The New Jersey State Park Service is hiring lifeguards to work seasonal jobs in state parks and forests, including in Bass River State Forest in Tuckerton and Wharton State Forest (Atsion Recreation Area) in Hammonton.

Each year, between May and September, the New Jersey State Park Service hires approximately 700 seasonal staff to fill peak in-season jobs at New Jersey's parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites.

This year, that includes includes lifeguard positions anticipated at 14 swimming areas across the state, including two South Jersey state forest recreation areas.

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No experience is necessary to apply. The minimum age is 16-years old and the starting salary for lifeguards is $13 an hour.

While candidates must pass running and swim tests prior to employment, prior experience is not necessary. The State Park Service will train lifeguards in cardiopulmonary resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillators, first aid and other medical matters. Each lifeguard will also receive a U.S. Lifesaving Association certification. State swimming areas open Saturday, May 29.

Applicants under 18 years of age must have an official State Park Service permission slip signed by a parent or legal guardian to participate in lifeguard testing.

Lifeguards normally work 40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays. Lake swimming areas open Memorial Day weekend.

The ocean swimming facility will open Memorial Day weekend (weekends only), and daily beginning the second Saturday in June. 4.

Non-resident applicants will be considered only if there are inadequate numbers of qualified New Jersey applicants.

The following are the testing procedures administered to all lifeguard applicants for lake and ocean swimming areas.

The applicant is expected to perform the three parts to the best of their ability as follows:

Part 1 - Swim... This part of the test is designed to demonstrate the applicant's overall swimming ability and speed. Upon a signal from the timer, the applicant must swim 500 meters in 10 minutes or less, using a swimming stroke performed on the front only. The applicant's condition at the completion of this phase will be noted.

Part 2 - Run...The run is performed on a track or parking lot. The applicant must run 400 meters in 1 minute 40 seconds or less.

Part 3 - Personal Interview... Applicants will be interviewed by the area Superintendent or their representative. No commitments will be made regarding employment on the test date so that each applicant will receive equal opportunity for employment based on their test results and interview.

All applicants that complete all three test parts will be notified as soon as possible after the test date as to whether they will be employed.

Contact the park you are interested in working for more information.

Atsion Recreation Area, Wharton State Forest 609.561.0024

Bass River State Forest 609.296.1114

Source: NJ State Park Service

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