Building upon the Murphy Administration’s commitment to protect and steward New Jersey’s natural and historic resources, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s State Park Police is recruiting candidates to fill 20 full-time officer positions across the state, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.
To support the announcement, the DEP’s State Park Police released a new video that shows the myriad responsibilities handled by officers and locations where they work. There is no application deadline, and resumes will be accepted until all positions are filled. The starting base annual salary is more than $60,000.
“Working with the State Park Police through the DEP is an opportunity to help protect and safeguard the parks, forests and historic sites that belong to the people of New Jersey,” said Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “I encourage interested applicants to join a proud group of people in law enforcement whose responsibilities ensure our priceless natural resources remain that way for future generations.”
The DEP’s State Park Police officers are responsible for public safety and natural and historic resource protection across more than 450,000 acres of land or 9% of New Jersey. This area includes 42 state parks, 11 state forests, five recreation areas, more than 50 historic sites and districts, and over 120 Natural Lands Trust preserves.
New Jersey’s state parks span areas from rural to urban in the most densely populated state in the nation. This diversity offers a range of working environments, as well as opportunities to engage with the public and natural, historic and cultural resources. Days can be spent covering broad areas of the state or working in a single park. Patrolling by foot, bicycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats and in vehicles, the DEP’s State Park Police officers use best practices in stewardship, education, interpretation, law enforcement and forest protection to ensure the conservation, protection and understanding of the state’s natural, historic and recreation resources.
“A career with the State Park Police affords you the opportunity to spend your days in some of New Jersey’s most historic and beautiful spaces, while interacting with a great diversity of people and nature,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “Start your dream career with the State Park Police by joining an outstanding team of law enforcement and state park professionals.”
“Each day with the State Park Police offers new challenges and exciting opportunities,” said George Fedorczyk, Chief of the State Park Police. “Whether you're conducting a high-angle rescue in New Jersey’s rugged wilderness, patrolling by boat, bike, or snowmobile, or engaging with visitors from across the globe, our department offers experiences that go far beyond typical law enforcement roles.”
Appointees must successfully obtain a Police Training Commission certificate within nine months of accepting a position, as well as complete a firearms requalification twice a year and CPR AED certification.
More information on employment opportunities with the DEP’s State Park Police, along with information about submitting a resume and eligibility requirements to be a State Park Police officer candidate, is available here.
For more about the DEP’s State Park Police, visit www.nj.gov/dep/njstateparkpolice/
Like New Jersey’s State Park Police page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewJerseyStateParkPolice
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