COS-2026-10 Program Specialist Trainee

NJ Department of Environmental Protection; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Benefit Leave

Holiday Pay

Alternative Workweek Program*

Telework*

Pension

Deferred Compensation

Health Benefits (medical, prescription

Life Insurance

Flexible and Health Spending Accounts

Commuter Tax Savings Program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Tuition Reimbursement*

Job summary

NJ Department of Environmental Protection in Trenton is hiring a trainee Program Specialist to support the administration and environmental programs under close supervision. This role offers a 35-hour work week with a non-negotiable annual salary of $53,281.62 and is open to the general public.

Responsibilities include assisting in planning, operation, monitoring and evaluation of programs that protect public health and the environment, and coordinating outreach with businesses, governments and

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the position or a Bachelor's degree.
• All U.S. degrees must be from an accredited college or university; foreign degrees require evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Support the Administration's economic development priorities through proactive engagement with stakeholders.
• Serve as a key point of contact for external partners and coordinate outreach activities.
• Identify opportunities to support business growth and investment and report findings.
• Coordinate across state agencies to ensure timely responses to inquiries.
• Prepare briefing materials and communications for meetings with officials and partners.

Skills

Stakeholder relations

Outreach coordination

Market research

Advisory support

Reporting & analytics

Sector initiatives

Interagency coordination

Briefings

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Open to: General Public

Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week

Salary: $53,281.62 (Non-negotiable)

Opening Date: 8/25/2026

Closing Date: 9/15/2026

Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location: Department of Environmental Protection

Office: Office of the Chief of Staff
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‑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

Supporting the Administration's economic development priorities through proactive engagement with businesses, local governments, non‑profits, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and regional partners. The Specialist/Coordinator serves as a key point of contact for external stakeholders, helps identify opportunities to support business growth and investment, and coordinates outreach initiatives that strengthen collaboration between the State, municipalities, counties, and the non‑profit and private sector.

Preferred Skill Set

• Building and maintaining relationships with businesses, non‑profits, local governments, chambers of commerce, industry associations, and economic development organizations to advance strategic initiatives and respond to stakeholder needs.
• Coordinate outreach efforts, stakeholder meetings, site visits, roundtables, and industry and non‑profit events that promote collaboration and provide insight into opportunities and challenges facing New Jersey employers and communities.
• Research and monitor economic and environmental trends, emerging industries, and sector‑specific issues to inform engagement strategies and identify opportunities aligned with the Governor's economic and environmental priorities.
• Assist businesses, non‑profits, and local government partners in navigating state programs, incentives, and resources by coordinating with relevant state agencies and subject matter experts.
• Track stakeholder engagement activities, maintain relationship management databases, prepare briefing materials, and develop reports summarizing outreach efforts, key findings, and recommended actions.
• Support the implementation of initiatives focused on priority sectors, including FilmReady DEP, and other priority economic sectors.
• Coordinate across state agencies to ensure timely responses to stakeholder inquiries and facilitate collaboration on business attraction, expansion, retention, and local economic development efforts.
• Prepare presentations, correspondence, briefing documents, and other communications for meetings with businesses, non‑profits, elected officials, and community partners.

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

• 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 [e-mail], or call CSC 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 Affiant. 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.