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

Primerica; Port Republic (NJ); On-site; USD 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Benefit Leave

Holiday Pay

Pension

Health Benefits

Job summary

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is seeking candidates for a two-year apprenticeship in the Fish and Wildlife Marine Fisheries program. The role includes operating survey vessels, maintaining equipment, and assisting with field and laboratory projects under supervision.

Preferred candidates may hold a USCG OUPV license and have basic maintenance skills, with opportunities for advancement upon program completion and with proper credentials.

Qualifications

• Under supervision, learns to perform unskilled or semi-skilled tasks related to construction, maintenance, repair and improvement of structures, facilities, equipment and grounds.
• Experience with general maintenance skills, power tools, landscaping equipment, and light machinery is preferred.
• Willingness to follow orders and complete tasks to standard.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate survey vessels in nearshore and offshore environments under varying weather conditions.
• Contribute to maintenance of buildings, grounds, survey gear and equipment; assist with data entry and report preparation.

Skills

Vessel operation

Maintenance skills

Data entry

Report preparation

Communication skills

Tools

Power tools

Forklift

Job description

DescriptionOpen to applicants who meet the requirements below.

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

Description Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

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.

SAME Applicants If you are applying under the NJ SAME program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter) must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME program, please email [e-mail], or call CSC at [phone] and select Option #3.

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*

*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. All information is considered confidential and will be filed separately with the agency's affirmative action officer. This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision.

DEP Notices of Vacancy have a 4:00 p.m. deadline on the closing date. When filing for these opportunities, please be sure to have your letter of interest and credentials sent electronically before 4 p.m. on the closing date.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations under ADA will be provided upon request.