F&W-Parks and Wildlife Maintenance Apprentice

Open to: General Public
Work Week: 40-hour Work Week
Salary: (O12) $43,933.62 - $63,340.72
Opening Date: 10/5/2026
Closing Date: 10/26/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location Department of Environmental Protection
Fish and Wildlife
Marine Fisheries
360 New York Road
Port Republic, NJ 08241
Scope of Eligibility Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.
Description 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 Fish and Wildlife Program area;

does other related duties as required.
Specific to the Position The candidate will be required to safely run survey vessels in both nearshore and offshore environments under varying weather conditions and will be responsible for general vessel maintenance and upkeep. The position also contributes to maintenance and upkeep of buildings, grounds, survey gear, and other equipment; participates as a crew member for field and laboratory projects; assists with data entry and report preparation;

performs other technical and administrative duties, as assigned.
Preferred Skill Set Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (USCG OUPV) or higher license is strongly preferred. Knowledge of or ability to learn fisheries survey and laboratory methods; knowledge of or ability to learn commercial and recreational species common in NJ; experience with general maintenance skills, power tools, landscaping equipment, and light machinery (eg fork truck);

good written and oral communication skills; ability to follow orders to completion of a task
Requirements
License Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of this position.
Appointees may be required to obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated.
Appointees may be required to obtain a valid New Jersey Boat Operator’s license.
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.
The inability of an employee in the apprentice title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to Parks and Wildlife Maintenance Specialist 1 shall be considered as cause for separation.
SPECIAL

NOTE:

Evidence of prior training and/or experience in the routine maintenance of buildings and grounds, or wildlife and/or fisheries management activities may be submitted with your application for evaluation by the Appointing Authority for possible credit. Applicants deemed qualified may not be required to complete the entire twenty-four (24) month apprenticeship program, based upon the discretion of the Appointing Authority. The Appointing Authority is responsible for verification of the credentials.
Benefits As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Benefit Leave
• Holiday Pay
• Alternative Workweek Program*
• Telework*
• Pension
• Deferred Compensation
• Health Benefits (medical,…