New Jersey Accepting Applications for Seasonal State Parks Jobs

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is hiring more than 800 seasonal workers for state parks, forests, and historic sites in 2026. Officials anticipate celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States this year will bring thousands to the state.

The statewide hiring spans from High Point State Park in the northwest to Cape May Point State Park in the southeast. Roles include lifeguards, junior lifeguards, general maintenance staff, visitor service assistants, office assistants, naturalists, and history educators.

Starting pay is generally $16.50 per hour, with higher rates for lifeguards and specific park roles. Bilingual applicants are encouraged.

“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,” DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said in a written statement shared with NJ Advance Media.

Most seasonal roles run from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with staff expected to work weekends and holidays. Some positions may accommodate students and teachers with limited availability.

Applications can be submitted online at nj.gov/dep/workinparks.

Learn more about the following positions that are now hiring:

General maintenance personnel help full-time staff with duties such as lawn care, landscaping, facility cleaning, garbage removal, and park improvements. These positions start at $16.50 per hour and are available throughout the state.

Individuals can assist naturalists and historians at interpretive centers and historic sites by leading or assisting with public interpretive programs. Work may also involve special projects in collections management, archival work, or research related to park resources and historic sites.

Salaries begin at $16.50 per hour.

History educator opportunities are available at the following locations:

Naturalist opportunities are available at the following locations:

Junior lifeguards, starting at age 15, can earn $17.50 per hour at Island Beach State Park. These lifeguards support swimming area operations and build foundational lifeguarding skills. They cannot perform lifeguard duties for the public until age 16.

Lifeguard positions do not require prior experience. However, candidates must pass running and swimming tests before employment. Lifeguards who complete training also receive certification from the U.S. Lifesaving Association.

Lifeguard opportunities are expected at the following locations:

Northern Region:

Central Region:

Southern Region:

Salaries begin at $19 per hour at lakefront swimming areas and $20 per hour at Island Beach State Park.

Office support roles are available to help with camper registration, answer phone calls, and serve in other customer service roles as designated by the park superintendent. Salaries start at $16.50 per hour, and positions are available throughout the state.

These individuals assist park visitors by sharing information, collecting fees at gatehouses, and patrolling park grounds. Pay starts at $16.50 per hour; positions are available throughout the state.