Rhode Island State Parks

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.

View vacancy notices within the Department of Environmental Management

Spend your fall outside

Hiring for the 2021 season starts soon!

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.

View seasonal employment opportunities

Lifeguarding at State Beaches

Join our team!

All applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
All applicants must be properly certified as either a Surf or Non–Surf Lifeguard depending on the location they are applying for work.
Applicants for employment as lifeguards with DEM Division of Parks and Recreation must apply online at Apply RI.
When an applicant is hired, they must fill out other required paperwork and a CS-60 Physical Form before being eligible to start work. This paperwork is completed at the DEM Office of Human Resources, Room 350 in the Foundry Building at 235 Promenade Street in Providence. For more information, call (401) 222-2774.
Candidates interested in being considered for a Lifeguard Supervisors (Captains) position shall hold active Instructors cards in Lifeguard Training, First Aid and C.P.R. from an accredited agency. Anyone interested in being a Lifeguard Supervisor/captain and who has a valid instructor’s card should contact the DEM Division of Parks and Recreation at (401) 667-6200 or dem.riparks@dem.ri.gov so your name may be placed on file for future consideration.

For more information on employment with DEM Division of Parks and Recreation, or for questions about lifeguard certification, please contact us at (401) 667-6200 or dem.riparks@dem.ri.gov.

Lifeguard Certifications

Do you have what it takes to become a lifeguard?

Lifeguard certification at Scarborough State Beach

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.

Learn more and view testing dates