SPFHS-2026-25 Governor's Fellow

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

About the role

Under the supervision of a GIS Specialist, the successful candidate will review and modernize geospatial data processes, develop automation tools, and create a secure, public-facing web intake system with integrated payment processing.

Responsibilities

• Review and understand the current process involving ArcGIS Pro, Microsoft Access, and Word.
• Modernize geospatial data processes from local directories to server-based data sources for multi-user access.
• Create GIS scripting/modelling tools to automate geoprocessing tasks.
• Develop an online data entry form to accept user data for incorporation into the process.
• Modernize a relational database management system integral to the process.
• Modernize a reporting application to incorporate project-specific GIS attribute data into a letter template.
• Modernize an accounting database application to track new requests, payments, and account debits/credits.
• Establish an online payment system with guidance from Department IT services.

Requirements

• Possession of a graduate degree or an undergraduate degree and two or more years of work experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field with a strong computational focus.
• Selection as a Governor’s Fellow is based on:
  • 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 organizations such as AmeriCorps, Teach For America, or the Peace Corps.
• 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.

Skills

• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro geoprocessing methods, coding/scripting languages (e.g., Python, Arcade), and expertise in creating server-based geodatabases for multi-user accessibility.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Access and ability to develop new front-end and back-end database applications in other relational database management systems.
• Excellent communication skills to convey problems, issues, and achievements.

Benefits

• 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 State/Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.

Pay

$75,000

Schedule

NL (35-hour) Work Week

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.