Applications are now being accepted for hundreds of seasonal employment opportunities in summer recreation positions, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. DEC Summer Recreation operates 52 public campgrounds and six Day-Use Areas throughout the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. DEC employs over 600 seasonal employees to provide varied services throughout the summer season.
“It has been a long winter and New Yorkers everywhere are chomping at the bit to get outdoors and enjoy the state’s vast natural resources,” Commissioner Martens said. “We welcome the public to our many public campgrounds and invite those looking for summer work to take advantage of the hundreds of positions that are now open.”
Positions Available are:
Assistant Chief Lifeguard: Must meet all the qualification for lifeguards, and, in addition, must have been a lifeguard for at least two seasons prior to appointment or have equivalent non-DEC practical experience. It is strongly recommended that candidates have current instructor certifications in Lifeguarding, Waterfront Module, First Aid, and CPR/AED for the Professional rescuer.
Conservation Security Worker: Must possess a motor vehicle operator’s license and have completed either;
A. a one-year course at a ranger school or similar learning institution in a park or natural resource management, law enforcement, or similar curriculum; OR
B. have one season (6 months minimum) of recreation facility experience involving contact with the public or in the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations; OR
C. one year of working or interacting with the public in a recreational facility; OR
D. one year of environmental experience in a remote wilderness setting; OR
E. have six months work experience in law enforcement, security services employment, military service or similar experience actively involved with public contact or in the enforcement of laws, policies, and rules and regulations; OR
F. have completed at least 15 college credit hours in criminal justice or similar course work.
Conservation Recreation Facilities Supervisor (1, 2 or 3 level):
Candidates must have two years of experience in maintenance, construction or landscape work, preferably in public recreational facilities.
Lifeguard: All lifeguards shall:
A. be at least 16 years of age;
B. possess current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and First Aid or equivalent;
C. possess current certification in the American Red Cross Waterfront Module or equivalent;
D. possess a certificate in American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent;
E. a copy of all certificates must be on file with the Regional Operations Supervisor in the regional office prior to the first day of employment. All required certifications must be kept current for the duration of employment. Copies should be available upon request of the Chief Lifeguard for beach inspections and be kept at the facility;
F. after receiving an offer of employment, all lifeguards will submit a DEC Medical Standards and Examination Findings for Lifeguards form filled out by a qualified physician. All medical forms are kept confidential and must be submitted before the first day of a lifeguard's employment;
G. successfully complete a practical examination administered by DEC or OPRHP in Lifesaving and CPR skills;
H. successfully complete a personal interview with DEC staff;
I. meet the Vision Requirement of 20/70 uncorrected in both eyes and be correctable to the 20/40 standard. Candidates tested at a vision level below 20/40 in either one or both eyes must correct to a minimum of 20/40 with 20/20 preferred;
J. attend a lifeguard orientation prior to each year of employment.
Lifeguard 2: Returnees in a NYS Lifeguard title who have worked an average of 240 hours in a combination of two fiscal years (at least 480 hours) will be eligible for an appointment to the Lifeguard 2 title.
Maintenance Assistant: Two years of experience in maintenance or mechanical work under the supervision of a skilled trades-worker or completion of an appropriate two-year technical school course.
Maintenance Assistant Parks: Candidates must have two years of experience in maintenance or mechanical work under the supervision of a skilled tradesperson or completion of an appropriate two-year technical school course.
Maintenance Helper: There are no educational or experience requirements for this class. Applicants must be physically able to perform moderate to heavy physical labor. When required to operate motor vehicles, candidates must possess a valid New York State Driver's License appropriate for the type of vehicle operated.
Park Attendant: There are no minimum education or experience requirements. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position.
Park and Recreation Aide Series (Level 1-7): Minimum qualifications vary according to the specific duties and responsibilities associated with a particular seasonal assignment and the level of the position. Possession of a valid New York State driver's license may be required.
How to apply:
The hiring for most of these seasonal jobs is handled directly by the regional office which encompasses the geographic area where the position exists. In some situations the applications and filling of seasonal positions are handled by a program coordinator.
Employment Application Form (PDF) (101 KB)
General Application Procedures:
To apply for seasonal employment, you should submit an employment application and a resume to the DEC Regional Office that covers the geographic area where you are seeking to work.
NEW YORK STATE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is the policy of the State of New York to provide for and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or arrest and /or criminal conviction record unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or exception.
For more information please visit DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/about/726.html or https://statejobsny.com/public/index.cfm to search for open job vacancies.
