Idaho Parks seeks pay fixes, program consolidation and capital work including Heyburn marinas

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation told the Joint Finance Corporation Committee on Oct. 24 that it seeks targeted salary changes for seasonal workers and rangers, a consolidation of management and operations programs, and capital projects including marina replacements at Heyburn State Park.

Janet Jessup, a budget and policy analyst with legislative services, opened the agency presentation and noted the department administers 30 state parks and trail systems and was established by the legislature in 1965. Director Susan Buxton said parks face pay “compression” — long‑time employees paid near recent hires — and described the department’s request to use dedicated fund authority to restore step differences and address compression for managers and rangers.

Why it matters: Parks staffs and managers said they need pay adjustments to remain competitive with other agencies and private employers and to avoid hiring new employees at wages equal to or above long‑tenured staff. Director Buxton told the committee that many park positions require science and technical training and that “it really is a a ministerial request” to consolidate programs so the agency can manage…