Employment

DEM’s seasonal positions are listed on the State of Rhode Island’s career portal at apply.ri.gov. Submit your online application, and we’ll walk you through the hiring process.

The State annually employs qualified, responsible individuals in a variety of seasonal and internship positions. Unless otherwise noted, applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

Seasonal positions are limited to a specific period. You can work through the traditional summer season or find roles that offer up to six months of employment.

It depends on the position. Most seasonal program employees, especially with DEM’s Division of Parks and Recreation, are required to work weekends and holidays throughout the summer, with two weekdays off.

Many of the seasonal classifications have a three-step pay-grade. An employee in those classifications is paid at the first step during his or her first season. An employee returning to the same three-step classification for a second season is paid at the second step during that season. An employee returning to the same three-step classification for a third or subsequent season is paid at the third step during that season.

State lifeguards play a critical role in ensuring the safety of everyone at state beaches. They regularly respond to countless minor medical situations and emergencies and are credited with saving lives throughout the summer season. All lifeguards are required to complete state certification annually and hold valid cards in lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR including infant, child, and adult.

In an effort to remain competitive and ensure adequate lifeguard coverage for the major summer holidays and through Labor Day weekend, DEM offers an incentive program to seasonal staff at state beaches that include all State Lifeguard, Supervising Lifeguard, and Seasonal Lifeguard Program Coordinator positions who meet the below criteria:

Sign-on Bonus: Lifeguards who submit a complete application packet including all required documents (e.g. copies of certifications, work permits, I-9 documentation, etc.) and are hired by June 27, 2025 will be eligible to receive a $500 one-time sign-on bonus.

Retention Bonus: Lifeguard staff who remain in good standing throughout the course of their employment (i.e. who meet or exceed performance expectations and will be recommended for rehire), who have not taken more than 5 unapproved days off (call outs) over the course of the summer, and remain employed until September 1, 2025 shall be eligible for a $500 one-time retention bonus.