SPFHS-2026-10 Program Specialist Trainee

Company: NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Location: Englishtown
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Open to: General Public Work Week: NE (35-hour Work Week) Salary: $51,479.83 (Non-negotiable) Opening Date: 2/12/2026 Closing Date: 3/5/2026 Existing Vacancies: 1 Program/Location Department of Environmental Protection State Parks, Forestry, and Historic Sites New Jersey State Parks Monmouth Battlefield State Park 20 State Route 33 Manalapan, NJ 07726 Scope of Eligibility Open to applicants who meet the requirements below. Description Under the close supervision of a Program Specialist 3, Program Specialist 4, or other supervisory officer in a State department or agency, as a trainee and productive worker, receives on-the-job training while assisting in the professional, administrative, and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of human or social service programs, programs serving the socio-economic needs of specific clients populations, or regulatory programs designed to ensure public safety, health and welfare, or protection of the environment; completes assignments which provide practical Program Specialist experience; does other related work. Specific to the Position Works with the site’s Superintendent and/or Resource Interpretive Specialist to implement programming utilizing objectives of the Statewide Interpretation Plan. Learns to assist the Superintendent/RIS in developing and conducting educational programs and/or guided tours for a variety of different groups. Learns to prepare specialized projects, materials, workshops, exhibits and events. Learns to train and supervise seasonal employees and volunteers in the procedures and functions of the site and its interpretive programs. Learns the operation and administrative functions staffing of the Visitor Center. Provides assistance to the RIS in the site's collection. *Due to nature of the role, this position is performed exclusively on-site. Preferred Skill Set Maintain an understanding of the site’s natural, cultural and historic resources. Able to communicate with visitors of all ages. Excellent public speaking skills. Ability to share information in a creative and exciting manner that generates understanding and appreciation in the targeted audience. Collection management skills and experience. Requirements Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the position. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions. NOTE: All U.S. degrees and transcripts must be from an accredited college or university. All foreign degrees and transcripts must be evaluated for accreditation by a recognized evaluation service by the closing date of this posting. Failure to provide documentation may result in ineligibility. 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 the essential duties of the position. Benefits As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Paid Benefit Leave Holiday Pay Alternative Workweek Program* Telework* Pension Deferred Compensation Health Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA) Commuter Tax Savings Program Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Tuition Reimbursement* *Pursuant to the State/Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines. SAME Applicants If you are applying under the NJ SAME program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter) must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME program, please visit SAME Program, email SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at (609) 292-4144 and select Option 3. Veteran's Preference To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated. For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil -service-preference/ Residency All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act”. Authorization to Work Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations. NOTE: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States. Equal Opportunity Employment The State of New Jersey seeks to increase the richness and diversity of its workforce, and in doing so, become the employer of choice for all people seeking to work in State Government. To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and employ a diverse workforce, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few brief questions on the NJ Affirmative Action Information Form. All information is considered confidential and will be filed separately with the agency's affirmative action officer. This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision. DEP Notices of Vacancy have a 4:00 p.m. deadline on the closing date. When filing for these opportunities, please be sure to have your letter of interest and credentials sent electronically before 4 p.m. on the closing date. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations under ADA will be provided upon request. Powered by JazzHR y7mREO05bD

Keywords: NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Paterson , SPFHS-2026-10 Program Specialist Trainee, Administration, Clerical , Englishtown, New Jersey