SPFHS-Program Specialist Trainee

Open to:
General Public

Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week

Salary: $53,281.62 (Non-negotiable)

Opening Date: 7/17/2026

Closing Date: 8/7/2026

Existing Vacancies: 1

Department of Environmental Protection

State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites

New Jersey State Parks

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

Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Under 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‑job training while assisting in the professional, administrative, and analytical work to promote 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.

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:

"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.

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.

• 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…