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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2019

Contact: Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795
Lawrence Hajna (609) 292-2994

DEP SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR HUNDREDS OF SEASONAL JOBS AT STATE
PARKS, FORESTS AND HISTORIC SITES

(19/P010) TRENTON – Applications are being accepted for hundreds of peak-season jobs at New Jersey’s parks, forests and historic sites, the Department of Environmental Protection announced today.

Seasonal positions for lifeguards, nature and history educators, maintenance workers and visitor service assistants are available for those 16 years of age and older. The number and types of positions available varies by the recreation opportunities each park offers. Positions are available at 34 locations in 14 counties. Peak season is Memorial Day through Labor Day. Salary rates start at $10 per hour.

James Douglas Seasonal EmployeesSome parks are hiring to fill positions April through October, particularly for posts that involve camping. The Park Service will work with applicants, such as students and teachers, whose availability may be limited to weekends during certain periods of the year.

“Seasonal positions serve important purposes, from ensuring that our guests enjoy their visits to providing learning experiences for staff as they showcase the best of New Jersey’s parks, forests and historic sites,” said Parks and Forestry Director Olivia Glenn. “We encourage the public to apply for positions and spend the warmer months in our great outdoors.”

In addition to lifeguarding and other seasonal positions, the State Park Service also seeks Trail Stewards for three state parks. These positions require applicants to be at least 18 years of age and able to hike strenuous distances daily. Applicants should be assertive and professional as they will handle intense crowds and educate visitors on the Leave No Trace concept and park regulations. Trail stewards must be able to work 40 hours a week, on shifts from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or noon to 8:30 p.m.

Seasonal staff are required to work weekends and holidays because facilities are open seven days a week. Most jobs are outdoors.

Applicants for all positions are encouraged to check with the park office of their choice by Friday, March 1 about specific positions, scheduling and other job-related inquiries. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible.

James Douglas Seasonal Employees LifeguardsLifeguard positions are anticipated at 14 swimming areas across the state, such as Island Beach State Park in Ocean County, the Atsion Recreation Area at Wharton State Forest in Burlington County, and Spruce Run Recreation Area in Hunterdon County.

While candidates must pass running and swim tests prior to employment, prior experience is not necessary. The Park Service will train lifeguards in cardiopulmonary resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillators, first aid and other medical matters, and help applicants obtain U.S. Lifesaving Association certification. State swimming areas open Saturday, May 25.

Office workers and visitor service assistants help register campers, answer phone calls, provide recordkeeping, handle sales transactions, and do other customer service duties as required.

Nature and history educators work with park naturalists and historians at interpretive centers to educate visitors. Typical activities include giving tours, demonstrating or explaining a craft, and preparing materials. These positions may also be assigned specific projects by their supervisor.

General maintenance workers help to maintain grounds and buildings and remove litter. Seasonal visitor service workers provide information to visitors, report emergencies and perform visual inspections of facilities and grounds.

The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry oversees some 50 state parks, forests, recreation areas, battlefields, historic sites and marinas that annually draw millions of visitors and are a key contributor to the state’s tourism economy.

To learn more about which locations are accepting applications or to apply for a specific position, visit www.nj.gov/dep/workinparks or your local park office. The lifeguard testing schedule is also posted at this link.

To learn more about New Jersey’s Parks, Forests and Historic Sites, visit www.njparksandforests.org.

Like the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newjerseystateparks.

Follow the New Jersey State Park Service on Instagram @newjerseystateparks

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DEP Photos: James Douglas

 

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Last Updated: February 25, 2019