Program Specialist Trainee

Job Details

Open to: General Public

Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week

Salary: (P95) $51,479.83 (Non-negotiable)

Opening Date: 11/18/2025

Closing Date: 12/9/2025

Existing Vacancies: 2

Program / Location

Department of Environmental Protection

Air, Energy & Materials Sustainability
Sustainable Waste Management
Solid Waste Planning and Licensing
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625

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

• Position 1: This position will support pending legislation as well as future rule making. In addition, this position will conduct research on environmental justice topics in the areas of sustainable waste management. The candidate must possess excellent writing, research, and critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate clearly in both oral and written formats.
• Position 2: This position will support pending legislation as well as future rule making. In addition, this position will conduct research on up and coming topics in the areas of sustainable waste management. The candidate must possess excellent writing, research, and critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate clearly in both oral and written formats.
  

Preferred Skill Set

• Position 1: Data collection entry and analysis. Strong skillset in policymaking, interpretation of statutes and regulations and rule implementation. Candidate must have strong written and oral communication skills including the ability to present publicly.
• Position 2: The candidate must possess strong oral and written communication skills, the ability to multitask and have experience with public speaking.
  

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@, 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

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 Aff

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.

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