Internship - WA State Parks (DOD Skillbridge) Multiple Locations

State of Washington • Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

307d

About The Position

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 the year 2025. This program is specifically aimed at servicemembers who are in their last 120-180 days of service and are interested in learning more about State Parks Rangers (enforcement), operations, interpretation or maintenance. The availability of the duty stations for these positions are state-wide through 26 separate internship opportunities by geographical parks management area. We provide 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. At this time, we offer three potential intern tracks- Park Ranger/Operations, Maintenance Mechanic, Park Interpretation.

Requirements

• 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
• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Service members participating in SkillBridge receive their military compensation and benefits
• Training and work experience provided by WSPRC

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Administration of Economic Programs