Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Seasonal Job Descriptions

CAMPGROUND SUPERVISOR  - As a primary visitor contact, interacts with the public to assist them in the safe and orderly enjoyment of park or forest resources and activities; manages a campground or assists in managing the total operation of a state-owned campground including, but not limited to, collection and deposit of fees, issuing of permits, processing of reservations, reviewing maintenance needs; inspects campground and sanitary facilities on a regular basis; investigates and prepares reports on unusual occurrences; assists with maintenance and protective duties as required; may plan, administer and/or conduct campground interpretive or recreational programs; may supervise other seasonal employees involved with campground operations.

Minimum Age: 16

Special Requirements : Experience in campground management preferred; Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.


INTERPRETIVE GUIDE - As a primary visitor contact, works to increase the public's understanding, appreciation, enjoyment of, and concern for the significant historic, cultural and natural resources of our state parks and forests; may conduct a variety of interpretive programs including, but not limited to, lectures, classes, tours, field walks, campfire programs, and special events to a wide variety of audiences; may assist with program development, publicity, exhibit materials, public relations, and related maintenance and cultural duties.

Minimum Age: 18

Special Requirements : An educational background in either the natural sciences or history is a preferred qualification.


LIFEGUARD - Monitors activities in swimming areas to prevent accidents and provide assistance to swimmers at State of Connecticut State Park Waterfronts; cautions swimmers regarding unsafe areas; maintains order in swimming areas; rescues swimmers in danger of drowning and administers first aid and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation as required; instructs patrons in water safety; participates in physical and rescue skills training; performs general maintenance tasks, including beach cleaning, as assigned; performs related duties as required.

Minimum Age: 16

Special Requirements : Must possess a valid American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding certification which includes CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and Basic First Aid.  An EMT or MRT certificate may be substituted for the CPR and First Aid Requirements.  All certifications must be valid through the last day of employment.  Will be required to demonstrate ARC lifeguard skills and swimming skills. All Lifeguards are required to follow the State Parks Code of Conduct, Appearance, and Dress Code.

Positions are also available for Lifeguard Supervisors and Beach Directors for applicants with additional training and experience.

Additional Lifeguard Program Information


OFFICE ASSISTANT -  Provides general office support services. Performs a wide variety of basic clerical functions including, but not limited to, typing, word processing, filing, answering telephones, receiving and directing visitors, handling routine requests for information or program materials, assisting with mass mailings, preparing routine forms. May perform radio dispatch duties.

Minimum Age: 16


OFFICE SUPERVISOR - Provides general office and operation support services. May be assigned the following duties: prepare camping and/or park receipts for deposit, complete proper forms for transmittal, maintain accountability records, prepare time sheets, prepare requisitions; perform duties of radio dispatcher; complete required periodic reports; arrange for film and projection equipment rentals for interpretive programs; any of the "Office Assistant" functions. May supervise other seasonal employees.

Minimum Age: 18

Special Requirements : Experience as an office assistant.


SEASONAL PARK RANGER  - As a primary visitor contact, interacts with the public to assist them in the safe and orderly enjoyment of department resources and activities; assists with operational, maintenance and protective duties as required.

Minimum Age: 18

Special Requirements : Familiarity with operation of outdoor recreation facilities; Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.


MAINTAINER - Performs work related to the maintenance and operation of DEEP managed lands and facilities including, but not limited to, litter pickup, cleaning, mowing, raking, and painting. May use hand tools; may direct traffic in parking lots; may work in a ticket booth; may drive vehicles rated at 3/4 Ton Gross Vehicle Weight or less; may perform basic clerical duties.

Positions are also available for those with additional levels of training and experience. These positions involve the use of machinery and power equipment such as lawn mowers, chain saws, brush cutters, tractors, medium duty vehicles and the use of skills in carpentry, plumbing, mechanical repairs, grounds maintenance and boat handling, working on a fire crew or work related to the care and propagation of fish and wildlife.

Highly experienced maintenance staff may be assigned duties related to project design, preparation of materials lists and work schedules and the supervision of seasonal work crews.

Minimum Age: 16 (Certain responsibilities require older minimum age)

Special Requirements : May be required to possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.


CREW LEADER - Supervises and works with an assigned crew of seasonal maintainers in activities involving the operation and maintenance of DEEP programs and facilities. Operates necessary equipment; performs routine preventative maintenance on equipment; may perform highly skilled work; may assist in planning work schedules; may assist in job planning and in preparation of materials lists; keeps time records. 

Minimum Age:   17

Special Requirements : Minimum one season satisfactory DEEP or related work experience; Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.


PARK SUPERVISOR (SEASONAL)- Assists in the management and maintenance of seasonal operations and programs in a unit or manages the total operation of a recreational facility under the supervision of a Park and Recreation Supervisor. Supervises seasonal employees; keeps time records; evaluates work performance; assists with protective duties as required; may assist in job planning and scheduling; may schedule seasonal employees.

Minimum Age: 18

Special Requirements : Extensive knowledge and experience in outdoor recreation management; Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.


RESOURCE ASSISTANT - In a specific discipline of the DEEP, assists specialists in research, planning and implementation of programs and projects. Works in technical areas such as wildlife management, fisheries, marine biology, forestry, or recreational planning.

Minimum Age: 19 - Resource Assistant I;  20 - Resource Assistant II

Special Requirements: Resource Assistant I - Must have a minimum of two years of post high school study in the specific discipline in which employed.   Resource Assistant II - Must have a minimum of three years of post high school study in the specific discipline in which employed.


SPECIAL CONSERVATION OFFICER - As a primary visitor contact, interacts with the public to assist them in the safe and orderly enjoyment of department resources and activities; enforces laws and regulations governing visitor behavior and the use of department lands and facilities; investigates and prepares reports of unusual occurrences; may supervise other seasonal employees as assigned.

Special Requirements: Candidates must be currently certified as a police officer through Connecticut POST or must have retired in good standing without any unresolved or pending disciplinary action as a sworn officer from any Connecticut state or municipal police agency within the two years prior to the effective date of their appointment as a seasonal SCO; must possess a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s license; must possess a Connecticut Pistol Permit during state employment; must have proof of handgun qualification to POST standards if not qualifying with DEEP annually; must have proof of police baton certification if not certified by DEEP; must have proof of training in use of OC spray if not trained by DEEP; must have current CPR/AED certification. DEEP will provide training if necessary.

Seasonal Employment Information

Content Last Updated January 2014