Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey State Park Service

NJ State Park Service LogoNJ State Park Service Logo

Each year, between May and September, the New Jersey State Park Service hires approximately 700 seasonal staff to fill peak-season jobs at New Jersey’s parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites.

No experience necessary to apply. Salaries for most positions start at $16.00 per hour. The minimum age to apply is is 16 years old.

Interested in applying? Click here to submit an application for one of the positions listed below.

For information on full time employment with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, visit nj.gov/dep/jobs.

2024 Lifeguard Test Dates

Northern Region

Saturday, May 11
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Kittatinny Regional High School
77 Halsey Road, Newton, NJ 07860

Saturday, May 18
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Kittatinny Regional High School
77 Halsey Road, Newton, NJ 07860

Saturday, June 8
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Kittatinny Regional High School
77 Halsey Road, Newton, NJ 07860

Saturday, June 15
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Kittatinny Regional High School
77 Halsey Road, Newton, NJ 07860

Central Region

Saturday, May 4
10 a.m.
Raritan Valley Community College
118 Lamington Rd, Branchburg, NJ 08876

Saturday, May 11
10 a.m.
Raritan Valley Community College
118 Lamington Rd, Branchburg, NJ 08876

Saturday, May 18
10 a.m.
Raritan Valley Community College
118 Lamington Rd, Branchburg, NJ 08876

Southern Region

Saturday, May 4
2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA
1159 E. Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360

Saturday, May 18
2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA
1159 E. Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360

Island Beach State Park

Saturday, April 28
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Ocean County YMCA
1088 W Whitty Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755

Saturday, May 4
12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Ocean County YMCA
1088 W Whitty Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755

Available Positions

Lifeguards
Lifeguards

Lifeguard positions are anticipated at several swimming areas across the state.

Starting Salary $18.50 per hour in most areas, oceanfront guards at Island Beach State Park start at $19.50 per hour.

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General Maintenance Personnel
General Maintenance Personnel

General maintenance personnel are the backbone of the State Park Service and help to maintain grounds, buildings and remove litter.

Starting Salary $16 per hour

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State Park Police Visitor Service Assistants
Junior Lifeguards

Junior lifeguards are hired at 15 years old and will work on skills training, giving new recruits a head start on their training. Junior lifeguards cannot perform lifeguard duties for the public until age 16.

Starting Salary $17 per hour

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Visitor Service Assistants
Visitor Service Assistants

Visitor Service Assistants provide accurate information to visitors at various facilities, patrol grounds and collect gatehouse fees.

Starting Salary $16 per hour

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Naturalists and Historic Educators
Naturalists and History Educators

Naturalists and history educators work with park naturalists and historians at interpretive centers to educate visitors.

Starting Salary $16 per hour

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Office Personnel
Office Personnel

Office personnel help register campers, answer phone calls and perform other customer service duties as requested by the park superintendent.

Starting Salary $16 per hour

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