Parks Interpretive Assistant (Crawford State Park)

Description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 
 

Job Title: Parks Interpretive Assistant
Location: Metaline Falls, WA
Closes: March 14th, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Position Status: This is a non-permanent position. The expected duration of this 4-month, non-permanent appointment is May 16th, 2026, through September 15, 2026. 

Housing is available at a low-cost rate. Crawford State Park has a studio apartment with kitchen and bathroom. For information about housing and pictures, please contact HR.Recruitment@parks.wa.gov. 

Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what’s listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement, for more information on employee benefits eligibility visit - Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB)

This position supports the interpretive program of the Inland Northwest Spokane Area, specifically Gardner Cave at Crawford State Park, by acting as an interpretive resource and providing a clean and safe environment for park visitors.

This position is not eligible to telework, as physical on-site presence is required to perform essential functions.

As an interpretive assistant at Crawford State Park, you’ll have the chance to guide visitors through a highly unique and fascinating resource: Gardner Cave. Thousands of visitors are drawn annually to see this exceptional limestone formation. You will spend workdays interacting with the public, presenting original interpretive programs, and helping maintain interpretive facilities. Spend the summer in one of the most beautiful corners of the state, exploring amazing geological features and carrying out highly rewarding interpretive work.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Acts as an interpretive resource for visitors, greets tourists, students and other organized groups.
• Presents and assists in guided cave tours.
• Assists with record keeping activities.
• Responds to questions and correspondence from visitors.
• Assists the Interpretive Specialist with research and reference work relating to site Interpretive Master Plan, and educational outreach programs.
• Assists in maintenance of artifact accession and inventory records.
• Assists with the development of interpretive materials and exhibits.
• Assists in the routine maintenance of site interpretive facilities and resources, trails, such as cleaning and garbage checks.
• Performs grounds maintenance work such as mowing lawns and assisting with restroom cleaning.
• Collects revenue generating fees from Iron Ranger; enters collected funds into Camis software and performs daily reconciliations.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Option 1: 

• Two (2) years' experience in historic preservation, historic or natural science research, or interpretation and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

Option 2:

• Two (2) years of college training involving major study in Pacific Northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or related field and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

Option 3:

• A combination of college training involving major study in Pacific Northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or related field and experience in historic preservation, historic or natural science research, or interpretation that equals up to two (2) years and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

 DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to work independently while using good judgement and problem-solving skills in decision making.
• Awareness and willingness to follow safety policies and protocols.
• Take direction and has an eagerness and adaptability to learn new skills.
• Take initiative and see a project through completion.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Acts as an interpretive resource and leading guided cave tours, Has the ability to engage diverse groups (students, tourists, etc.) and deliver information clearly and enthusiastically.

• Requires a professional and welcoming demeanor while greeting visitors, answering phone calls, and responding to correspondence.

• Involves physical labor, including trail maintenance, weed eating, and restroom cleaning. The ability to operate basic maintenance equipment safely.

Resourcefulness & Problem Solving

• The dual nature of interpretation and maintenance require someone who can adapt quickly to changing needs, weather, or visitor issues.

Knowledge of Natural & Cultural Heritage:

• A foundational interest in Pacific Northwest history, geology, or ecology is necessary to authentically connect visitors to Washington's "treasured lands".

The ability to take action to learn and grow:

•  Identifying and communicating their needs and challenges openly.

• 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.

• Asking questions to understand and meet the needs of others.

• Collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.

Requirements:
UNIFORM INFORMATION:
All Parks Interpretive Assistants 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.

WORK CONDITIONS:
Work schedule is five (5) days a week, Thursday - Monday. Work hours are typically 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. but may be adjusted based on business needs. Incumbent must maintain regular and reliable attendance to accommodate office and customer needs. This position works exclusively in a park setting, including indoor and outdoor work environments. A substantial part of each workday is spent in an underground cave which is approximately 39 degrees year-round and is artificially lit. Work tasks vary, including providing interpretive services and attending to customer service and maintenance needs in various weather conditions (including inclement weather). Works independently and as part of a 2-person team. May spend a substantial amount of time alone in the park. Due to the remote nature of the Park, there is no cell phone reception. Starlink internet is available for purchase on a month-to-month basis for approximately $100/month. Travel for this position may rarely be required between parks during the workday. Overnight travel is not anticipated.

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. You must 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 here.

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.

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 position, please contact Kara Frashefski at Kara.Frashefski@parks.wa.gov or (509) 505-7721.

For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Jenee Kramer at Jenee.Kramer@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8569. 

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

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