F&W-2026-16 Parks and Wildlife Maintenance Apprentice

NJ Department of Environmental Protection; Port Republic (NJ); On-site; USD 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Benefit Leave

Holiday Pay

Alternative Workweek Program

Telework

Pension

Deferred Compensation

Health Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts

Commuter Tax Savings Program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Fish and Wildlife Program, seeks an apprentice in Port Republic, NJ, to learn duties related to construction, maintenance, repair, and improvement of state park facilities and equipment. The role includes vessel operation and field/lab project support.

The two-year apprenticeship offers training under supervision, with opportunities for advancement after completion. A CDL and New Jersey Boat Operator license may be required depending on assignment.

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) license or higher preferred.
• Knowledge of fisheries survey methods and laboratory techniques desired.
• Experience with maintenance tools, landscaping equipment, and light machinery helpful.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate survey vessels in nearshore and offshore environments under varying conditions.
• Maintain vessels, buildings, grounds, survey gear and related equipment.
• Assist with field and laboratory projects and data entry/ report preparation.

Skills

USCG OUPV license

Fisheries survey knowledge

General maintenance skills

Strong communication

Job description

Open to: General Public
Work Week: 40-hour Work Week
Salary: (O12) $43,933.62 - $63,340.72
Opening Date: 10/5/2026
Closing Date: 10/26/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location Department of Environmental Protection
Fish and Wildlife
Marine Fisheries
360 New York Road
Port Republic, NJ 08241
Scope of Eligibility Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.
Description 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.
Specific to the Position 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.
Preferred Skill Set 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
Requirements License 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 essential duties of this position.
Appointees may be required to obtain 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.
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.
SPECIAL NOTE: 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 As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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*

*Pursuant to the State/Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.
Veteran's Preference To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated. For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service-preference/
Residency 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”.
Authorization to Work Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations. NOTE: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.
Equal Opportunity Employment The State of New Jersey seeks to increase the richness and diversity of its workforce, and in doing so, become the employer of choice for all people seeking to work in State Government. To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and employ a diverse workforce, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few brief questions on the NJ Aff