F&W-2026-16 Parks and Wildlife Maintenance Apprentice
About The Position
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. 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.
Requirements
- Possession of 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.
- May be required to obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated.
- May be required to obtain a valid New Jersey Boat Operator’s license.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations.
Nice To Haves
- 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.
- 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 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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- Safely run survey vessels in both nearshore and offshore environments under varying weather conditions.
- Responsible for general vessel maintenance and upkeep.
- Contribute to maintenance and upkeep of buildings, grounds, survey gear, and other equipment.
- Participate as a crew member for field and laboratory projects.
- Assist with data entry and report preparation.
- Perform other technical and administrative duties, as assigned.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
