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The New Jersey State Park Service is actively seeking lifeguards for the upcoming summer season to staff its swim areas across the state. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, and the starting salary is $18.50 per hour, with oceanfront positions at Island Beach State Park offering $19.50 per hour. Junior lifeguard positions are available for 15-year-olds, starting at $17 per hour, providing training for future lifeguard duties.
To qualify, candidates must pass running and swimming tests. No prior experience is necessary, as the State Park Service provides training, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid, and offers a U.S. Lifesaving Association certification upon completion. According to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection, lifeguard test dates are scheduled throughout May and June at various locations, including Kittatinny Regional High School and Old Bridge Family YMCA.
The need for lifeguards is pressing due to a shortage in recent years. Positions are available at several state parks, including High Point, Hopatcong, Swartswood, and Wawayanda in the north, Cheesequake and Round Valley in the central region, and Island Beach and Parvin in the south. The swimming areas at Island Beach State Park are set to open on Saturday (May 24), with others following in mid-June.
The New Jersey State Park Service is also hiring for other seasonal roles, such as general maintenance personnel and visitor service assistants, with salaries starting at $16 per hour. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly through the state's website.