From High Point in the northwest to Cape May Point in the southeast, New Jersey residents and visitors flock to the State’s oceanfront, urban and rural parks between the months of May and September.
To learn which parks, forests and historic sites are accepting applications or to apply for a specific position, visit www.nj.gov/dep/workinparks. Applicants are encouraged to check with the park office of their choice by phone at their earliest convenience about specific positions, scheduling and other job-related inquiries. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible.
While most seasonal job openings are from Memorial Day through Labor Day, select parks need part-time staff year-round. Most jobs are outdoors.
Seasonal staff are required to work weekends and holidays because park facilities are open seven days a week. The State Park Service will work with applicants, such as students and teachers, whose availability may be limited to weekends during certain periods of the year.
The type and number of positions vary by location, depending on the types of recreational and educational activities each area offers. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older to apply. Salaries start at $15.00 per hour for most positions.
Lifeguard Opportunities
Lifeguards are needed at swimming areas across the state, with salaries starting at $17.50 per hour. Oceanfront guards at Island Beach State Park start at $18.50 per hour. Prior experience is not necessary, but candidates must pass running and swim tests prior to employment.
The State Park Service will train lifeguards in cardiopulmonary resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillator use, first aid and other medical matters. Each lifeguard will also receive a U.S. Lifesaving Association certification. The DEP anticipates state park swimming areas to open in mid-June. Island Beach State Park swimming areas are expected to open Saturday, May 28.
The State Park Service is expanding its aquatics program this year and will hire Junior Lifeguards at least 15 years old, at $16.00 per hour. While junior lifeguards cannot perform lifeguard duties for the public until age 16, the position provides a head start on their training.
Higher-level supervisory positions in the State Park Service’s aquatics program are also available. The Aquatics Program Supervisor position is responsible for ensuring that State Park Service ocean and freshwater swimming areas comply with United States Lifesaving Association Certification requirements. The salary is $28.00 per hour. Regional Lifeguard Trainer and Water Safety Supervisor positions are also available, both starting at $27.00 per hour.
Other Positions
Trail Steward positions are available at the Wawayanda State Park in Passaic and Sussex counties; and Wharton State Forest in Burlington County. Eligible applicants must be 18 years of age or older and able to hike long distances daily. Applicants should be personable, assertive and professional as they work with crowds and advise visitors about the Leave No Trace concept and park regulations. Other jobs may include brushing and blazing trails, installing signs and fences, and general trail maintenance. Salaries range from $15.00 per hour.
Visitor service and office assistants help register campers, collect entrance fees, answer phone calls, provide record-keeping and conduct other customer service duties as required. Salaries start at $15.00 per hour.
Naturalists and history educators work with park naturalists and historians at interpretive centers and historic sites to educate visitors. Typical activities include leading or assisting with interpretive programs, teaching visiting camp groups, demonstrating a craft and preparing materials. These positions may also be assigned specific projects by their supervisor. Salaries start at $15.00 per hour.
Maintenance personnel are vital to the State Park Service’s summer operations. Applicants should expect to assist full-time staff in a variety of tasks including lawnmowing, cleaning of facilities, trash removal, park improvement projects and other general maintenance functions. Those with a unique skill, such as carpentry, are encouraged to apply for these positions. Salaries start at $15.00 per hour based upon experience.
The DEP’s Division of Parks and Forestry oversees more than 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. The State Park Police protect the natural and historic resources of New Jersey’s state parks, forests and historic sites, and the safety, security and well-being of all visitors.