COS-Emergency Response Specialist Trainee

Position: COS-2026-9 Emergency Response Specialist Trainee
Location: Prospect Heights

COS-2026-9 Emergency Response Specialist Trainee

Open to: General Public
Work Week: 4E (40-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P95) $61,510.13 (Non-negotiable)
Opening Date: 6/26/2026
Closing Date: 7/17/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of the Chief of Staff
Emergency Management Program
Bureau Emergency Response – Southern Office
33 Arctic Parkway
Ewing, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants that meet the requirements below.

Description

Under the close supervision of an Emergency Response Specialist 3 or other higher level supervisory official in the Emergency Management Program, Department of Environmental Protection, learns to assist in responding to emergencies for the purpose of assessing environmental impacts including hazardous substances, materials and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive (CBRNE), acts of terrorism and acts of nature (hurricanes, snow, floods, droughts, etc.)

as well as functioning as departmental On Scene Coordinator and National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command Representative during activation of the State Emergency Operations Center with other responding agencies; learns to coordinate with other Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive (CBRNE) team as assigned; learns to assist in issuance of incident reports; assists in providing emergency services for people, water, land and structures within the State;

does related duties as required.

Specific to the Position

DEP Emergency Management (DEP EM) is committed 24/7/365 to ensure the safety of the people of New Jersey and protect the environment during all-hazard emergency situations by supporting the network of DEP responders and working closely with federal, state, county, and local partners. As an entry-level ERS position, the appointee will be trained to the Technician level of Hazardous Material Response and will work under the direct supervision of senior responders to become knowledgeable of DEP and Bureau SOPs, pertinent statutes/regulations, gain proficiency using assigned equipment and performing essential Bureau functions for the position in the areas of: field and investigative work, hazard monitoring, personal protection, documentation and report writing, equipment maintenance and purchasing, on-scene coordination and work within Incident/Unified Command as a subject matter expert.

The Appointee will be required to carry a communication device and be able to respond 24/7/365.

Preferred Skill Set

Completion of the OSHA 40-hour Haz Woper  and NJSP 80-hour Haz Mat Technician courses. FEMA courses completed: ics-100, ics-200, and is-700. Continued professional/technical growth and development as an emergency response specialist. Process the following traits: team player, self-motivated, ability to work independently, strong organizational / documentation skills, ability to multi-task, capacity to manage projects, strong oral and written communication skills. Experience with Microsoft Office applications.

Requirements

Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in the following categories: physical sciences, biological sciences, chemical sciences, environmental sciences, environmental studies, public health, engineering, emergency management, or homeland security.

Note:

Possession of a valid Professional Engineer's license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree in Engineering.

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.

Special Requirements
Appointees will be required to have completed the following Incident Command System (ICS) courses or equivalent FEMA approved courses by the end of the training period:

• ICS 100 – Introduction to IC
• ICS 200 – Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
• ICS 700 – National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction

Appointees will be required to carry a communication device and must be able to respond to environmental emergencies on a 24-hour, 7 day a week basis.
Appointees will be required to establish residence in a geographic region assigned area within six (6) months of permanent appointment as defined by the Element.
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey. Benefits

• 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…