thank You for your interest in volunteering with Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission! We look forward to hearing from you!

About Parks: The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission provides policy direction for 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 Washington’s most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. 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 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 this recruitment or Parks internship process, please contact Wendy Vandel at HR.Skillbridge@parks.wa.gov or call (360) 902-8688.