THINK SUMMER!!!  DEM SAYS IT'S NOT TOO SOON TO APPLY FOR SUMMER JOBS

PROVIDENCE - It's not too early to think about next summer's employment, especially for Rhode Islanders who attend school out-of-state and are home for the holidays.

Applications for the 2006 seasonal employment program with the Department of Environmental Management are now available. Various positions for the summer season are available throughout Rhode Island for residents 16 years of age and older. Work on weekends and holidays is required of most summer positions.

Positions include, but are not limited to, Park Ranger - Levels, I, II and III, Beach Managers, Seasonal Laborers, Lifeguards, Lifeguard Captains, Recreational Area Clerks, Restroom Attendants, Student Researchers Clerical Support Aides, Policy Interns and Field Interns. Pay ranges from $6.85 to $12.50 per hour, and most seasonal employees work 40 hours a week.

Although Park Ranger's Level I applicants may be 16 years of age, those applying for seasonal Park Ranger positions at levels II and III must be 18 years of age or older. Park Rangers patrol park areas, assist visitors, inspect facilities, and assist with routine operation of state parks and beaches. These positions involve a great deal of public interaction and applicants must possess good communication skills.

Paid positions for those 16 of age and older are also available as part of the Department's Minority Internship Program, which is designed to encourage minorities to pursue careers in the environmental field. This program gives individuals a chance to explore jobs in the areas of agriculture, parks and recreation, fish and wildlife management, forest environment, water resources, management services, and policy and planning.

Information about DEM and all summer positions, as well as a downloadable application form is available online at DEM's website at www.dem.ri.gov. Applications should be filled out completely. Applicants can also visit or call DEM's Office of Human Resources at 235 Promenade Street, Room 350, Providence, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or call 222-2775, ext. 4609. The number for DEM's telecommunication device for speech and hearing impaired callers is 222-4462.