Community Collaborative Initiative Intern - CIER-2026-2i

NJ Department of Environmental Protection; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection seeks a Community Collaborative Initiative Intern. This internship is reserved for seniors at Trenton Central High School and runs Feb 8, 2027 to June 11, 2027, 16-20 hours per week with a $19 per hour rate.

Location: 401 East State Street, Trenton, NJ. The intern will assist with communicating with municipalities, addressing challenges, and coordinating community events in partnership with a municipality, gaining hands-on experience in

Qualifications

• Senior at Trenton Central High School; eligible for DEP internship.
• Authorized to work in the United States under DHS regulations.
• Driver's license required only if vehicle operation is necessary for duties.
• SAME program documentation must be submitted with resume by closing date.

Responsibilities

• Assist with communicating with municipalities and helping address challenges.
• Coordinate an employee day of service or a community event with a municipality.
• Gain hands-on experience in community outreach, communication, and public service.

Skills

Local government operations

Community engagement

Interagency networking

Education

Trenton Central HS senior

Job description

This position is part of the EPIC Program (Environmental Pathways in Informed Careers) specifically reserved for Trenton Central High School students.

Title: Community Collaborative Initiative Intern

Posting Number: CIER-2026-2i

Closing Date: November 4, 2026

Start Date of Internship: February 8, 2027

End Date of Internship: June 11, 2027

Existing Vacancies: 1

Location: 401 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility: This position is only open to students at Trenton Central High School who are seniors.

Internship Hours Per Week: 16-20 hours per week (4 days per week, from 1 PM – 4 PM)

Hourly Rate: $19 per hour

Program: Community Investment and Economic Revitalization - Office of Community and Local Government Support

Program Description: Community Investment & Economic Revitalization (CIER) supports sustainable economic growth that restores, preserves, and protects New Jersey’s natural, cultural, and historic resources through coordinating and promoting DEP initiatives at the intersection of environmental, social, and economic improvement.

Project Description: The Office of Community and Local Government Support is seeking an intern to support the Community Collaborative Initiative (CCI), which helps 12 underserved municipalities navigate NJDEP programs, resources, and services. The intern will assist with communicating with municipalities, helping address challenges, and connecting communities with programs that meet their needs. The intern will also help coordinate an employee day of service or community event in partnership with a municipality, gaining hands‑on experience in community outreach, communication, and public service.

Preferred Interests

• Interest in local government operations and community engagement.
• Interest in gaining a holistic understanding of DEP programs and structure.
• Interest in networking and attending interagency or public meetings.

License: Appointee 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.

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.

Veteran's Preference: To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated below. For more information, please visit https://nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service/preference/

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 https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email [e-mail], or call CSC at (609) 292- 4144 and select Option #3

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.