Park Aide (Tahoma Gateway Area) Permanent

The Park Aide position assigned to Dash Point will also work closely with Saltwater State Park. This offers a unique opportunity to work in the cultural nexus of the Puget Sound. These parks expose you to a greater variety of job assignments than many other parks provide. If you are looking for a position that offers you an opportunity to work with a group of diverse individuals as they promote marine and watershed stewardship, forest health, safe equipment operation, visitor services, interpretation opportunities, campground and vehicle maintenance, and some administrative tasks, this could be the right place for you! These positions are not eligible to telework, as physical on-site presence is required to perform essential functions. Under the supervision of the Park Ranger, Park Aides perform a variety of responsibilities that include routine facility cleaning and maintenance, grounds and equipment maintenance, and customer service in the parks. This position directly supports day-to-day operations for the Tahoma Gateway State Park Area. Duties Primary duties include, but are not limited to:

Facilities Maintenance:

Daily routine inspection and cleaning of comfort stations, CXTs, and lodge using appropriate chemical cleaners. Follows posted cleaning procedures to clean toilets, urinals, sinks, walls, shower stalls, floors, etc. Restocks paper supplies and empty garbage cans, as needed. Routinely inspects and cleans other park facilities including the park shop, picnic shelters, and contact station. Hauls garbage with park pickup; litter pickup in all areas, as needed. Cleans campsites and picnic sites with hand tools.

Grounds Maintenance:

Mows and trims all lawn areas at least once per week; operates a riding mower, push mower, weed trimmers, backpack blowers, and other power tools/hand tools. Trims trees, shrubs and other vegetation using chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and appropriate hand tools. Maintains, inspects, and repairs trail system using appropriate power and hand tools.

Equipment Maintenance:

Maintains, cleans, and inspects all vehicles, powers and hand tools that are assigned or used to complete assigned tasks.

Public Relations:

Provides excellent public service by providing park visitors information and answering questions regarding park facilities, park rules and regulations, park passes, reservations, and local attractions and events. Reports violations or other problems to park rangers. Cross trains to work in the park contact station registering campers and selling park passes and/or merchandise. Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Must be a minimum of 17 years old. Possess a valid (unrestricted) driver's license (except corrective lenses).

DESIRED QUALIFICATION

First aid and CPR certification

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to work independently while using good judgement and problem-solving skills in decision making. Awareness and willingness to follow safety policies and protocols. Promotes cooperation and an eagerness and capacity to learn new skills. Self-starter who can see a project through to completion. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Facility & Sanitation Maintenance Understands sanitation standards, knows how to use chemical cleaners safely, and takes pride in maintaining a clean environment for the public. Technical Equipment Proficiency Demonstrates the ability to operate, inspect, and perform basic maintenance on these power tools and vehicles safely. Landscaping & Groundskeeping Skills in mowing, trimming vegetation, and trail repair including the knowledge on how to properly prune trees/shrubs and maintain trail systems to ensure they are safe and navigable. Customer Service & Public Relations Acting as a face of the Washington State Parks, the employee must be approachable and knowledgeable. Having the ability to answer visitor questions clearly, explain park rules politely, and handle public interactions with professional "excellent service." Accountability & Reliability Ability to follow a set schedule without constant reminders; A "self-starter" who ensures the paper supplies are restocked and the garbage is hauled on time, every time. The Ability to take Action to Learn and Grow Considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives. Practicing self-awareness by reflecting on personal strengths, growth areas, and biases. Taking responsibility for learning and adapting, rather than relying on others to fill gaps. The Ability to take Action to Meet the Needs of Others Adapting communication and approaches to different communities and individuals. Welcoming and valuing different identities and perspectives. Increasing access, opportunities, and positive outcomes for others.

Requirements:

Uniform:

All permanent Park Aides are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of a Park Aide and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee. All permanent Park Aides will receive 2 shirts, 1 baseball cap, and a clothing stipend of $75.00 per calendar year. Some positions may qualify for a $150 clothing stipend depending on the length of the position. Clothing stipends are intended to offset the cost of clothing worn in the workplace such as pants, boots, raingear, etc.

Working Conditions:

Position works five (5) days a week; Core work hours are typically 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Work schedule varies and requires weekend work. Incumbents may be expected to adjust the work scheduled to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule may be considered at incumbent's request and is subject to supervisory approval. Incumbent is expected to maintain regular and reliable attendance to accommodate facility, grounds, equipment, and customer needs. Travel and overnight travel may be required periodically between parks and/or statewide for meetings, training, and other field work. Travel will be necessary in all types of weather conditions and climates.