CIER-2026-5 Program Specialist Trainee

Job Description

Job Description

Open to: General Public
Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: $51,479.83 (Non-negotiable)
Opening Date: 5/13/2026
Closing Date: 6/5/2026 
Existing Vacancies:  1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Community Investment & Economic Revitalization
Historic Preservation Office
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
This position is responsible for assisting members of the public, federal, state, and local government agencies, and non-governmental entities in the identification, evaluation, preservation, protection, and treatment of archaeological resources in NJ.  This assistance is provided by conducting professional archaeological reviews of projects under various state and federal regulatory requirements, including identification of historic properties and assessing National Register eligibility, applying site location models to assess the need for archaeological survey, negotiating measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to historic properties, reviewing and understanding project plans and specifications, evaluating technical and substantive sufficiency and recommending approval of archaeological proposals, work plans, and survey reports for Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III levels of archaeological survey; reviewing and evaluating the technical and substantive sufficiency of archaeological management plans or the archaeological aspects of historic preservation plans and historic structures reports; establishing cooperative working relationships with representatives from local, state, federal government agencies, historical and/or environmental groups and members of the general public, providing technical assistance regarding New Jersey archaeology and the Historic Preservation Office’s programs to the public, including presentations of appropriate archaeological field and laboratory methodology; and uses office technology, including personal computer and Geographic Information Systems software.

Preferred Skill Set
Preference will go to candidates with knowledge of New Jersey and Middle Atlantic archaeology, including but not limited to, regional archaeological site location models, Native American and historic period archaeological material culture, regional site typology, and regional archaeological chronology; Knowledge of principles, objectives, standards, and techniques of archaeological research, including field and laboratory methodology and practice, appropriate application of relative and chronometric dating methods, appropriate use of lithic, ceramic, palaeobotanical, geomorphological, and chemical analyses to a variety of archaeological sites and circumstances; knowledge of principles, standards, and techniques used in historical research/writing, ability to read and understand architectural plans and specifications; Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with representatives from local, federal, and state agencies, historic/environmental groups, and members of the general public; ability to collaborate internally and externally across organizational lines to accomplish tasks assisting in the preservation of archaeological sites; working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems software;  familiarity with federal and state historic preservation laws, regulations, rules, policies, and National Park Service guidance documents; excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to learn new things very quickly. Preference will be given to candidates who have a Master’s Degree in Anthropology and/or Archaeology.

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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com, or call CSC at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com 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 -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.

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