DEP now accepting applications for more than 800 seasonal state park jobs

The Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for more than 800 seasonal positions at New Jersey state parks, forests, and historic sites, ahead of increased visitation expected during the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations this year, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today. 

Positions are available from High Point State Park in the northwest to Cape May Point State Park in the southeast and include lifeguards, junior lifeguards, general maintenance personnel, visitor service assistants, office assistants, naturalists, and history educators. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Salaries for most positions start at $16.50 an hour and are slightly higher than the 2025 rates. Lifeguard salaries vary by location, from $19 an hour at lakes to $20 an hour for oceanfront guards at Island Beach State Park in Ocean County. Positions at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, Hudson County, and the greenway in Essex and Hudson counties start at $20 per hour. 

“A seasonal position with New Jersey State Parks is a great way to spend the summer, and this year will be even more special as we highlight the parks, forests, and historic sites that were pivotal locations in the American Revolution,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “We encourage people of all backgrounds and experience levels to apply for these positions, which can also be a springboard to a rewarding career in environmental protection.” 

To learn which parks, forests, and historic sites are accepting applications or to apply for a specific position, visit nj.gov/dep/workinparks. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Peak season generally runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Job Requirements

Seasonal staff are required to work weekends and holidays as park facilities are open seven days a week. New Jersey State Parks will work with applicants, such as students and teachers, whose availability may be limited to weekends during certain periods of the year.

“As New Jersey State Parks celebrates the United States’ 250th anniversary, 2026 is an exciting year to work as a seasonal employee, with special events, restored historic buildings, new facilities, and visitors from across the country and around the world,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “With opportunities across a diversity of positions, seasonal employees can build valuable skills, serve the public, and spend time working in places that they love.” 

“New Jersey State Parks’ peak-season seasonal jobs program has paved the way for many full-time employees, including myself,” said Rebecca Fitzgerald, Administrator for New Jersey State Parks. “I began my career as a seasonal visitor services assistant collecting entrance fees at High Point State Park, an experience that changed the course of my life. It sparked my interest in New Jersey’s public lands, inspired me to earn a degree in park management, and led to a 23-year career as a field superintendent.” 

Available Positions

Lifeguards: Playing a critical role in ensuring safety at swimming areas within state parks and forests across New Jersey, lifeguards assist park visitors, monitor lakes and beaches, and provide first aid as needed. Prior experience is not required, but candidates must pass running and swimming tests before employment. New Jersey State Parks provides paid training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator use, first aid, and other essential safety skills. Lifeguards who successfully complete training also receive certification from the U.S. Lifesaving Association. 

Lifeguards training

Lifeguard opportunities are anticipated at lakes at High Point, Hopatcong, Swartswood, and Wawayanda state parks in the northern part of the state; Cheesequake State Park and Round Valley Recreation Area in the central region; and Island Beach State Park, along with Atsion Recreation Area (Wharton State Forest), Bass River, and Belleplain state forests in the south. Salaries start at $19 per hour at lakefront swimming areas and $20 per hour at Island Beach State Park. A video showcasing a day in the life of an Island Beach State Park lifeguard may be viewed here.  

Junior Lifeguards: Beginning at age 15, aspiring lifeguards may be hired as junior lifeguards to gain early experience and get a jumpstart on their training. Junior lifeguards support swimming area operations and build foundational skills, but they are not permitted to perform lifeguard duties for the public until they turn 16. Salaries start at $17.50 per hour. Junior Lifeguard positions are available only at Island Beach State Park. 

General Maintenance Personnel: The backbone of New Jersey State Parks during peak season, general maintenance personnel support full-time staff with a wide range of duties, including mowing lawns and landscaping, cleaning facilities, removing trash, completing park improvement projects, and performing other general maintenance tasks. Applicants with specialized skills, such as carpentry or small-engine repair, are encouraged to apply. Salaries start at $16.50 per hour. Positions are available statewide.

Visitor Service Assistants: These personnel assist park visitors by providing information, collecting fees at gatehouses, and monitoring park grounds. Salaries start at $16.50 per hour. Positions are available statewide. 

Naturalists and History Educators: Assist naturalists and historians at interpretive centers and historic sites by leading or assisting with interpretive programs. These positions may also be assigned special projects by a supervisor, such as collections management, archival work, or research related to park resources and historic sites. 

Maintenance employee using a lawn mower

Salaries start at $16.50 per hour. Naturalist opportunities are available at Belleplain State Forest, Cape May Point State Park, D&R Canal State Park, Island Beach State Park, Round Valley Recreation Area and Wharton State Forest. History Educator positions are available at Fort Mott State Park, Ringwood State Park, Rockingham Historic Site, Somers Mansion Historic Site, Twin Lights Historic Site, Wallace House Historic Site, and Wharton State Forest.  

Office Personnel: Assist with camper registration, answer phone calls, and perform other customer service duties as assigned by the park superintendent within a park office. Salaries start at $16.50 per hour. Positions are available statewide. 

United States’ 250 Celebrations

The United States will mark its 250th anniversary this year, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. New Jersey State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites will celebrate the milestone year with re-enactments, interpretive programs, hiking challenges, restoration of historic structures, new visitor centers, and more.

Visitors of all ages and abilities are invited to join the New Jersey State Parks 250 Challenge, a year-long initiative to explore New Jersey’s 41 state parks, 11 state forests, five recreation areas, and 50+ historic sites and districts while building healthy habits and celebrating this milestone year.  Learn more about the New Jersey State Parks 250 Challenge here.