COS-Program Specialist Trainee

Open to:
General Public

Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week

Salary: $53,281.62 (Non-negotiable)

Opening Date: 8/25/2026

Closing Date: 9/15/2026

Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/

Location:

Department of Environmental Protection

Office:
Office of the Chief of Staff
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625

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‑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 clients 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.

Supporting the Administration's economic development priorities through proactive engagement with businesses, local governments, non‑profits, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and regional partners. The Specialist/Coordinator serves as a key point of contact for external stakeholders, helps identify opportunities to support business growth and investment, and coordinates outreach initiatives that strengthen collaboration between the State, municipalities, counties, and the non‑profit and private sector.

• Building and maintaining relationships with businesses, non‑profits, local governments, chambers of commerce, industry associations, and economic development organizations to advance strategic initiatives and respond to stakeholder needs.
• Coordinate outreach efforts, stakeholder meetings, site visits, round tables, and industry and non‑profit events that promote collaboration and provide insight into opportunities and challenges facing New Jersey employers and communities.
• Research and monitor economic and environmental trends, emerging industries, and sector‑specific issues to inform engagement strategies and identify opportunities aligned with the Governor's economic and environmental priorities.
• Assist businesses, non‑profits, and local government partners in navigating state programs, incentives, and resources by coordinating with relevant state agencies and subject matter experts.
• Track stakeholder engagement activities, maintain relationship management databases, prepare briefing materials, and develop reports summarizing outreach efforts, key findings, and recommended actions.
• Support the implementation of initiatives focused on priority sectors, including Film Ready DEP, and other priority economic sectors.
• Coordinate across state agencies to ensure timely responses to stakeholder inquiries and facilitate collaboration on business attraction, expansion, retention, and local economic development efforts.
• Prepare presentations, correspondence, briefing documents, and other communications for meetings with businesses, non‑profits, elected officials, and community partners.

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…