State of Washington
Program Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator (PS2) Olympic View Area
State of Washington, Port Townsend, Washington, United States, 98368
Job Title
Program Specialist 2 Location
Port Townsend, WA Closes
January 19th, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. PST Position Status
This is a permanent position. Overview
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is searching for an organized, energetic team player with strong administrative skills to fill our Program Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator position for our Olympic View Area. The Olympic View Area consists of seven park properties, including Fort Flagler, Fort Worden, Anderson Lake and Fort Townsend. The position will have office space at Fort Worden and at Fort Flagler State Park. Work schedule is generally Monday-Friday 8am-5pm with periodic need to work outside of the scheduled hours; the incumbent will be expected to evaluate the need and adjust their schedule as needed to complete the duties of the job while keeping the supervisor informed in advance. This position is not eligible to telework, as physical in‑office presence is required to perform essential functions. In this role, you will work as a liaison with Fort Worden staff and tenants to coordinate events so that they don’t conflict with other activities. This position handles sensitive information and is key in assisting with the monitoring, oversight and coordination of program activities and communication of day‑to‑day Area operations. The Program Specialist 2 is the primary administrator of our volunteer program within the Olympic View Area and will coordinate all scheduling of volunteers, and will work closely with the Volunteer Program Office at Park's Headquarters to ensure all volunteers adhere to the application process and background requirements. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and communication skills and will be outstanding with customers. Any previous work with volunteers and handling funds will also be beneficial. Interested in working in a beautiful Washington State Park setting with a team focused on creating memorable recreational experiences for our visitors? Do you have experience organizing and managing multiple administrative tasks, working with, and training Volunteers, facilitating team communication, and assisting customers? If so, we encourage you to apply for the Program Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator position. Under the general supervision of the Olympic View Area Manager, this position works with the Southwest Region Operation Coordinator to manage the Area's Commercial Use permits, Film and Photography permits, Special Activity permits, Remote‑controlled Aircraft permits, and Geocaching permits. This position will also work in coordination with Olympic View Area Manager to update the Area's websites, post alerts, and update brochures. Duties
Manage and lead the area Volunteer Program:
Establishes procedures and interprets and applies volunteer policies to the work unit. Coordinates, organizes and/or directs the operation of the volunteer program within the area including coordination, recruitment, selection, and appointment of volunteers. Meets with multiple Friends groups, assist with annual plans, and Co‑operative agreements, attends board meeting when possible. Develops and implements training and orientation programs for volunteer programs within the area.
Manages special activity permits
Manages all the areas commercial use permits. Answer questions and set up site visits with groups interested in commercial use permits and special activity permits. We average over 60 inquiries a year and execute 30+ permits.
Manage and lead the administrative functions of the park area
Serves as the CAMIS Area Administrator and ensures systems are operable and seasonal employees are trained; adds and deletes users to the system; manages retail products and maintains inventory within the CAMIS system; acts as the liaison between the Olympic View area and the agency CAMIS coordinator at Headquarters. Work with communication office to keep Olympic View area webpages updated.
Assists with office coverage and retail sales
Answers phones, assists customers with questions, concerns, and sales. Accounts for monies obtained and reconcile monies with receipts. Acts as lead for bank deposits.
Working Conditions
Travel: This position will have responsibilities to more than one park and will be required to drive to multiple locations throughout the area in all types of weather conditions. Required Qualifications
Four (4) years of experience in coordinating volunteers, customer service in a clerical setting, permitting, and interpreting & applying policies and procedures. Or a bachelor's degree in Business, Tourism and Management, or a closely related field. Education may substitute year-for-year for relevant experience. Valid driver's license with no restrictions (other than corrective lenses). Position Competencies
Workload Management
Effectively handle and organize multiple assignments and competing priorities, making sound decisions to produce an accurate and timely work product. Remain focused on tasks despite distractions and interruptions and making the best of available time and resources.
Proficient Computer Skills
Use personal computers, including all associated hardware and software to produce timely and accurate work products that fully satisfy the demands of the assignment. Adapt through continual learning to new/updated computer software and hardware.
Fiscal Accountability
Demonstrate attention to detail when entering or calculating fiscal data, noticing errors and/or minor differences in values that may be easy to overlook. Recognize when results of calculations look wrong and understand how to correct errors. Constantly follow applicable fiscal guidelines, regulations and principles.
Interpersonal Influence
Demonstrate an ability to build and maintain strong, courteous relationships with peers, managers, and customers. Respond to difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflicts and maintain good working relationships with others. Display a positive attitude and optimism about the work to be done, co‑workers, management, and employer policies. Take action to learn and grow. Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Additional Skills, Knowledge, and Competencies
Knowledge of state government, rules, and regulations. Knowledge of State Parks rules and regulations. Work experience involving responsibility for financial data which required mathematical calculations. Work experience providing direct customer service. Background Check Notice
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 but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. How to Apply
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. You must attach or embed in your application the following: Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement. Current resume. Three professional references. This position is included in the non‑supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information, visit https://wfse.org/. Contact Information
For information about this position, please contact Brian Hageman at Brian.Hageman@parks.wa.gov or (360) 344-4401. For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Wendy Vandel at Wendy.Vandel@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8688. Equal Opportunity Statement
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. Miscellaneous
All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply. Job Alerts to receive a list of new job postings at Parks.
