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 is $14.66. Qualifications for employment are:

1. Minimum age is 16.
2. 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 Waterfront Lifeguarding Certificate (or the equivalent). Also 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.
3. Candidates must successfully complete the lifeguard qualifying procedure of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) or the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP).
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Pre-registration for all lifeguards taking the DEC qualifying procedure is required prior to the scheduled qualifying procedure. In the event of a qualifying procedure cancelation you will be notified. The contact number for pre-registration is 518-457-2500 ext. #1. You may also e-mail us

For more information and a schedule of testing dates and locations, 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

Pre-registering is required 518-457-2500 x1 or via email info.lifeguard@dec.ny.gov
Candidates must arrive at the specified start time. Qualifying procedure will begin on time. Late arrivals will not be accepted

We reserve the right to cancel qualifying procedures. In the event of a qualifying procedures cancelation we will do our best to notify you in a timely

DEC Regional Office Contacts and Addresses

• Find on this Page
• • Campground Seasonal Employment
  • Lifeguard Positions
  • 2020 Lifeguard Qualifying Dates and Locations
  • DEC Regional Office Contacts and Addresses
• Important Links
• • 2020 Lifeguard Candidate Package (PDF)
  • DEC Campground Summer Employment Poster (PDF)
• Links Leaving DEC's Website
• • OPRHP 2020 Qualifying Procedures Dates
• Contact for this Page
• Division of Operations
  625 Broadway
  Albany, NY
  12233-5253
  518-457-2500
  Send us an email
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