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.

The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center is seeking to recruit an Interpretive Naturalist Intern (Volunteer) to help staff the Information Desk and assist with nature-based educational programming offered to the public this summer. Shared housing available. Course Credit can be earned. Unpaid opportunity.

NOTE: This position is stationed at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center 16-24 hours/week and at the Johnston Ridge Observatory 8 hours/week, specifically on Fridays. Incumbent will volunteer at both sites to expand their experience with this dual-agency opportunity. The expected duration of this internship is June 2019 through September 2019 (the season dates and times can be flexed based on the incumbents availability).

To apply please email a detailed resume and cover letter describing your interest in this internship opportunity to Silver.Lake@parks.wa.gov no later than Saturday May 4th, 2019. Please type “Summer 2019 Internship” into the email subject line.

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.DutiesAbout the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center/surrounding area:

The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center is located in Castle Rock, situated in a second-growth forest across the street from Seaquest State Park in Southwest Washington. We are a historical based facility; with a theater, functioning seismograph, walk-through volcano model, eruption timeline, extensive displays, and a ½ mile-long boardwalk trail overlooking the Silver Lake wetland ecosystem. We are open year- round, receiving over 50,000 visitors in the peak summer season. We are five miles from the interstate, located on the Spirit Lake Highway, about 50 miles from Mount St. Helens.

We are partnered with the United States Forest Service, who manages the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, approximately 110,000 acres of protected land. Their visitor center is 47 miles east of this location, approximately a 1-hour drive. They operate the Johnston Ridge Observatory; offering tremendous views 5 miles from the volcano, an extensive trail system and exhibits focused on the geology of the mountain. Their destination is known world-wide and highly popular during the summer season.

The nearest large city is Portland, Oregon, approximately 63 miles away. In closer proximity is the Longview/Kelso area which houses plenty of grocery/specialty stores, two libraries, and city parks.
For additional information please visit our webpage: http://parks.state.wa.us/245/Mount-St-Helens

QualificationsREQUIRED:

• Must be a recent graduate or currently enrolled in a local college and completing a degree in Natural Resource Sciences/Geology/Ecology/History or a related field.
• Good customer service skills and the ability to speak clearly to large groups of varying age and ethnicity.
• Ability to communicate with fellow staff, and follow guidance.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to provide their own transportation. May be asked to drive park vehicle between parks.

DESIRED:

• Interest in interpretation or teaching and expanding communication skills
• Have the ability to efficiently and effectively meet visitor needs in a busy Visitor Center
• Positive attitude and ability to work well with others; being a team player
• Good organizational skills and follow-through
• Being a self-starter
• Open to sharing ideas and accepting possible peer-review and input
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and/or PowerPoint
• Comfortable and confident using computer and basic office equipment
• Arrive on time daily and perform duties in a timely manner
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule as needed, required to work weekends

Supplemental InformationHOW TO APPLY: 
To apply please email a detailed resume and cover letter describing your interest in this internship opportunity to Silver.Lake@parks.wa.gov no later than Saturday May 4th, 2019. Please type “Summer 2019 Internship” into the email subject line. The expected duration of this internship is June 2019 through September 2019.

If selected for the internship you must become a Washington State Parks volunteer. This includes criminal background checks completed through fingerprints, per state law. Internship will begin in June.

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.