AGENCY PROFILE                                                                                                       

State Parks is governed by a board of seven volunteer citizens appointed by the Governor. Commission members serve staggered six-year terms, setting public policy and guiding the agency. The Washington state park system includes more than 100 developed parks, recreation programs, trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

Our Mission
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington’s most treasured lands, waters and historic places. State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives.

Our Vision
Washington’s state parks will be cherished destinations with natural, cultural, recreational, artistic and interpretive experiences that all Washingtonians enjoy, appreciate and proudly support.

Washington State Parks employs more than 500 permanent staff and more than 350 seasonal and temporary staff throughout the state. The headquarters office is located in Tumwater, and region offices are located in Burlington, East Wenatchee and Tumwater.

This announcement will be used to fill one unpaid Internship for a current undergraduate or graduate student.  The specific internship period depends on the intern’s school schedule, but the bulk of the work will occur from April – September.  The intern will need to commit to 10-20 hours per week for a minimum of 20 weeks. The schedule is somewhat flexible, but does require a portion of hours to be worked on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

This internship will be stationed at Parks’ Headquarters in Tumwater, WA but will be required to make at least one site visit to Eastern Region parks during the survey period.  The internship is unpaid and is NOT eligible for benefits, however, travel reimbursement will be provided for travel associated with the site visit(s).

This posting will remain open until filled. It is in the candidate’s best interest to submit application materials as soon as possible.  The hiring authority reserves the right to fill this position at any time.

For more information on Washington State parks please visit click here!

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager listed in the “Supplemental Information” section of this publication.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Familiarize yourself with the parks being surveyed.
• Complete training in surveying park visitors using an iPad.
• Complete one site visit (three days) to the Eastern Region to experience surveying in the parks.
• Support the volunteer host, over the phone, with volunteer coordination.
• Ensure the survey hosts have the necessary information and equipment in the field.
• Attend regular survey team meetings with the volunteer host and the management analyst.
• Document and track project issues.
• Download survey data from QuickTapSurvey into Power BI.
• Coordinate with the survey host to ensure all iPads in the field are synced and updated.
• Send out reminders to volunteers.
• Participate in volunteer recruitment.

• Currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program as a Junior or Senior.
• Working towards a degree in Recreation, Environmental Studies, Public Administration, Project Management, Evaluation, Statistics, or a related field.
• Knowledge of statistical theory and techniques.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Positive attitude and the ability to work well with others.

DESIRED:

• Project management experience.
• Experience coordinating volunteers.
• Familiarity with survey methodology and collection.

• Cover letter specifically addressing your interest in this internship and the qualifications listed in this announcement.
• Resume.

NOTE:  Prior to starting in this intern role, a background check, including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude you from this opportunity, but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the internship.

All requested materials must be submitted. Incomplete materials will not be accepted. Failure to follow application process may disqualify you from further consideration.

Diversity Policy Statement
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to creating an equitable, hospitable, appreciative, safe, and inclusive park environment – one that embraces the full spectrum of all community members’ contributions. The Commission makes this commitment because:

• Diversity strengthens the workforce in competence and ability;
• Celebrating diversity appreciates and values individual differences;
• Diversity serves an increasingly heterogeneous society;
• Diversity helps ensure the relevance of a state park system, its mission, properties, and programs to the people of this state today and in the future; and
• Diversity is crucial to our ability to serve all citizens.

The Commission encourages and supports staff efforts to reach out to people of all races, national origins, abilities, religions, sexual orientations, veteran status, ages, and genders who use the parks and who live in communities nearby parks. This outreach is to focus on engaging in partnerships that expand programs and services in a way that is meaningful and of value to all people. The Commission is dedicated to offering quality experiences to all visitors through a workforce and volunteer corps that reflects the diversity of Washington State.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. 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.