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

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.

Interested candidates should identify the facility they would like to work at, an contact the Regional Officer tasked with hiring. For general employment inquiries, call 518-457-2500, or email campinfo@dec.ny.gov.

Lifeguard Positions

The current hourly rate for a NYS Lifeguard 1 is $20.00.

Qualifications for employment are:

1. Minimum age is 15.
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 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.
3. 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.
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.

2023 Lifeguard Qualifier Dates and Locations

Pre-registration for the above, is required. Applicants can do so, online or via phone 518-457-2500x1

Before orientation, the following forms must be submitted to the NYSDEC Summer Recreation office in Albany (address below):

• Certifications valid through Fall of 2023 ( 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

• Find on this Page
• • Campground Seasonal Employment
  • Lifeguard Positions
  • 2023 Lifeguard Qualifier Dates and Locations
  • DEC Regional Office Contacts and Addresses
• Important Links
• • DEC Employment Application (PDF)
  • DEC Lifeguard Candidate Package - 2023 (PDF)
  • DEC Facilities with Beaches (PDF)
  • Map of DEC Facilities with Beaches (PDF)
• Links Leaving DEC's Website
• • OPRHP 2023 Qualifying Procedures Dates
• Contact for this Page
• Division of Operations
  625 Broadway
  Albany, NY
  12233-5253
  518-457-2500
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