PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management says it's not too early to think about seasonal employment at state parks, beaches and campgrounds.
Applications for the 2013 seasonal employment program with the Department of Environmental Management are now available. Various positions for the summer season are available throughout Rhode Island for residents 16 years of age and older. Work on weekends and on holidays is required of most summer positions.
"DEM's staff is working hard to ready our beaches, parks and campgrounds for the upcoming summer season," noted DEM Director Janet Coit. "Filling the seasonal positions is critical to getting our facilities up and running for Memorial Day weekend. They're also a great employment opportunity for people who enjoy working outdoors and interacting with the public at some of Rhode Island's most beautiful and popular recreational facilities."
Positions include, but are not limited to, park ranger - levels, I, II and III, beach managers, seasonal laborers, lifeguards, lifeguard captains, recreational area clerks, restroom attendants, student researchers, clerical support aides, technical support interns, policy interns and technical field interns. Pay ranges from $7.75 to $13.75 per hour, and most seasonal employees work 40 hours a week including weekends and holidays.
Although park ranger level I applicants may be 16 years of age, those applying for seasonal park ranger positions at levels II and III must be 18 years of age or older. Park rangers patrol park areas, assist visitors, inspect facilities, and assist with routine operation of state parks and beaches. These positions involve a great deal of public interaction and applicants must possess good communication skills.
The Department's encourages minorities to pursue careers in the environmental field. Seasonal positions give individuals a chance to explore jobs in the areas of agriculture, parks and recreation, fish and wildlife management, forest environment, water resources, management services, and policy and planning. Although the state is experiencing challenging fiscal conditions, the Department will continue to plan services and programs for the thousands of patrons that visit Rhode Island state parks and beaches each year.
Information about DEM and all seasonal positions, as well as a downloadable application form, are available online at DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Jobs" then "Seasonal Positions". Applicants may also visit or call DEM's Office of Human Resources at 235 Promenade Street, Room 350, Providence, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., or call 222-2774.