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. 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. For more information on Washington State parks please visit click
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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 Ranger Interpretation.
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
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 limited.
Job Type: Internship
Location: Multiple Locations Statewide, Washington
Agency: Parks and Recreation Commission