Junior Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $49,428.00 - $66,372.00 Annually
Location : Island County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-04696
Department: Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Title: Parks Interpretive Specialist 2
Location: Oak Harbor, WA
Closes: June 30th, 2026, by 5 p.m. PST
Position Status: This is a permanent position. Please Note: Park housing is unavailable for this position.
About this position:
Under the supervision of the Operations Ranger, this position provides cultural and environmental education to the visiting public, students, and community groups. It supports the operation of the Deception Pass Area. It creates opportunities for the public to make meaningful connections with park resources, and create a sense of stewardship and continued support, to provide future generations with the same opportunities to enjoy the rich legacy of Washington State Parks.
This position is not eligible to telework, as physical on-site presence is required to perform essential functions.
For the first time since 2019, Deception Pass State Park is advertising for an Interpretive Specialist 2. This position is critical to the operations of the park as they set the tone for visitor connection and interaction with the staff. On average, the park staff, led by the IS2, connect with approximately 60,000 visitors per year through numerous interpretive programs. These programs include, but are not limited to the Beach Naturalist's, Art's in the Park, Junior Ranger, Night Skies, Creature Corner, in school field trips, in park field trips, game nights, and nature hikes. The IS2 will work closely with many internal and external stakeholders, including the Deception Pass Park Foundation, Washington State Park Foundation, Fidalgo Nature School, and numerous tribal governments. We are seeking a candidate that enjoys working outside, engaging the community, developing programs, and truly has a gift toward Nature Interpretation.
Duties
Some of what you'll do:
Provides and supports high quality interpretive opportunities to the visitors of the Deception Pass State Park Area and the Kukutali Preserve:

• Develops and conducts interpretive opportunities throughout the years, in the park and community.
• Coordinate school and tour groups throughout the Area.
• Leads AmeriCorps Interpretive Naturalist and Skillbridge Interns.
• Recruits and trains new interpretive volunteers and interns.

Assists in the development of interpretation for the Deception Pass Area:

• Evaluates current guided and self-guided interpretation in the park; Improves, updates, or suggests changes, as needed.

Oversees the development, care, and maintenance of interpretive displays and facilities throughout the Area:

• Ensures the interpretive facilities and structures are safe, clean, and well maintained. This includes the Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Center, Discovery Center, interpretive displays and signage, amphitheater, and other structures used for interpretation throughout the Area.

Performs administrative duties as related to Interpretive programming:

• Collects, tabulates, and reports annual interpretive statistics for Deception Pass Area.
• Monitors multiple budget sources for the purpose of purchasing materials and supplies for interpretive use.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Option 1:

• Four (4) years' experience in the field of cultural or natural/earth science or interpretation and two (2) years' experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience and avalid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

Option 2:

• A bachelor's degree involving major study in interpretation or environmental education, or a related field such as earth science, education, Pacific Northwest or American history, or environmental science and two (2) years of experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience and avalid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

Option 3:

• A master's degree and one (1) year of experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience and avalid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

Option 4:

• A combination of related education and experience in the field of cultural or natural/earth science or interpretation that equals up to four (4) years and two (2) years' experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
Workload Management: Effectively handle and organize multiple assignments and competing priorities, making sound decisions to produce accurate and timely work product. Remain focused on tasks in spite of distractions and interruptions, making the best use of available time and resources.
Mastery of Computer Skills: Use computers, including all associated hardware and software, to produce timely and accurate work products that fully satisfy the demands of the assignment. Adapt through continual learning to new/updated computer software and hardware.
Fiscal Accountability: Demonstrate attention to detail when entering or calculating fiscal data, noticing errors and/or minor differences in values that may be easy to overlook. Recognize when results of calculations look wrong and understand how to correct errors. Consistently follow applicable fiscal guidelines, regulations, and principles.
Interpersonal Influence: Demonstrate ability to build and maintain strong, courteous relationships with peers, managers, and customers. Respond to difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflicts and maintain good working relationships with others. Display a positive attitude and optimism about the work to be done, co-workers, management, and employer policies.
Reliable and Regular Attendance: Accept personal responsibility to begin work on time and make the best use of available work time. Be ready to be available to internal and external customers during designated office hours.
Independent Judgment: Work independently while making appropriate decisions based on available resources and direction and learning from past situations. Display balanced thinking that combines analysis, existing knowledge, experiences, and varying perspectives.
Adaptability/Flexibility: Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities. Help others deal with the ongoing demands of change; proactively embrace change to accomplish goals more effectively.
Development and Continual Learning: Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement by actively working to continuously improve job effectiveness and efficiency. See failure as an opportunity to learn from past results and continue to learn and grow. Look for better ways to perform routine parts of job and participate/assist with agency updates to processes, as assigned.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of interpretive methods and principles of thematic interpretive design.
• Experience in public presentation and speaking.
• Knowledge of Environmental Science.
• Ability to work and engage with volunteers and partners is desired.
• Ability to perform routine janitorial and minor maintenance duties.
• Knowledge of how to operate equipment (such as AV components and projectors) and computer software (such as adobe InDesign and PowerPoint) related to interpretive services.
• Knowledge of state government, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of State Parks rules and regulations.

Requirements:
Uniform Information:
All Parks Interpretive Specialists are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of an Interpretive Specialist and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee. All Parks Interpretive Specialists will receive the same standard uniform that is issued to the Park Ranger series, to include: shirts, pants, shorts, headwear, sweater, belt, necktie, jacket and badge.
Working Conditions:
Core working hours are 40 hours per week and may include evenings, weekends and holidays, as needed. Work schedule varies based on season and events and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed. This position must be flexible and adaptable to adjusting schedule accordingly to handle unexpected issues, meet deadlines, attend meetings, etc. This position will have responsibilities for more than one park and as such will be required to frequently drive to multiple locations through the area. Statewide travel is required periodically for meetings and training and will be necessary in several types of weather conditions and climates. The ability to operate motor vehicles is necessary. This position required frequent contact with internal and external customers and stakeholders, including some contact with those who may be angry, distraught, or frustrated. Work is in a park setting which includes all types of terrain.
How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references. It is highly encouraged to attach:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
• For more information on Veteran's Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here.

Supplemental Information
About Parks:
Want to join a great organization? The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful-parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. Parks is staffed with nearly 1,000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere. For more information on Washington State Parks, click .
Note: This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed position(s) is(are) filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional position(s) for up to sixty (60) days.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.
Diversity Policy Statement:
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 hiring process, please contact Jenee Kramer at or (360) 902-8569.
For information about this position, please contact Jason Armstrong at or (360) 914-0120.
All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.
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