Job Announcement:
NEW JERSEY STATE PARK POLICE OFFICER
$71,668-$115,492
This Position is open to the first 500 applications
Minimum Requirements:
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Be able to read, write, and speak the English language well and intelligently
- Be in sound body and good health, which must be certified by a department physician licensed to practice in the state of New Jersey
- Be of good moral character and must not have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude, as this would make the applicant unfit to perform his or her duties
- Be physically capable of performing the function of the position in accordance with the NJ Police Training Commission
JOB DESCRIPTION & DUTIES
Job Description/General Duties
- Knowledge of the physical characteristics, terrain, recreational activities, and programs of the assigned area.
- Knowledge of law enforcement techniques and investigative procedures relating to apprehension and prosecution of violators.
- Knowledge of forest, wildlife, habitat, and watershed management practices.
- Ability to interpret and apply State Park Service rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to interpret and apply state, department, and State Park Service laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to, search and seizure rights, confiscation of evidence, inherent rights of citizens, and the relevant laws relating to the protection of natural and/or historic resources.
- Ability to interpret and apply knowledge about natural and physical resources of the assigned area, including knowledge of common trees, plants, animals, history of landmarks, and location of facilities.
- Ability to negotiate physical terrain of the parks to assist, provide emergency response, or otherwise support, to park visitors.
- Ability to enforce rules and regulations of the State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program, the State Parks Service, and the laws of the State of New Jersey.
- Ability to interpret and apply area programs and procedures.
- Ability to understand and apply basic firefighting techniques and to operate forest fire equipment as necessary as a first responder.
- Ability to successfully complete all mandatory training and maintain current certifications as directed.
- Ability to recognize, prevent, and control hazards to the public or natural resources.
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently as a member of a group or a team.
- Ability to deal courteously and effectively with people.
- Ability to instruct and train new employees, assign work schedules to subordinates, provide clear directions, and organize employees into effective work teams, especially during emergencies.
- Ability to operate department vehicles based on operational need and work assignments.
- Ability to work outdoors for extensive periods of time under varying climatic conditions and all types of terrain.
- Ability to lift and carry, for a considerable distance, heavy objects including small boats and equipment.
- Ability to operate outboard motorboats and other small crafts, including canoes and kayaks on inland and coastal waterways, if required dependent upon work location.
- Ability to handle and use firearms, batons, chemical agents, and other law enforcement equipment safely and properly in accordance with established proficiency standards and guidelines.
- Ability to pursue and apprehend violators of statute laws, which may include but not be limited to effectuating arrests, issuing summons, and serving warrants.
- Ability to provide testimony under oath.
- Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in accordance with Homeland Security mandates and guidelines.
- Ability to assume care, custody, and control of persons placed under arrest and to use restraining devices as required.
- Ability to create a lawful, peaceful, and recreational atmosphere for the visitor.
- Ability to perform potentially lifesaving techniques.
- Ability to conduct search and rescue activities.
- Ability to properly respond under stressful and emergency situations.
- Ability to educate and inform the public regarding the rules, regulations, and management practices of the State Park Service and the environment.
- Ability to prepare clear, concise correspondence and factually accurate reports.
- Ability to maintain essential records and files.
- Ability to properly maintain all issued equipment.
- Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
ABOUT NJ STATE PARK POLICE
The New Jersey State Park Police is committed to protecting the state’s 41 state parks, 11 state forests, five recreation areas, 50+ historic sites, and 100+ Natural Lands Trust preserves, covering 454,000+ acres and serving more than 17 million visitors annually. The State Park Police are a premier law enforcement agency.
What makes NJ State Park Police stand out?
What makes the New Jersey Park Police different from other police departments is the unique environment in which we serve and the responsibilities that come with it. While we have the same fundamental responsibility to protect the public and enforce the law, our role extends beyond traditional policing. We are responsible for maintaining safety and security within New Jersey’s parks, forests, historic sites, recreation areas, and other public lands while also helping preserve the natural and cultural resources entrusted to us.
Park Police officers interact with a wide variety of people, including visitors, families, hikers, hunters, anglers, campers, boaters, and organized groups. This requires an officer to be adaptable and able to balance enforcement with education, communication, and public service. In many situations, our presence is not simply about responding to crime, but about preventing problems, educating the public, assisting visitors, and ensuring that everyone can safely enjoy New Jersey’s natural resources.
Another distinction is the diversity of the environments in which Park Police officers work. An officer may be dealing with a routine visitor complaint one moment and responding to an emergency in a remote or challenging area the next. Officers must be comfortable working independently, making sound decisions, and addressing situations that can be very different from those encountered in a traditional municipal setting.
Benefits
- SHBP (State Health Benefits Plan) Medical & Dental plans available: Horizon Blue Cross & Aetna
- Paid Police Academy Training
- Paid sick, vacation, administrative time earned annually
- Uniforms/Equipment provided
Testing Requirements:
The physical training assessment will consist of the following:
- Vertical Jump: 15 inches (3 attempts)
- 1 Minute Sit-up: 28 repetitions
- 300 Meter Run: 70.1 seconds or less
- 1 Minute Push-up: 24 repetitions
- 1.5 Mile Run: 15:55 minutes or less
Hiring Process:
- Successfully pass Pre-Academy Physical Training test
- Successfully pass a Background Investigation
- Successfully pass a Psychological Evaluation
- Able to obtain a NJ PTC Police Officer License
The New Jersey State Park Police are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please direct questions regarding this position to stateparkpolice@dep.nj.gov
About Law Enforcement Jobs
Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant's responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.
Applicants are responsible for checking their email and logging into their PoliceApp account to monitor for updates.