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

Program/Location: Department of Environmental Protection, Fish and Wildlife, Marine Habitat and Shellfisheries – 360 New York Road, Port Republic, NJ 08241

Opening Date: 8/19/2026    Closing Date: 9/9/2026    Existing Vacancies: 1

About the Role

Under the close supervision of a Program Specialist 3, Program Specialist 4, or other supervisory officer in a State department or agency, this trainee position assists in professional, administrative, and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring, and/or evaluation of programs related to socio-economic needs, public safety, health, welfare, or environmental protection. The role provides on-the-job training while completing assignments that offer practical Program Specialist experience.

Specific to this position, the trainee will:

• 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 as needed 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 or a combination of both experience and education (30 semester-hour credits equal one year of relevant experience):

• Four 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 and transcripts must be evaluated for accreditation by a recognized evaluation service by the closing date of this posting.

Appointees who successfully complete the 12-month training period will be eligible for advancement to titles such as 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 performance level may result in separation.

License

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

Pay

Salary: $53,281.62 (Non-Negotiable, Pay Band P95)

Schedule

Work Week: Non-Exempt (NE), 35-hour work week.

Benefits

• Paid Benefit Leave
• Holiday Pay
• Alternative Workweek Program and Telework (pursuant to State/Department policy)
• Pension and 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

Residency and Work Authorization

• All newly hired employees must establish and maintain principal residency in New Jersey within one year of employment, per the "New Jersey First Act."
• Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for U.S. citizenship.