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

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.

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 View email address on njdepartmentofenvironmentalprotection.applytojob.com , or call CSC at Show phone number and select Option #3.

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

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 Affirmative 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. 

 

 

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.