SPFHS-Parks and Wildlife Maintenance Apprentice

Job Title

Under the close supervision of a supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in a two-year training program, learns to perform various unskilled or semiskilled tasks associated with the construction, maintenance, repair, and improvement of structures, facilities, equipment, and grounds at assigned state parks, forests, recreational areas, historic sites, wildlife management areas, marinas, or any other state-owned facilities within the Natural and Historic Program area;

does other related duties as required.

Positions Available:

• Stokes State Forest – 1 Vacancy
• Allaire State Park – 1 Vacancy

Locations:

• 1 Coursen Road Branchville, NJ 07826
• 4265 Atlantic Avenue Wall Township, NJ 07727

Salary: $42,447.94 – $61,198.74

Opening Date: 6/17/2026

Closing Date: 7/8/2026

Existing Vacancies: 2

Program/

Location:

Department of Environmental Protection State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites New Jersey State Parks

Responsibilities include custodial services for patron health and safety, major/minor repairs, snow removal, basic painting, carpentry, roadway and outdoor recreation facilities. Also responsible for the care and maintenance of the infrastructures, grounds and out areas of the park(s) including but not limited to ground and camping area maintenance, janitorial services, CBT projects and vehicle/equipment maintenance. NJ State Park operations are seven-day year-round operations requiring weekend, holiday and after-hour coverage.

Licenses and

Certifications:

• Driver's license valid in New Jersey
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements
• New Jersey Boat Operator's license
• NJ Certified Pesticide Applicator's or Operator's License

Special Notes:

• Appointees may be required to obtain certifications based on area of assignment.
• Appointees may be required to wear an appropriate respirator and complete an annual training course in respiratory protection.
• Appointees may be required to successfully complete a forest fire suppression course administered by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Advancement:

Appointee's work performance will be reviewed and rated semi-annually during each twelve (12) months of the two (2) year apprenticeship program. Upon the successful completion of a twenty-four (24) month apprenticeship program, appointees will be eligible for advancement to Parks and Wildlife Maintenance Specialist 1 in accordance with New Jersey Civil Service Commission procedures.

Employee Benefits:

• Paid Benefit Leave
• Holiday Pay
• Alternative Workweek Program*
• Telework*
• Pension
• Deferred Compensation
• Health Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance
• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Commuter Tax Savings Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Tuition Reimbursement*

* Pursuant to the State/Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.

SAME Applicants:

If you are applying under the NJ SAME program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter) must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above.

Veteran's Preference:

To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated.

Residency:

All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the "New Jersey First Act".

Authorization to Work:

Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

The State of New Jersey seeks to increase the richness and diversity of its workforce, and in doing so, become the employer of choice for all people seeking to work in State Government. To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and employ a diverse workforce, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few brief questions on the NJ Affirmative Action Information Form.

All information is considered confidential and will be filed separately with the agency's affirmative action officer. This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision.

DEP Notices of Vacancy have a 4:00 p.m. deadline on the closing date. When filing for these opportunities, please be sure to have your letter of interest and credentials sent electronically before 4 p.m. on the closing date.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations under ADA will be provided upon request.