60 Stark Parks Operations Manager Jobs Hiring Near You

Salary: $0.00 Monthly
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: 2026-00128
Department: Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
Description
This internship opportunity is only open to active duty service members who are with 180 days of their transition date.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (WSPRC) is looking for transitioning service members who are interested in participating in the DOD Skillbridge Internship Program for 2026. This program is specifically aimed at servicemembers who are in their last 90-180 days of service that are interested in learning more about State Parks Rangers (enforcement), operations, interpretation or maintenance. Learn more about this exciting opportunity go to the and get started today!
The availability of the duty stations for these positions are state-wide through 26 separate internship opportunities by geographical parks management area. These internships require in person on-site at the park. For more information on Washington State Parks and their locations please visit our website, click
Washington State Parks and Recreation provides these fantastic opportunities in our beautiful settings. Many people join Skillbridge to gain professional development skills or "try out" a position similar to one they're thinking of making a career in - such as teaching or environmental habitat restoration. These opportunities to gain real-world experience which gives you the advantage for follow on, full-time employment post separation/retirement. No guarantee is made for follow-on employment with WSPRC, although we have a good track record of bringing on our interns for full-time work.
Whatever the initial reason, by the end of their service term, Skillbridge members realize the impact that the service itself has had on them; forever changing the way they view and interact with the world around them.
At this time, we offer three potential internship tracks- Park Ranger/stewardship, Operations/ construction, and Park Interpretation/education.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be a military service member with enough service time remaining prior to your date of discharge to participate in a 120-180 day program and you have at least 180 continuous days of active service
  • Please DO NOT apply if you're more than 12 months out from your Terminal Leave date.
• Obtain approval from your unit commander, and agree that participation in SkillBridge can be terminated at any time by the Service if mission requirements dictate.
• Agree to and complete a Background Check (This position requires a fingerprint criminal background investigation prior to an approved internship; background checks are used in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform as an intern).
• Unrestricted Drivers License (other than corrective lenses).
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, nights, days, and 40 hours a week.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Placement in this program is not guaranteed, availability and dates may vary from park to park area and is limited.
• Housing for these positions is not provided (before applying to a specific location it is recommended that you research your options, if not local).
• Service members participating in SkillBridge receive their military compensation and benefits, we provide the training and work experience (no salary or benefits are provided by WSPRC).

POTENTIAL OBJECTIVES AND DUTIES:

• To gain experience in how parks operate and are maintained by supporting Park Rangers and other staff in their roles
• To gain an experience in parks operations and interpretation programs
• To gain an understanding of volunteer management and the role of volunteers in the parks
• To gain broad-based knowledge in State Park procedures and methods
• Learn about commissioned law enforcement duties and responsibility
• Shadow Rangers as they perform Law Enforcement duties
• Shadow Rangers while they conduct investigations
• Learn about protecting parks' properties
• Learn about WAC, RCW, policies and directives
• Shadow Parks staff as they educate the public on park rules
• Learn how to maintain equipment in proper working order to ensure safety
• Work alongside more experienced staff to ensure park facilities are clean and well maintained
• Observe staff interacting with visitors to influence the visitors' in voluntarily complying with park regulations
• Learn about running campgrounds and park offices and assist with their operations
• Learn about volunteer management and aid volunteers in furthering their understanding of the parks
• Support the successful running of any events or programs
• Shadow other parks staff (Interpretive Specialist, Program Specialist, OA, C&Ms) to understand the full breadth of parks operations and Ranger duties

Core Competencies:
Accountability
Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of their work. Can be relied upon to achieve excellent results.
Communication Effectiveness
Conveys clear, timely and persuasive message that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
Customer Focus
Builds and maintains internal and external customer satisfaction with the services offered by the organization.
Ethics and Integrity
Earns the trust, respect and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions.
Inclusiveness
Actively contributes to a work environment that embraces building relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders, recognizing the value of cultural, ethnic, gender and other individual differences, to enhance the attainment of organizational goals.
Take actions to learn and grow
Increase and develop knowledge, skills and abilities. Learns to navigate systems, processes, tools, and technology.
Take action to meet the needs of others
Helping and supporting people and communities from all backgrounds. Welcome and valuing different identities and perspectives. Collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.
Salary and Benefits
Since the participating intern is still on active duty, the DOD covers Military pay and benefits during a service member's time in this internship program continuing their salary at their current level. Please visit their website if you have questions * These internships are funded through the DOD and do not include state salary or benefits.
Note: This internship includes criminal background checks completed through fingerprints, per state law. Candidates will be notified in a timely manner. Internship start date is fully negotiable.
HOW TO APPLY:

• Create an account on careers.wa.gov and build your profile.
• Choose "apply" and completely answer the supplemental questions. The initial screening will be based solely on the completeness of all answers in the supplemental questions. You are not required to include any attachments.
• **PLEASE NOTE**- We receive a high volume of applications for our internships, program acceptance is limited.

If you have questions regarding our Skillbridge internship program please email
Thank You for your interest in volunteering with Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission! We look forward to hearing from you!
Supplemental Information
About Parks: The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission provides policy direction for one of the largest, most diverse, and beautiful state parks systems in the country. The state park system is comprised of 124 state parks and properties covering over 138,000 acres throughout the state. The park system includes marine parks, heritage sites, historic parks, interpretive centers, retreat centers, ocean beaches and hundreds of miles of trails. The agency is also responsible for the state's winter recreation program, boating safety and vessel pump out program and numerous contracted concession operations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency. For more information on Washington State parks please visit click
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 internship process, please contact Wendy Vandel at HR.Skillbridge@parks.wa.gov or call (360) 902-8688.
All applicants with a in the United States are encouraged to apply.
to receive a list of new job postings at Parks.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are i