SPFHS-2026-40 Parks and Wildlife Maintenance Apprentice

Job Description

Job Description

Open to: General Public
Work Week: 40-hour Work Week
Salary: (O12) $43,933.62 – $63,340.72
Opening Date: 9/25/2026
Closing Date: 10/16/2026
Existing Vacancies: TBD

Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites
New Jersey State Parks

Wharton State Forest
31 Batsto Road
Hammonton, NJ 08037

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

Specific to Position
The responsibilities of the position include custodial services for patron health and safety, major/minor repairs, snow removal, basic painting, carpentry, roadway and outdoor recreation facilities. Also responsible for the care and maintenance of the infrastructures, grounds and out areas of the park(s) including but not limited to ground maintenance, janitorial services, CBT projects and vehicle/equipment maintenance. New Jersey State Parks operations are seven-day year-round operations requiring weekend, holiday and after-hour coverage.

*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 obtain 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
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.

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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com, or call CSC at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com 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 -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 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.

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