OLYMPIA — Interested in working in one of Washington’s state parks as an aide?

Each summer, the state parks organization hires 400 park aides and 45 senior park aides to work the busy season, which runs from May through September. Park aides are all ages and backgrounds, according to the state agency. They work in parks throughout the state and in many different terrains and climates, depending on the location.

Some of their tasks include tending trails, cleaning campgrounds and comfort stations, and performing a variety of custodial maintenance chores. The aides also may staff park offices, interact with visitors and help with interpretive and educational programs.

According to Virginia Painter, spokeswoman for the state parks organization, park aides are essential to summer operations in Washington state parks.

“Those who have served as park aides report that they have received benefits well beyond a paycheck, as they learn about parks and the natural and cultural resources in State Parks’ care,” Painter said.

“Park aides gain people skills by interacting with the public and working with a team. They also may learn everything from trail-building techniques to how to use and operate small power tools and equipment.”

For some, working as a park aide leads to a career path, said Don Hoch, the agency’s director.

“A seasonal park aide position may be perfect for a high school or college student who just needs a good, solid summer job, or for a person of any age looking for a great seasonal job outdoors,” Hoch said.

“But many also find the park aide job to be the first step into a lifelong career path in the parks and recreation field or environmental work.”

Applications are open through August. The jobs pay between $11 and $13.97 an hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Visit the state parks website at parks.state.wa.us/jobs for more information.