Program Specialist Trainee

Open to: General Public Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week Salary: (P95) $51,479.83 (Non-Negotiable) Opening Date: 12/01/2025 Closing Date: 12/22/2025 Existing Vacancies: 1 Program/Location Department of Environmental Protection Fish and Wildlife Marine Habitat and Shellfisheries 360 New York Road Port Republic, NJ 08241 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 on coordination of all statewide shell recycling activities, including collection, transport logistics, site management, and recycling operations. Work on establishing and maintaining excellent relations and partnerships with restaurants, seafood processors, community organizations, and local governments in an ultra-cooperative, productive manner as the public face of this program. Under supervision, track and analyze program data, including shell volume, participation metrics, and restoration outcomes. Support planning and implementation of shell planting and habitat restoration projects. Lead outreach and education initiatives at area schools to expand awareness of the program. Prepare reports, program updates, grant documentation, and other required materials while also ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and agency policies. Lastly, position will assist with budget management, procurement, and resource planning for program operations. Preferred Skill Set Experience working in environmental programs, waste or resource recovery, or coastal management. Experience with recycling programs, aquaculture, fisheries, coastal restoration or environmental education programs and familiarity with environmental regulations and resource management policies. Outstanding organizational skills. Requirements NOTE: 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. NOTE: Please refer to the Advancement section located at the bottom of this title specification for a comprehensive list of approved titles connected to this trainee title. Experience must be related to the journeyman title associated with the position. OR Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. 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. 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. 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 Civil Service Commission 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 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.