Employment Opportunities in Summer Recreation
Campground Seasonal Employment

Would you like to work in New York State's beautiful Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves this summer?
Jobs will typically start the last part of May and run through Labor Day or Columbus Day.
Summer Recreation operates 52 public campgrounds and 5 day use areas throughout the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. Over 600 seasonal employees are employed to provide varied services throughout the summer season.
Most Common Titles
Conservation Recreation Facilities Supervisor (CRFS) Series - Employees in this position are tasked with the daily operations of the campground and day use areas. Facility Supervisors are required to live on site while the facility is open.
- CRFS 1 - One year experience in maintenance, construction, landscaping, or in business operations.* At least 6 months of which must be at the supervisory level. Must be at least 18 years of age and maintain a valid driver's license.
- CRFS 2 - Two years of experience in maintenance, construction, landscaping, or in business operations.* At least one year of which must be at the supervisory level. Must be at least 18 years of age and maintain a valid driver's license.
- CRFS 3 - Two years of supervisory experience in maintenance, construction, landscaping, or in business operations.* Must be at least 18 years of age and maintain a valid driver's license.
* Experience in business operations must include responsibilities dealing with the public, customer service and daily financial reporting and processing.
Park and Recreation Aide Series - Must be physically able to perform a variety of maintenance and/or clerical duties. Candidates must be at least 16 years of age. Preference may be given to candidates 18 years of age with a valid driver's license.
Conservation Security Worker (previously Conservation Park Ranger) - Must be in good physical condition. Must possess a motor vehicle operator's license and have completed either:
- One year course at a ranger school or similar learning institution, in a park or natural resource management, law enforcement or similar curriculum; or
- One season (6 months minimum) of recreation facility experience involving contact with the public or in the enforcement of laws, policies, rules and regulations; or
- One year of working or interacting with the public in a recreational facility; or
- One year of environmental experience in a remote wilderness setting; or
- 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
- Have completed at least 15 college credit hours in criminal justice or similar course work.
Lifeguard Positions

The current hourly rate for a NYS Lifeguard 1 is $20.00.
Qualifications for employment are:
- Minimum age is 15.
- At the time of employment, all candidates must possess current certifications in American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer (or the equivalent) and the American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Waterfront Skills Certification (or the equivalent). Candidates should also possess American Red Cross First Aid (or equivalent) if not included in lifeguard training course. All certifications must remain current through the entire operating season. Candidates may participate in the lifeguard qualifying procedure without the above certifications; however, they must be provided before employment begins.
- DEC Lifeguards will be required to pass a NYS qualifying procedure before employment begins, list of qualifying procedure test dates and location is below. Pre-register online.
- Prior to start of employment, each candidate will be required to submit a current New York State Department of Environmental Conservation "Medical Standards for Lifeguards" form with a physician's certification that the candidate is physically capable of performing lifeguard duties.
- As per the Agency standard, lifeguard candidates must meet the vision requirement of 20/70 uncorrected vision in both eyes and be correctable to the 20/40 standard.
2022 Lifeguard Qualifier Dates and Locations
Date | Time | Location | Address | City |
---|---|---|---|---|
Saturday, April 9th | 9am | Franklin Academy | 42 Huskie Lane | Malone |
Friday, April 22nd | 2pm | Gloversville Middle School | 234 Lincoln Street | Gloversville |
Saturday, April 30th | 9am | Moriah Central School | 39 Viking Lane | Port Henry |
Sunday, May 15th | 9:30am | *Holland Patent High Scholl | 8079 Thompson Rd | Holland Patent |
Saturday, May 21st | 9am | Queensbury Elementary School | 431 Aviation Road | Queensbury |
Sunday, June 5th | 9am | Moriah Central School | 39 Viking Lane | Port Henry |
Saturday, June 11th | 9am | Gloversville Middle School | 234 Lincoln Street | Gloversville |
Friday, July 1st | 2pm | Moriah Central School | 39 Viking Lane | Port Henry |
Pre-registration for the above, is required. Applicants can do so, online or via phone 518-457-2500x1
* For Holland Patent Qualifier only: All candidates must register with OPRHP by calling Erin McPeak at (315) 479-3243
Before orientation, the following forms must be submitted to the NYSDEC Summer Recreation office in Albany (address below):
- Certifications valid through Fall of 2022 ( Lifeguarding and Waterfront Skills, BLS or CPR-FPR/AED & First Aid)
- Lifeguard Candidate Inquiry Form (PDF)
- Medical Packet for Lifeguards
- HBV Declination form
For more information contact:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Summer Recreation
Third Floor
625 Broadway
Albany, N.Y. 12233-5253
Email: info.lifeguard@dec.ny.gov
or call 518-457-2500 x1
DEC Regional Office Contacts and Addresses
Regional Office | Contact Name | Phone Number | Mailing Address |
---|---|---|---|
Reg. 3 New Paltz | Cindy Yaekel | 845-256-3079 | 21 S. Putts Corners Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561 |
Reg. 4 Stamford | Lisa Jensen | 607-652-2032 | 65561 State Highway 10, Suite 1, Stamford, NY 12167 |
Reg. 5 Northville | Jerry Lucia | 518-863-4545 x3013 | PO Box 1316, Northville, NY 12134 |
Reg. 5 Indian Lake | Deb Rice | 518-554-8056 | PO Box 246, Indian Lake, NY 12842 |
Reg. 5 Warrensburg | June VanHeusen | 518-623-1200 | 232 Golf Course Rd., Warrensburg, NY 12885 |
Reg. 5 Crown Point | Andrea Dukett | 518-897-1310 | 738 Bridge St., Crown Point, NY 12928 |
Reg. 5 Ray Brook | Andrea Dukett | 518-897-1310 | PO Box 296, Ray Brook, NY 12977 |
Reg. 6 Herkimer | Jeff Abrial | 315-942-2211 x200 | 225 N. Main St., Herkimer, NY 13350 |
Reg. 6 Potsdam | Ron Jock | 315-274-3347 | 6739 U.S. Highway 11, Potsdam, NY 13676 |