VISITOR SERVICE ASSISTANT
Because Visitor Service Assistant is non-competitive, hiring leans on your background rather than a test score: meet the requirements and apply to the agency directly.
Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $40,322 to $57,949.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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How to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under supervision of a supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection, performs tasks as assigned at state parks, forests, recreation areas, historic sites, and/or marinas which may include assistance and information to visitors to State Park Service recreational facilities; assists State Park Service staff as required; patrols State Park Service grounds, buildings, facilities, and property to ensure they are in order; does other related duties. NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
Examples of work
Provides information and assistance to visitors regarding park rules and regulations, safety, facilities, and natural and historic resources. Provides explanations concerning landmarks, historic events, plants, animals, recreational activities, and appreciation and protection for natural resources. Operates entrance gate or visitor contact station to collect fees and to control access to a State Park Service facility or area. Directs vehicle and pedestrian traffic including staffing of stationary traffic posts during peak usage period and special events, when necessary. Performs traffic control and vehicle parking duties during park closures, when necessary. Reports all violations of rules, regulations, or procedures to supervisory official. Takes immediate corrective action to report fire, theft, vandalism, disorder, or loss of State Park Service property or equipment. Reports suspicious persons, incidents, and unusual occurrences to supervisory official on duty. Performs routine rounds of assigned work areas on foot, bicycle, motor boat, other State Park Service vehicle or other related means of transportation. Checks the condition of buildings and facilities in an assigned area to ensure that they are secure and that systems are operating properly. Reports the existence of maintenance needs, systems problems, security violations, or safety hazards to appropriate personnel. Receives, transmits, and logs radio calls made through the base station in compliance with FCC regulations. Conducts natural resource and/or historic interpretive tours, and performs other interpretive tasks including but not limited to preparation of handouts, displays, posters, brochures, and other items deemed appropriate by the State Park Service. Demonstrates, performs, and interprets craftwork under supervision. Performs non-law enforcement operational assignments to assist the Ranger staff, when necessary. Calls for assistance in emergencies in accord with established procedures. Gives testimony in court as required. Answers all types of public inquiries, provides park information to the public, and ensures that messages are relayed appropriately by phone, radio, and/or in person. Staffs park office and performs various office functions including but not limited to issuing of permits and passes, collecting fees, selling miscellaneous park items, answering the telephone, and maintaining attendance and other reports. Maintains records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Ability to deal with various types of people and to give them clear, accurate information and directions. Ability to read and understand rules, regulations, policies, and procedures which govern operation and administration of the State Park Service, and ability to communicate these to the public after a period of training. Ability to count and handle money. Ability to prepare and maintain basic ledgers. Ability to understand problems involved in safeguarding buildings and grounds covering a considerable area, and of procedures used in dealing with such problems after a period of training. Ability to understand methods, problems, and operations used in controlling traffic and maintaining order among visitors after a period of training. Ability to make reports of conditions noted and action taken after a period of training. Ability to analyze simple problems, organize assigned work, and develop effective work methods. Ability to operate State Park Service vehicles and other means of transportation based on operational needs and work assignments. Ability to understand and apply policies, procedures, and regulations of the FCC. Ability to speak effectively, clearly, and accurately to groups of people of various age and education levels. Ability to observe significant conditions, take proper action in accord with prescribed procedures, and make reports thereof. Ability to work effectively with associates, visitors, and all types of people. Ability to provide basic maintenance necessary to provide a clean, safe, and attractive facility to the public. Ability to operate power tools and other maintenance equipment after a period of training. Ability to give testimony under oath. Ability 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 as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.