SPFHS-2026-11 Parks and Wildlife Maintenance Apprentice

NJ Department of Environmental Protection

15d•Onsite

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. Specific to Position 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. New Jersey State Park operations are seven-day year-round operations requiring weekend, holiday and after-hour coverage. Due to nature of the role, this position is performed exclusively on-site.

Requirements

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 the essential duties of the position.
Appointees may be required to possess 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.
Appointees may be required to obtain a NJ Certified Pesticide Applicator's or Operator's License in the required categories based on area of assignment.
Appointees may be designated as essential personnel and must report to their workstation during emergency situations.
Appointees may be required to attend training courses to obtain certifications that may be required 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.
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”.

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 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.

Responsibilities

custodial services for patron health and safety
major/minor repairs
snow removal
basic painting
carpentry
roadway and outdoor recreation facilities
care and maintenance of the infrastructures, grounds and out areas of the park(s)
ground and camping area maintenance
janitorial services
CBT projects
vehicle/equipment maintenance

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