Program Specialist

Overview

Work Week: 20-25 hours per week (Up to 944 hours max per fiscal year)

Salary: $25 per hour

Opening Date: 1/29/2026

Closing Date: 2/19/2026

Program/Location

Department of Environmental Protection

Community Investment and Economic Revitalization

Green Acres

401 East State Street

Scope of Eligibility

Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Under the close supervision of a Program Specialist 3 or 4, or other supervisory official in a state department, institution or agency, assists in the professional, administrative and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of various programs and services administered by the Department of assignment; assists in conducting the research and field work necessary to meet the needs of the appropriate state and/or local public or private agencies;

does other related work.

Assist with the administration of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding for the State of New Jersey. Manage program data, including data entry in RTP Access database and review of financial documents to ensure consistency with grants. Track grant progress and professionally communicate with project managers and grant applicants. Assist in administrative duties for the Trails Program, including organizing and responding to emails, scanning files, and taking notes at occasional meetings.

Assist with Special Projects as needed, which may include, but are not limited to, coordinating meetings and events, preparing documents and presentations, creating and tracking Special Project timelines, and assisting with the Statewide Trails Dataset, New Jersey Trails and Greenways Summit, and state trails planning.

Strong organization and communication skills, ability to work as part of a team, willingness to learn new things, and to help as needed to accomplish Program goals. Experience with data management, administrative assistance, and/or grant management. Experience with Microsoft Access.

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.

Five (5) years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying and/or evaluating agency programs and services.

OR

Possession of a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.

OR

Possession of a Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a discipline appropriate for the position.

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.

TES / Hourly employee benefits include:

• Earned Sick Time*

* 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 visit SAME Program, email SAME.gov, or call Civil Service Commission 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,…