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Summer Seasonal Jobs

Each year, the NJ State Park Service hires approximately 600 people to fill seasonal jobs from May through September. These jobs include:

  • LIFEGUARDS (No experience necessary-we train and obtain USLA Certification)
  • GENERAL MAINTENANCE - Clear an area of trash, litter and debris, maintain grounds, buildings and/or piers and operate mowing equipment. Operation of power tools and equipment as permitted by the New Jersey Child Labor regulations NJAC 12:58.
  • SEASONAL VISITOR SERVICE - Provide accurate information to visitors at various facilities throughout an area, report emergencies and direct traffic. Perform visual inspections of area facilities and grounds.
  • SEASONAL INTERPRETIVE SPECIALIST - Conduct nature and/or historic tours. Assist in the preparation of public information materials, displays and programs. May demonstrate, perform and interpret craftwork under supervision.
  • OFFICE WORKER - Greet visitors, provide public information, collect fees, issue permits and passes, operate office equipment, type, file and perform billing and payroll functions as needed.

No experience is necessary. Salaries range from $7.15- $10.50 per hour. The minimum age for most positions is 16 years old.

Whether you love the outdoors, want to gain work experience or learn new skills - diverse summer job opportunities are available at New Jersey's state parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites. Applications are available below. If you have any questions e-mail our office in Trenton at Gerry.Davies@dep.state.nj.us.

Download the Summer Seasonal Job Application (Adobe Acrobat pdf format)
Fill out the application online, print and mail it to:

Office of the Governor
Summer Employment Program
PO Box 1447
Trenton, NJ 08607--1447

The deadline for applications is March 1, 2009.

For further information on employment with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/jobs/.

Lifeguard Information

Spend the summer enjoying the warmth of the sun and the wonderful landscapes of New Jersey's state parks, forests and recreation areas, while you enhance your resume in this admirable public service. Learn valuable life skills such as responding to emergency situations and administering first aid, CPR, AEDs and oxygen.

Starting salary is $8.50 per hour. No previous experience is required. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older. Applicants under 18 years of age must have an official State Park Service permission slip signed by a parent or legal guardian to participate in lifeguard testing.

LIFEGUARD EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ARE ANTICIPATED AT THE FOLLOWING AREAS:   

Atsion Recreation Area, Wharton State Forest 609-268-0444
Bass River State Forest 609-296-1114
Belleplain State Forest 609-861-2404
Cheesequake State Park 732-566-2161
High Point State Park 973-875-4800
Hopatcong State Park 973-398-7010
Island Beach State Park 732-793-0506
Parvin State Park 856-358-8616
Ringwood State Park 973-962-7031
Round Valley Recreation Area 908-236-6355
Spruce Run Recreation Area 908-638-8572
Stokes State Forest 973-948-3820
Swartswood State Park 973-383-5230
Wawayanda State Park 973-853-4462

Life Guard Test sites and Dates

Saturday, January 5, 2008
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center
1735 Simpson Ave.
Ocean City, New Jersey
Saturday, April 5, 2008
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Ramapo College Pool
505 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430

Saturday, April 26, 2008
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center
1735 Simpson Ave.
Ocean City, New Jersey
Saturday, April 26, 2008
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Ramapo College Pool
505 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430

Saturday, April 26, 2008
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ocean County YMCA
1088 West Whitty Road
Toms River, New Jersey 08755

Saturday, May 3, 2008
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center
1735 Simpson Ave.
Ocean City, New Jersey

Saturday, May 3, 2008
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
(Swim Test)

Somerset Valley YMCA @ Raritan Valley Community College
Rt. 28 and Lamington Rd.
North Branch, New Jersey

Saturday, May 3, 2008
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ocean County YMCA
1088 West Whitty Road
Toms River, New Jersey 08755

Sunday, May 4, 2008
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 pm

Kittatinny Regional High School
77 Halsey Road
County Route 626
Newton, New Jersey

Saturday, May 10, 2008
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
(Swim Test & Mandatory Training)

Somerset Valley YMCA @ Raritan Valley Community College
Rt. 28 and Lamington Rd.
North Branch, New Jersey

Saturday, May 10, 2008
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Kittatinny Regional High School
77 Halsey Road
County Route 626
Newton, New Jersey

Saturday, May 17, 2008
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Mandatory Training)

Somerset Valley YMCA @ Raritan Valley Community College
Rt. 28 and Lamington Rd.
North Branch, New Jersey

The following information will be helpful in preparing applicants for the State Park Service Lifeguard test:

1. All applicants under 18 years of age must have an official State Park Service permission slip signed by parent or legal guardian to participate in lifeguard testing. Applicants under 18 must present this slip at the test site or they will not be tested. A permission slip is attached to this information package. Applicants 18 years of age or older must have adequate proof of age.

2. If you are hired for employment as a lifeguard, you must undergo a medical examination by a M.D. or D.O. The physician will then complete a form provided to you by the area Superintendent.

3. Lifeguards normally work 40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays. Lake swimming areas open Memorial Day weekend. The ocean swimming facility at Island Beach will open Memorial Day weekend (weekends only), and daily beginning the second Sunday in June.

4. Non-residents applicants will be considered only if there are inadequate numbers of qualified New Jersey applicants.

5. All tests will begin promptly at the time designated. Applicants must bring all necessary personal effects, including swimsuit, running shoes and shorts, T-shirt, towels, and food, beverages, etc.

6. Employment as a State Park Service Lifeguard offers a unique opportunity to participate in an organized program of physical conditioning, including calisthenics, swimming, running, rowing and kayaking. The regular training program includes first aid, CPR, oxygen administration, AED use and water safety instruction.

 

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Copyright © State of New Jersey, 1996-2004
Department of Environmental Protection
P. O. Box 402
Trenton, NJ 08625-0402

Last Updated: December 1, 2008

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