Program Specialist Trainee

Opening Date

12/18/2025

1/8/2025

Department of Environmental Protection

Office of the Chief of Staff

Office of Communications and Outreach

401 East State Street

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 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.

Under supervision, plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate programs and events – develop detailed event plans, timelines, and budgets for events. Use Gantt charts and other project management planning software to keep everything on schedule. Events include Earth Day, Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, and the PFAS Summit. Prepare draft informational materials – draft and send postmaster emails (4‑5 per week) for internal communication to all employees with Outlook.

Twice per month, compile DEP Bulletin in Microsoft Word from multiple programs and create a cohesive document to post online. Assist in preparing charts, tables, and other graphic representations using Microsoft Office, draft and design presentations, agendas, webpages, and other materials for both event promotion and for the event itself. Draft and maintain other materials as needed. Respond to inquiries – serve as the primary external contact for the Department’s Communications and Outreach Office, including the press office, and respond promptly to recorded messages.

Transfer messages to the appropriate program.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, efficient, and able to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment. They are detail‑oriented, conscientious about accuracy and meeting deadlines, and work well as part of a team across multiple offices. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn new software tools are essential, as are strong verbal and written communication skills and professional phone etiquette.

The candidate should be adaptable, willing to take on new tasks and responsibilities, and capable of maintaining strict confidentiality with sensitive information. Event planning experience and knowledge of New Jersey’s environmental organizations is preferred but not required.

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.

Please refer to the Advancement section located at the bottom of this title specification for a comprehensive list of approved titles connected to this trainee title. Experience must be related to the journeyman title associated with the position.

OR

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

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.

“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.

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.