F&W-2026-13 Program Specialist Trainee (Repost)

Opening: 1 vacancy at the Department of Environmental Protection, Fish and Wildlife Marine Habitat and Shellfisheries, 360 New York Road, Port Republic, NJ 08241. Open to applicants who meet the requirements below. Previous applicants to F&W-2025-17 need not reapply.

About the Role

Under the close supervision of a Program Specialist 3, Program Specialist 4, or other supervisory officer, this trainee position provides on-the-job training while assisting in professional, administrative, and analytical work to support the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of environmental or regulatory programs. The role focuses on administrative coordination and support for shell recycling activities and related program operations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the administrative coordination of shell recycling activities, including maintaining records, tracking collections, scheduling logistics, and preparing routine documentation.
• Maintain databases and spreadsheets, compile participation and program metrics, and prepare reports, grant documentation, and other required correspondence.
• Provide administrative support for procurement, budget tracking, and program operations.
• Respond to inquiries from program participants and assist with maintaining communication between the agency and partner organizations.
• Ensure records are maintained in accordance with agency procedures, environmental regulations, and established policies.
• Provide general office support to assist program staff with routine administrative functions.

Preferred Skills

• Strong organizational and administrative skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and maintain accurate records.
• Experience with document review, data entry, recordkeeping, report preparation, and general office procedures.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, database management, and administrative support functions.
• Attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently while following established procedures.
• Experience with government programs, grant administration, regulatory documentation, or environmental program administration.
• Experience in marine aquaculture, fisheries, coastal restoration, volunteer coordination, laboratory work, or marine field sampling.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and agency procedures.

Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the position. 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.
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. All U.S. degrees and transcripts must be from an accredited institution. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for accreditation by a recognized evaluation service by the closing date of this posting.

Thirty (30) semester-hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Experience must be related to the journeyman title associated with the position.

Advancement

Appointees who successfully complete the 12-month training period will be eligible for advancement to one of the following titles: Program Specialist 1, Program Specialist 1 (Socio-Economic Programs), Program Specialist 1 (Social/Human Services), or Program Specialist 1 (Regulatory Programs). Failure to attain the required level of performance may result in separation.

License

A driver's license valid in New Jersey is required only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Pay

$53,281.62 (Non-Negotiable, P95 pay scale).

Schedule

35-hour work week (NE schedule).

Benefits

• Paid Benefit Leave
• Holiday Pay
• Alternative Workweek Program*
• Telework*
• Pension
• Deferred Compensation
• Health Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental, and 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.