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

Job Description

Job Description

Open to: General Public
Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P95) $53,281.62 (Non-Negotiable)
Opening Date: 8/19/2026
Closing Date: 9/9/2026
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.
*Applicants who previously applied to F&W-2025-17 need not reapply.

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
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 with government programs, grant administration, regulatory documentation, or environmental program administration is considered beneficial.
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.

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.

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).
The inability of an employee in this title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to one of the titles listed above shall be considered as cause for separation

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 Civil Service Commission 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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