2026 Department of Environmental Management (DEM) SEASONAL PROGRAM
The State annually employs qualified responsible individuals in a variety of positions with the State's Parks, Beaches, Research Programs, and Administrative Offices during a specific limited period. Applicants will be considered for open seasonal positions based on their qualifications, availability, and willingness to travel to the assigned location (s).
Many of the classifications have a three-step pay-grade. An employee in any of these 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 to the same three-step classification for a third or subsequent session is paid at the third step during that season.
EARN UP TO $1,000 IN INCENTIVE BONUSES
GET HIRED BY 6/26/2026 AND EARN A $500 SIGN-ON BONUS
REMAIN EMPLOYED THROUGH 9/7/2026 AND EARN AN ADDITIONAL $500 BONUS
The Department of Environmental Management is pleased to offer a bonus program for the 2026 beach season. All State Lifeguard, Supervising Lifeguard, and Seasonal Lifeguard Program Coordinator positions will qualify by meeting the below criteria:
Sign-on Bonus: Lifeguards who complete the onboarding process including submission of all required documents and receive their DEM Seasonal Employment Authorization Ticket by May 22nd, 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 and who have not taken more than 3 unapproved days off (call outs) over the course of the summer, and remain employed at least part time continuously until September 7th, 2026, shall be eligible for a $500 one-time retention bonus.
A Seasonal State Lifeguard actively monitors, surveys, and controls activity on state beaches; enforces regulations or policies; and performs first aid and lifesaving activities. Lifeguards respond to water related emergencies as well as accidents, injuries, or other types of emergencies affecting the public safety at state beaches; and are responsible for the general overall safety of the waterfront area to which they are assigned. Lifeguards must ensure the waterfront remains clear of any debris or hazards that could compromise public safety. They will participate in removal of this debris if required by their supervisor.
This position requires certification and special training in First Aid, CPR, Senior Lifesaving, and Lifeguarding; individuals must maintain such certifications as well as RIDEM State Lifeguard Certification as a condition of employment.
Lifeguard Applicants must possess either current required State Surf or Non-Surf Lifeguard Certification along with current training cards or training certificates in Lifeguard Training, Standard First Aid, and CPR covering (All ages) Adult, Infant, and Child CPR at the time of appointment to the position.
Information regarding lifeguard certification can be found on the DEM, Division of Parks and Recreation web site at (www.riparks.com) or on the Lifeguard Certification page at (http://www.riparks.com/LifeguardCertification.html).
Applicant must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties as evidenced by a physician's certificate.
State Beaches experience high visitation during peak periods such as weekends and holidays, therefore weekend and holiday shifts are required.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age
For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.
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The 074 Department of Environmental Management is responsible for protecting and improving the environment in Rhode Island.