SPFHS-2026-30 - Parks and Wildlife Maintenance Apprentice

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Custodial services for patron health and safety
• Major and minor repairs
• Snow removal
• Basic painting and carpentry
• Roadway and outdoor recreation facilities maintenance
• Care and maintenance of park infrastructures, grounds, and outdoor areas
• Ground and camping area maintenance
• Janitorial services
• CBT projects
• Vehicle and equipment maintenance

New Jersey State Park operations are seven-day year-round operations requiring weekend, holiday, and after-hour coverage.

Requirements

• Appointees may 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

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.

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

• 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