SPFHS-Program Specialist Trainee

Job Title

Entry-level Training Position Assisting With Park Programs, Operations, And Visitor Services

New Jersey State Parks Barnegat Lighthouse State Park 208 Broadway & The Bay Barnegat Light, NJ 08006

NE (35-hour)

$53,281.62 (Non-negotiable)

Opening Date: 7/17/2026 Closing Date: 8/7/2026

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. Specific to the position entry-level training position assisting with park programs, operations, and visitor services in a high-traffic coastal park (also supporting Island Beach State Park). Main responsibilities include visitor services, fee collection and processing; office administrative duties, answering phones, billing and filing; coordinate volunteer activities, recruitment, scheduling, partner communication;

assist with seasonal staff management, scheduling, onboarding, task assignments; help plan and deliver interpretive/recreational programming; support environmental and resilience projects. The ideal candidate will have project management experience. The trainee will gain hands-on experience in program planning, operational coordination, public engagement, and administrative support while working under close supervision. Note that this position will be performed exclusively on site.

The ideal candidate will have experience with the Microsoft Suite of programs including Outlook, Word and Excel; strong writing and communication skills and the ability to understand, analyze, and communicate complex topics; project management experience is a plus; customer service training and experience - ability to effectively manage high volumes of phone and in-person inquiries; ability to provide good customer service.

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:

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.

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…