Department Of Environmental Management Recruiting For Summer Jobs

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Summer may feel like a long way away, but the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is already looking for seasonal workers to staff beaches and parks. Rhode Island residents aged 16 and older are encouraged to apply for the part-time, seasonal positions.

The department is in need of lifeguards, park rangers facilities attendants and more. Eavh year, the department — which employs just 52 full-time employees — hires 400 to 450 seasonal workers to staff the state's 25 parks and preserves, beaches and other properties.

"Having a full and enthusiastic team of seasonal workers like lifeguards, park rangers, and facilities attendants helps ensure an enjoyable experience for the nine million visits made by Rhode Islanders and out-of-staters to our world-class beaches and parks each year," Janet Coit, the DEM's director, said. "DEM is committed to providing clean and safe outdoor recreation venues where families and friends can share special times. We encourage teens, senior citizens, retired military personnel, and others interested in working with us this summer to apply for these seasonal positions."

While the positions are open to teens, the department is also asking senior citizens to apply, since 50 percent fewer young people are applying for seasonal work compared to 20 years ago. In 2019, the department raised pay rates for lifeguards from $13.25 to $16.25 per hour. Flexible 20-hour workweeks are available for lifeguards at fresh- and saltwater beaches. All lifeguard candidates must have valid lifeguard and CPR cards, including infant, child and adult.

Park rangers are also needed to staff DEM properties across the state. Pay ranges from $10.50 to $11.60 per hour. Rangers offer directions to visitors, help with crowd control, provide security checks and serve as first responders in the case of an emergency. Facilities attendant and park ranger I positions are open to anyone aged 16 or older, while level II and III ranger positions are open to ages 18 and older.

More information and a complete list of open positions is available on the department's website.