SPFHS-2026-35 - Parks and Wildlife Maintenance Apprentice

NJ Department of Environmental Protection; New Jersey; On-site; USD 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Leave

Holiday Pay

Alternative Workweek Program

Telework

Pension

Deferred Compensation

Health Benefits (medical, prescription

Life Insurance

Flexible FSA/HSA

Commuter Tax Savings Program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

NJ Department of Environmental Protection seeks an apprentice for Park facilities maintenance at Hopatcong State Park in Landing, NJ. The two-year program trains you in custodial services, minor repairs, snow removal, painting and carpentry, and facility upkeep across state parks.

Works on-site under supervision, with licensing and training as required. The role emphasizes outdoor work, tool use, and safety, with advancement after successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• Experience with manual and power tools and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Providing custodial services to support patron health and safety.
• Performing major and minor repairs as needed.
• Snow removal and basic painting/carpentry.
• Maintaining roadways and outdoor recreation facilities.

Skills

Tools handling

Job description

Open to: General Public

Work Week: 40-hour Work Week

Salary: (O12) $43,933.62 – $63,340.72

Opening Date: 9/14/2026

Closing Date: 10/05/2026

Existing Vacancies: 2

Program/Location

Department of Environmental Protection

State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites

New Jersey State Parks

Hopatcong State Park

260 Lakeside Boulevard

Landing, NJ 07850

Scope of Eligibility Description

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 Natural and Historic Program area; does other related duties as required.

Specific to Position

The responsibilities of the position include providing custodial services throughout the park to support patron health and safety, completing major and minor repairs, snow removal, basic painting and carpentry, and maintaining roadways and outdoor recreation facilities.

*Due to nature of the role, this position is performed exclusively on-site.

Preferred Skill Set

Experience with manual and power tools and equipment. Eager learner, enjoys working outdoors.

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 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 possess a valid New Jersey Boat Operator's license.

Special Note: 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.

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

• 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.

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 visit SAME Program , email [e-mail] , or call CSC at [phone] and select Option #3.

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 Affordative Action Information Form. 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.