WLM-Program Specialist Trainee

Job Title

Program Specialist Trainee

Work Week: NE (35-hour) Salary: $51,479.83 (Non-negotiable)

Opening Date: 7/2/2026 Closing Date: 7/23/2026

Department of Environmental Protection Watershed and Land Management Coastal Engineering 1510 Hooper Avenue Toms River, NJ 08753

Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

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 client 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.

Draft, edit, and track the execution of Simple Spending Plans, Project Partnership Agreements, and State Aid Agreements while reviewing budgets and resource allocations to ensure accuracy and alignment with program needs. Review office operations and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to recommend and implement process improvements, including new technologies, streamlined workflows, and enhanced data sharing. Represent the Assistant Director as needed and help ensure that program activities align with DEP priorities.

Ability to oversee and monitor a wide range of expenditures and track HR actions. Coordinate digital communications, organize meetings with internal and external agencies.

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.

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.

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 SAME.gov, or call CSC at  and select Option #3.

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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".

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.

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…