Full-Time Employment

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Parks and Recreation manages over 8,200 acres of land, including parks, freshwater and saltwater beaches, campgrounds, bike paths, historic sites, picnic areas, trails, athletic fields, dams, fishing access, and boat ramps. This network attracts upwards of nine million visitors each year and host high-profile national and international events such as the Newport Jazz Festival, Newport Folk Festival, and Volvo Ocean Race.

Our many dedicated staff work each day in some of our state's most beautiful outdoor settings. The Rhode Island State Park system is staffed by a core of permanent employees who work year-round to maintain these precious places.

Employment opportunities are listed through the State of Rhode Island Career Pages.

Spend your summer outside

We're hiring for the 2021 season!

We supplement our full-time staff with seasonal employees during our peak operating season from May to October. Lifeguards for both freshwater and saltwater beaches, beach managers, park rangers and naturalists, recreational area clerks, facilities attendants, and campground attendants are just a few examples of positions staffed by seasonal employees. Pay ranges for seasonal positions range from $11.50 to $17.75 an hour. Hourly rates for lifeguards range from $13.25 to $16.25, based on location and position level.

Lifeguard Certifications

Do you have what it takes to become a lifeguard?

Individuals interested in working as a lifeguard in the State of Rhode Island must become certified by the Rhode Island DEM Division of Parks and Recreation as either a Surf or Non-Surf lifeguard to work at a beach or as a pool lifeguard (if required by facility operator) to work at a pool.