SPFHS-2026-25 Governor's Fellow

Open to: General Public
Work Week: NL (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (X98) $75,000
Opening Date: August 3, 2026
Closing Date: August 24, 2026
Existing Vacancies: 1

Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks, Forests & and Historic Sites
Office of Natural Lands Management
501 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625

Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Under the supervision of a GIS Specialist, the successful candidate's primary responsibilities will first require reviewing and understanding the current process to inform modernization needs. Modernization will require an understanding of various software applications with development of ideas for novel/new ways to modernize the process. Script-or model-based spatial analyses, development of an intuitive public-facing web intake form for requestor/account information and project boundary submissions, and integration of a secure online payment processing system will be required.

Tasks and products to include:

• Review and understanding of the current process involving ArcGIS Pro, Microsoft Access and Word.
• Modernization of geospatial data processes from a local directory to server-based data sources for use by multiple users simultaneously.
• Creation of GIS scripting/modelling tools to automate geoprocessing.
• Creation of an on-line data entry form to accept user data for incorporation into the process.
• Development/modernization of a relational database management system integral to the process.
• Development/modernization of a reporting application to incorporate project-specific GIS attribute data into a letter template.
• Development/modernization of an accounting database application to keep track of new requests, payments, and account debits and credits.
• Establishment of an on-line payment system (with guidance from Department IT services).

• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro geoprocessing methods, coding/scripting languages (e.g., Python, Arcade), and expertise to create a server-based geodatabase for accessibility by multiple simultaneous users.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Access and ability to develop new front/backend database applications in other relational database management systems.
• Excellent communication skills to convey problems and issues as well as achievements.

Possession of a graduate degree or an undergraduate degree and two or more years of work experience in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field with strong computational focus. In addition to the educational requirement, selection as a Governor’s Fellow is based on a combination of the following:

• Established excellence in academics and/or professional achievement.
• Proven leadership ability and potential for further growth.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Effective written communication skills, as demonstrated by a writing assignment.
• Evidence of effective teamwork.

Applicants may also be considered if they have successfully completed military service or long-term public service work with an organization such as Ameri Corps, Teach For America, or the Peace Corps. Other service will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

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…