Want to spend the summer outside? Washington state parks are hiring for the summer Andrew Hammond, The News Tribune
Snow may be melting outside, but seasonal workers are being recruited now for the Washington State Parks spring and summer seasons.
Each summer, State Parks employs 400 park aides and 45 senior park aides to work the busy season, which runs from April through September.
Park aides register campers, maintain trails, clean campgrounds and comfort stations and perform a variety of custodial maintenance chores. They also may work in park offices, interact with visitors, and help with interpretive and educational programs.
“Seasonal park aide positions are perfect for high school or college students who need a good summer job or for someone looking for a great seasonal job outdoors,” said State Parks Director Don Hoch. “Many find it’s a first step to a lifelong career in parks and recreation or environmental work.”
Washington State Parks
Changes to a plan that would allow covert Navy training at certain Washington State Parks are further angering some park goers.
Last month, the State Parks Commission approved a request for the Navy to conduct SEAL training operations at up to 17 parks. For at least nine months, the training must take place at night, when fewer park visitors would be around. The decision could be reevaluated after the trial period.
The restrictions came after pushback from park users who worried they would be unknowingly watched.
During a special meeting Thursday, the commission voted to let the state parks director decide if daylight restrictions can be lifted or modified after the Navy’s nine-month trial period is up, as long as the Navy complies with limits on when and where it will conduct training operations.