Employment

DEM’s seasonal positions are listed on the State of Rhode Island’s career portal at apply.ri.gov. 

• Go to apply.ri.gov: DEM’s seasonal positions are listed on the State of Rhode Island’s career portal at apply.ri.gov.
• Create an Account by clicking on “Sign In” in the upper right of the screen. You will be asked to create a job application profile. Once set up, you can submit applications for as many positions as you’re interested in. You can also create job alerts for future postings and check your application statuses.
• Submit Application(s) for as many positions that your interested in. You may be considered for multiple positions/locations. A hiring manager will contact you for an interview.

Note: Hiring managers across multiple programs review candidate pools and reach out to individuals for interviews over the spring. Most DEM seasonals are hired to start in May/early June, with some seasonal positions starting in April.

Check your job application profile regularly to view the status of your application(s).

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 includes all State Lifeguard, Supervising Lifeguard, and Seasonal Lifeguard Program Coordinator positions who meet the below criteria:

Sign-on Bonus: Lifeguards who are offered a position and complete all onboarding paperwork by the close of business on May 22, 2026, 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 7, 2026 shall be eligible for a $500 one-time retention bonus.