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

Primerica; Port Republic (NJ); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Benefit Leave

Holiday Pay

Telework

Pension

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection seeks a trainee Program Specialist to assist in the Shellfisheries program within Fish and Wildlife at 360 New York Road, Port Republic, NJ. You will gain on-the-job training while supporting administrative and analytical work to promote program operation and evaluation.

Under guidance, you will help maintain records, manage databases, compile metrics, and prepare grant documentation.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the position.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience with government programs, grant administration, or environmental program administration is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist with administrative coordination of shell recycling activities and maintain records.
• Track collections, scheduling logistics, and prepare routine documentation.
• Provide procurement, budget tracking, and program operations support.

Skills

Organizational skills

Administrative skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database management

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

• 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 [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

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.