Nature Engagement Assistant - NW Trek Wildlife Park
Job Description

Based on our internal equity review process, the anticipated starting wage for this position is $17.13 hourly.
PARKS TACOMA is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community, headquarters located in Tacoma, Washington. The system is comprised of many different park facilities that offer residents a variety of recreational opportunities. From waterfront access to local neighborhood parks to large regional facilities and attractions, the Parks Tacoma system is both a local community asset and regional destination.
OUR CORE VALUES These eight core values will guide future decisions, business and operations, and the manner in which Parks Tacoma treats staff, customers and the community:
•Innovation •Excellence •Equity •Inclusiveness •Sustainability •Accountability •Safety •Fun
NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARK Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is dedicated to conservation, education and recreation by displaying, interpreting, and researching native Northwest wildlife and their natural habitats. The 725-acre zoological park was established in 1975 and attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. Northwest Trek is operated by Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington. For more information, visit www.nwtrek.org.
POSITION INFORMATION -Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, the Nature Engagement Assistant is responsible for assisting in the preparation and delivery of environmental educational programming for diverse audiences, including school children, preschool and home school groups, adults. Nature Engagement Assistants also assist with Wild Drive tours, playground monitoring, and special events. The anticipated start date for the first round of hires into this position is 5/07/2026.In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
- Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

Based on our internal equity review process, the anticipated starting wage for this position is $17.13 hourly.
PARKS TACOMA is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community, headquarters located in Tacoma, Washington. The system is comprised of many different park facilities that offer residents a variety of recreational opportunities. From waterfront access to local neighborhood parks to large regional facilities and attractions, the Parks Tacoma system is both a local community asset and regional destination.
OUR CORE VALUES These eight core values will guide future decisions, business and operations, and the manner in which Parks Tacoma treats staff, customers and the community:
•Innovation •Excellence •Equity •Inclusiveness •Sustainability •Accountability •Safety •Fun
NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARK Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is dedicated to conservation, education and recreation by displaying, interpreting, and researching native Northwest wildlife and their natural habitats. The 725-acre zoological park was established in 1975 and attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. Northwest Trek is operated by Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington. For more information, visit www.nwtrek.org.
POSITION INFORMATION -Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, the Nature Engagement Assistant is responsible for assisting in the preparation and delivery of environmental educational programming for diverse audiences, including school children, preschool and home school groups, adults. Nature Engagement Assistants also assist with Wild Drive tours, playground monitoring, and special events. The anticipated start date for the first round of hires into this position is 5/07/2026.In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
- Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
About Metro Parks Tacoma
Metro Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community.
Good parks, open space and program services contribute to economic development by fostering economic benefits and promoting tourism:
- Environmentally, they provide green infrastructure and help manage climate change.
- Socially, they revitalize communities, create safer neighborhoods, help children learn and grow, improve public and environmental health, and support smart growth.
- Culturally, open space and program services can nurture a sense of place in the community, and provide opportunities to engage the public of diverse backgrounds.
Metro Parks Tacoma would like you to finish the application on their website.