F&W-2026-17 Biologist Trainee

NJ Department of Environmental Protection; Port Republic (NJ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension

Paid leave

Transit benefits

Job summary

Port Republic, NJ—NJDEP’s Fish and Wildlife, Marine Fisheries program seeks a trainee to support monitoring and research activities. Under supervision, you will assist in field surveys, sample collection, data processing, and equipment maintenance while engaging with stakeholders.

The position emphasizes familiarity with fisheries management concepts, regulatory knowledge, and strong communication skills, with potential exposure to state/federal processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences required.
• Knowledge of fisheries regulations and management principles.
• Experience with sampling gear and lab workflows is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support fisheries monitoring programs (fishery dependent/independent).
• Assist in field surveys, sample collection, and data processing.
• Enter data and perform basic analyses; assist with gear maintenance.
• Serve as technical representative to state/regional bodies when needed.

Skills

Fisheries management concepts

Regulations knowledge

Fisheries sampling gear

Laboratory procedures

Fish identification

Microsoft Office

Written and oral communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Job description

Open to: General Public

Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week

Salary: (P95) $58,222.22 (Non-Negotiable)

Opening Date: 10/5/2026

Closing Date: 10/26/2026

Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location

Department of Environmental Protection

Fish and Wildlife

Marine Fisheries

360 New York Road

Port Republic, NJ 08241

Scope of Eligibility

Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Description

Under the close supervision of a Principal Biologist or other supervisory official in a state department or local government agency, as a trainee and productive worker, works in a specialized field requiring the application of biological principles; learns to perform the various research and testing activities of the assigned area; does other related duties as required.

Specific to the Position

The candidate will provide support to the Bureau's fishery dependent and fishery independent monitoring programs. Tasks may include monitoring of commercial harvest reports; outreach to commercial and recreational stakeholders and the general public; participating as a crew member on various field surveys and laboratory projects; collecting and processing biological samples; data entry and analysis; and gear and equipment maintenance. The candidate may also serve as the Bureau's technical representative to state or regional bodies for certain fisheries or protected species.

Preferred Skill Set

Familiarity with the basic concepts and goals of fisheries management; knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to commercial and recreational fisheries and protected species; experience with commonly employed fisheries sampling gear and laboratory procedures; ability to correctly identify common marine and estuarine fish species at various life stages; proficient with Microsoft Office applications; excellent written and oral communications skills.

Requirements

EDUCATION:

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in one of the biological sciences.

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.

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.

Employee 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.

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 "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 Affi... This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision.