SPFHS-2026-25 Governor's Fellow

Open to: General Public
Work Week:   NL (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (X98) $75,000
Opening Date: August 3, 2026
Closing Date: August 24, 2026
Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks, Forests & and Historic Sites
Office of Natural Lands Management
501 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Description
Under the supervision of a GIS Specialist, the successful candidate's primary responsibilities will first require reviewing and understanding the current process to inform modernization needs. Modernization will require an understanding of various software applications with development of ideas for novel/new ways to modernize the process. Script-or model-based spatial analyses, development of an intuitive public-facing web intake form for requestor/account information and project boundary submissions, and integration of a secure online payment processing system will be required. Tasks and products to include:

• Review and understanding of the current process involving ArcGIS Pro, Microsoft Access and Word.
• Modernization of geospatial data processes from a local directory to server-based data sources for use by multiple users simultaneously.
• Creation of GIS scripting/modelling tools to automate geoprocessing.
• Creation of an on-line data entry form to accept user data for incorporation into the process.
• Development/modernization of a relational database management system integral to the process.
• Development/modernization of a reporting application to incorporate project-specific GIS attribute data into a letter template.
• Development/modernization of an accounting database application to keep track of new requests, payments, and account debits and credits.
• Establishment of an on-line payment system (with guidance from Department IT services).

Preferred Skill Set

• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro geoprocessing methods, coding/scripting languages (e.g., Python, Arcade), and expertise to create a server-based geodatabase for accessibility by multiple simultaneous users.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Access and ability to develop new front/backend database applications in other relational database management systems.
• Excellent communication skills to convey problems and issues as well as achievements.

Requirements
Possession of a graduate degree or an undergraduate degree and two or more years of work experience in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field with strong computational focus. In addition to the educational requirement,
selection as a Governor’s Fellow is based on a combination of the following:

 

• • Established excellence in academics and/or professional achievement.
  • Proven leadership ability and potential for further growth.
  • Demonstrated commitment to public service.
  • Effective written communication skills, as demonstrated by a writing assignment.
  • Evidence of effective teamwork.

Applicants may also be considered if they have successfully completed military service or long-term public service work with an organization such as AmeriCorps, Teach For America, or the Peace Corps. Other service will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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.

Employee 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 email View email address on njdepartmentofenvironmentalprotection.applytojob.com, or call CSC at Show phone number 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.