Internship - WA State Parks (DOD Skillbridge) Multiple Locations

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.

• 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
• 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

• 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

• No salary or benefits are provided by WSPRC
• Service members participating in SkillBridge receive their military compensation and benefits

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.