What you should know
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has begun hiring hundreds of temporary jobs for those who want to work in the state’s state parks, forests and historic sites, DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced.
- It is recommended that applications be submitted before Wednesday, March 1.
- The type and number of positions varies by location, depending on the recreational and educational activities each area offers. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older to apply. Starting hourly wages range from $15 to $18.50, depending on the position.
NEW JERSEY — Do you like the outdoors? Are you a nature lover? Well, we have good news.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has begun hiring hundreds of temporary jobs for those who want to work in the state’s state parks, forests and historic sites, DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced. And they recommend that they send the application by March 1.
The employment opportunities offered are essential to the operations of the State Park Service and include lifeguards, naturalists and history educators, visitor services assistants, maintenance staff, office staff, and trail managers. The variety of positions available in a variety of fields also provides an excellent opportunity to further an environmental career restoring, protecting, and preserving the Garden State’s cultural, historic, and natural resources.
“A seasonal job with the State Park Service has numerous benefits, from being outdoors in nature to developing important life and work skills,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “We encourage people of all backgrounds and experience levels to apply. Our seasonal employees become ambassadors to show millions of visitors the beauty and endless recreational opportunities throughout New Jersey.”
How do you know which parks, forests, and historic sites are accepting job applications?
To find out which parks, forests and historic sites are accepting applications or to apply for a specific position you can visit www.nj.gov/dep/workinparks. Applicants are encouraged to check with the park office of their choice by phone or email as soon as possible about specific positions, scheduling, and other job-related inquiries.
Until when can I send an application?
It is recommended that applications be submitted before Wednesday, March 1.
What time of year are temporary jobs for?
While most seasonal job openings are from Memorial Day to Labor Day, select parks need part-time staff year-round. Most of the jobs are outdoors.
Seasonal staff are required to work weekends and holidays because park facilities are open every day. The State Park Service will work with applicants, such as students and teachers, whose availability may be limited to weekends during certain times of the year.
How old must I be and when is the salary?
The type and number of positions varies by location, depending on the recreational and educational activities each area offers. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older to apply. Starting hourly wages range from $15 to $18.50 depending on the position.
What are some of the jobs available?
Lifeguards are needed at swimming areas across the state, with wages starting at $17.50 per hour. Wages for those on the oceanfront at Island Beach State Park start at $18.50 per hour. No prior experience is necessary, but candidates must pass running and swimming tests prior to employment. Each lifeguard will also receive a certification from the US Lifeguard Association. DEP anticipates that state park swimming areas will open in mid-June. The swimming areas at Island Beach State Park are expected to open on Saturday, May 27.
Lifeguarding opportunities are anticipated at High Point, Hopatcong, Swartswood, and Wawayanda State Parks in the northern part of the state, Cheesequake State Park and Round Valley Recreation Area in central New Jersey, and Island Beach State Park, Atsion Recreation Area (Wharton State Forest), Bass River, and Belleplain State Forests in the south.
Regional Lifeguard Trainer and Aquatic Safety Supervisor positions are also available, both starting at $27 per hour.
- Trail managers and other positions
The stalls Trail Steward are available in Cheesequake State Park, Island Beach State Park, Stokes State Forest, Wharton State Forest and Worthington State Forest.
There are also visitors and office assistants. Naturalists and history educators work with naturalists and park historians at interpretive centers and historic sites to educate visitors.
Maintenance personnel are vital to the summer operations of the State Park Service.
Where can I fill out the application?
You can visit this website where you will find all available positions.
