SPFHS-2026-17 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 Natural and Historic Program area; does other related duties as required. The responsibilities of the position 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.
Requirements
- Possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
- Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated.
- Possess a valid New Jersey Boat Operator’s license.
- Obtain a NJ Certified Pesticide Applicator's or Operator's License in the required categories based on area of assignment.
- Designated as essential personnel and must report to their workstation during emergency situations.
- Attend training courses to obtain certifications that may be required based on area of assignment.
- Wear an appropriate respirator and complete an annual training course in respiratory protection.
- Successfully complete a forest fire suppression course administered by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
- Maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey within one year of the date of employment.
- Be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations.
Nice To Haves
- 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 evaluation 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 Natural and Historic Program area.
- Provide custodial services for patron health and safety.
- Perform major/minor repairs.
- Conduct snow removal.
- Perform basic painting and carpentry.
- Maintain roadways and outdoor recreation facilities.
- Care for and maintain the infrastructures, grounds, and out areas of the park(s).
- Perform ground and camping area maintenance.
- Conduct janitorial services.
- Engage in CBT projects.
- Maintain vehicles and equipment.
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
