Washington State Parks Guidance on Volunteer Activity During COVID-19

Updated 11/14/2022)

Washington State Parks has updated the following guidance for volunteer activities within State Parks owned and managed properties.

We recognize this guidance may affect some of you and your ability to volunteer. If you are a park host or other volunteer whose duties require working indoors or interacting with the public, we ask that you review the information below and carefully consider if you are willing and able to meet the new eligibility requirements. We respect and support your decision to continue to serve with us or opt out of volunteering.

Thank you for following these protocols and helping keep our visitors, staff and other volunteers safe and healthy.

Masks

As of November 1^st,2022, masks are no longer required for all Parks employees and volunteers. Masking is no longer required in the workplace for Parks staff and volunteers.

Masks are required in the workplace for individuals who have just had or been exposed to COVID.

Volunteers are free to wear masks while volunteering. We recognize there are many reasons volunteers may choose to continue to mask – or not. No volunteer will have to justify or explain their choice, and all staff and volunteers will be expected to continue to respect their colleagues, regardless of their masking choice.

Vaccine Requirements

The primary COVID vaccine series remains required for all volunteers performing certain duties. This includes, but is not limited to, the following types of volunteers:

Park Hosts
Docents and tour guides
Gift shop and store volunteers
Interpretive/visitor center volunteers
Shuttle drivers
Administrative/clerical volunteers

Volunteers not in compliance with this policy will not be eligible to participate in volunteer opportunities until they are fully vaccinated and can provide proof.

Vaccine boosters are not required for volunteers. Boosters are highly encouraged by the public health experts.

Acceptable Forms of Proof

The following records are considered verified proof of COVID-19 vaccination in Washington state:

CDC COVID-19 vaccination card or photo of the card
Documentation of vaccination from a Health Care Provider or Electronic Heath Record
State Immunization Information System Record

Vaccine Verification Process

Volunteers may present their vaccination card or other documentation to the volunteer supervisor at their assigned park. Supervisors have been given instructions on how to visually verify and document verification status. Staff will not keep copies of your vaccination documents. Volunteers that serve at more than one park will need to verify their vaccination status with the designated volunteer supervisor at each park.

Park hosts will be contacted by the Volunteer Program with additional options to verify their vaccination status.

Self-screen and COVID symptom/positive and exposure protocols

All volunteers, regardless of vaccination status, must self-screen before arriving at or entering the park. Any volunteers that feel unwell, show any symptoms of COVID-19, or are a close contact of a confirmed case will not be allowed to participate in volunteer activities.

Park hosts must self-screen daily. If you know or think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, but don’t have any symptoms, report your potential exposure to your supervisor right away. If you have symptoms, stop interacting with visitors and immediately notify park staff.

Hosts who are sick or symptomatic or have been in close contact with someone who is, will be asked to relocate to a non-state park site, if possible. Hosts who are unable to relocate to a non-state park site may be asked to relocate to an alternate site within the park that may not have full utilities.

OTHER GENERAL guidance

Avoid sharing tools and other equipment. When sharing tools is required, wear gloves and disinfect tools between uses according to CDC guidelines.
Use proper hygiene practices and wash hands frequently.
Pack out what you pack in. Take any garbage with you, including masks and disposable gloves.
Please check with individual parks for any park-specific mitigation plans or additional guidance that may be required.
Please review the FAQ for additional information.