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Program Specialist 2 Location
Port Townsend, WA Closes
January 19th, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. PST Position Status
This is a permanent position. Overview
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is searching for an organized, energetic team player with strong administrative skills to fill our Program Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator position for our Olympic View Area. The Olympic View Area consists of seven park properties, including Fort Flagler, Fort Worden, Anderson Lake and Fort Townsend. The position will have office space at Fort Worden and at Fort Flagler State Park. Work schedule is generally Monday-Friday 8am-5pm with periodic need to work outside of the scheduled hours; the incumbent will be expected to evaluate the need and adjust their schedule as needed to complete the duties of the job while keeping the supervisor informed in advance. This position is not eligible to telework, as physical in‑office presence is required to perform essential functions. In this role, you will work as a liaison with Fort Worden staff and tenants to coordinate events so that they don’t conflict with other activities. This position handles sensitive information and is key in assisting with the monitoring, oversight and coordination of program activities and communication of day‑to‑day Area operations. The Program Specialist 2 is the primary administrator of our volunteer program within the Olympic View Area and will coordinate all scheduling of volunteers, and will work closely with the Volunteer Program Office at Park's Headquarters to ensure all volunteers adhere to the application process and background requirements. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and communication skills and will be outstanding with customers. Any previous work with volunteers and handling funds will also be beneficial. Interested in working in a beautiful Washington State Park setting with a team focused on creating memorable recreational experiences for our visitors? Do you have experience organizing and managing multiple administrative tasks, working with, and training Volunteers, facilitating team communication, and assisting customers? If so, we encourage you to apply for the Program Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator position. Under the general supervision of the Olympic View Area Manager, this position works with the Southwest Region Operation Coordinator to manage the Area's Commercial Use permits, Film and Photography permits, Special Activity permits, Remote‑controlled Aircraft permits, and Geocaching permits. This position will also work in coordination with Olympic View Area Manager to update the Area's websites, post alerts, and update brochures. Duties
Manage and lead the area Volunteer Program:
Establishes procedures and interprets and applies volunteer policies to the work unit. Coordinates, organizes and/or directs the operation of the volunteer program within the area including coordination, recruitment, selection, and appointment of volunteers. Meets with multiple Friends groups, assist with annual plans, and Co‑operative agreements, attends board meeting when possible. Develops and implements training and orientation programs for volunteer programs within the area.
Manages special activity permits
Manages all the areas commercial use permits. Answer questions and set up site visits with groups interested in commercial use permits and special activity permits. We average over 60 inquiries a year and execute 30+ permits.
Manage and lead the administrative functions of the park area
Serves as the CAMIS Area Administrator and ensures systems are operable and seasonal employees are trained; adds and deletes users to the system; manages retail products and maintains inventory within the CAMIS system; acts as the liaison between the Olympic View area and the agency CAMIS coordinator at Headquarters. Work with communication office to keep Olympic View area webpages updated.
Assists with office coverage and retail sales
Answers phones, assists customers with questions, concerns, and sales. Accounts for monies obtained and reconcile monies with receipts. Acts as lead for bank deposits.
Working Conditions
Travel: This position will have responsibilities to more than one park and will be required to drive to multiple locations throughout the area in all types of weather conditions. Required Qualifications
Four (4) years of experience in coordinating volunteers, customer service in a clerical setting, permitting, and interpreting & applying policies and procedures. Or a bachelor's degree in Business, Tourism and Management, or a closely related field. Education may substitute year-for-year for relevant experience. Valid driver's license with no restrictions (other than corrective lenses). Position Competencies
Workload Management
Effectively handle and organize multiple assignments and competing priorities, making sound decisions to produce an accurate and timely work product. Remain focused on tasks despite distractions and interruptions and making the best of available time and resources.
Proficient Computer Skills
Use personal computers, including all associated hardware and software to produce timely and accurate work products that fully satisfy the demands of the assignment. Adapt through continual learning to new/updated computer software and hardware.
Fiscal Accountability
Demonstrate attention to detail when entering or calculating fiscal data, noticing errors and/or minor differences in values that may be easy to overlook. Recognize when results of calculations look wrong and understand how to correct errors. Constantly follow applicable fiscal guidelines, regulations and principles.
Interpersonal Influence
Demonstrate an ability to build and maintain strong, courteous relationships with peers, managers, and customers. Respond to difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflicts and maintain good working relationships with others. Display a positive attitude and optimism about the work to be done, co‑workers, management, and employer policies. Take action to learn and grow. Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Additional Skills, Knowledge, and Competencies
Knowledge of state government, rules, and regulations. Knowledge of State Parks rules and regulations. Work experience involving responsibility for financial data which required mathematical calculations. Work experience providing direct customer service. Background Check Notice
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 but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. How to Apply
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. You must attach or embed in your application the following: Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement. Current resume. Three professional references. This position is included in the non‑supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information, visit https://wfse.org/. Contact Information
For information about this position, please contact Brian Hageman at Brian.Hageman@parks.wa.gov or (360) 344-4401. For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Wendy Vandel at Wendy.Vandel@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8688. Equal Opportunity Statement
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. Miscellaneous
All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply. Job Alerts to receive a list of new job postings at Parks.
#J-18808-Ljbffr