CIER-2026-8H - Program Specialist (Inspections/Investigations) (Hourly)

NJ Department of Environmental Protection; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Earned Sick Time

Enrollment in Defined Contribution Ret

Retirement plan eligibility

Job summary

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection invites applications for a part-time inspections support role, open to the general public. In this position you will communicate with local representatives and property owners by email, conduct inspections, and document findings with photos and written reports.

You will update project files, prepare follow-up letters, and perform related duties under supervision. A valid NJ driver’s license is required and extensive travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and thorough documentation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to drive long distances across New Jersey and work outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Communicating with local representatives and property owners via email.
• Documenting inspection findings with photographs and written reports.
• Updating project files and digital records.
• Preparing post-inspection follow-up letters.
• Performing duties under supervision and other tasks as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Oral and written communication

Navigation skills

Independent and collaborative work

Outdoor work readiness

Long-distance driving

Organizational skills

Job description

Open to:

General Public

Work Week:

20 hours per week (Up to 944 hours max per fiscal year)

Salary:

$23 per hour

Opening Date:

10/26/2026

Closing Date:

11/16/2026

Existing Vacancies:

1

Program/Location

Department of Environmental Protection

Community Investment and Economic Revitalization

Green Acres

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 or 4, or other supervisory official in a state department, institution or agency, assists in the professional, administrative and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of various programs and services administered by the Department of assignment; assists in conducting the research and field work necessary to meet the needs of the appropriate state and/or local public or private agencies; does other related work.

Specific to the Position

• Top of Form Communicating with local representatives and property owners via email
• Extensive in-state travel
• Extensive outdoor walking
• Documenting inspection findings with photographs and written reports
• Updating project files and digital records
• Preparing post-inspection follow-up letters
• Performing additional duties as needed Bottom of Form
• Valid NJ driver's license (required to operate a state vehicle)

Preferred Skill Set

Preference will be given to candidates who have the following:

• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Comfortable driving long distances in both rural and urban areas of New Jersey
• Strong navigation skills
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to work outdoors during all seasons

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.

Five (3) years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying and/or evaluating agency programs and services.

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.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey to operate a vehicle, it is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Employee Benefits

TES / Hourly employeebenefits include:

• Earned Sick Time*
• Enrollment in Defined Contribution Retirement Plan upon meeting minimum earnings threshold

*Earn one hour of earned sick leave for every 30 hours you work.

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 [e-mail], or call Civil Service Commission at [phone] 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 https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-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 Affimitive 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

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.