F&W-2026-13 Program Specialist Trainee (Repost)

Job Title

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 client 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:

• Assist with the administrative coordination of shell recycling activities, including maintaining records, tracking collections, scheduling logistics, and preparing routine documentation.
• Maintain databases and spreadsheets, compile participation and program metrics, and prepare reports, grant documentation, and other required correspondence.
• Provide administrative support for procurement, budget tracking, and program operations.
• Respond to inquiries from program participants and assist with maintaining communication between the agency and partner organizations.
• Ensure records are maintained in accordance with agency procedures, environmental regulations, and established policies.
• Provide general office support as needed to assist program staff with routine administrative functions.

Preferred Skill Set:

• Strong organizational and administrative skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and maintain accurate records.
• Experience with document review, data entry, recordkeeping, report preparation, and general office procedures is preferred.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, database management, and administrative support functions is desirable.
• Attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently while following established procedures.
• Experience in marine aquaculture, fisheries, coastal restoration, volunteer coordination, laboratory work, or marine field sampling is preferred.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and agency procedures is desirable.

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.
• OR Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Advancement:

Appointees who successfully complete the 12 month training period will be eligible for advancement to one of the following titles: Program Specialist 1, Program Specialist 1 (Socio-Economic Programs), Program Specialist 1 (Social/Human Services), or Program Specialist 1 (Regulatory Programs).

Benefits:

• 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 View email address on click.appcast.io , or call Civil Service Commission at View phone number on click.appcast.io 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.

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.