Program Specialist

Open to: General PublicWork Week: 20-25 hours per week (up to 900 hours maximum per fiscal year)Salary: $22 per hourOpening Date: 272025Closing Date: 372025Existing Vacancies: 1ProgramLocationDepartment of Environmental ProtectionCommunity Investment and Economic RevitalizationCommunity and Local Government Office401 East State StreetTrenton, NJ 08625Scope of EligibilityOpen to applicants who meet the requirements below.DescriptionUnder the close supervision of a Program Specialist 3 or 4, or other supervisory official in a state department, institution or agency, assists in the professional, administrative and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring andor evaluation of various programs and services administered by the Department of assignment; assists in conducting the research and field work necessary to meet the needs of the appropriate state andor local public or private agencies; does other related work.Specific to the PositionSupport the Office of Local Government Assistance initiatives designed to empower and connect county and municipal governments to DEP programs and services. LGA promotes environmental protection and community development - the selected candidate would assist in developing and maintaining strong relationships with local government entities and their leadership to promote collaboration and effective communication. Duties for this position include answering and responding to inquires from municipal officials, providing information for their concerns; maintaining and updating a comprehensive database of county and municipal entities and officials, including representatives from Environmental Commissions and other administrative offices, councils, and boards; analyze and working with other DEP staff on multidisciplinary issues affecting local governments and develop options for issue resolution in collaboration with local partners; may assist in organizing and executing meetings and events, ensuring all logistical details are handled efficiently.Preferred Skill SetWork as part of a team, showing flexibility and compassion for diverse local and environmental needs, and contribute to a team-oriented environment. Candidate must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking, to effectively convey information and advocate for local government needs and DEP initiatives. Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft (MS) Office with intermediate experience using MS Access, MS Excel, and MS Word mail merge functionality. Additionally, the individual should demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask, ensuring all duties are performed efficiently and deadlines are met.RequirementsApplicants 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.Five (5) years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying andor evaluating agency programs and services.ORPossession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.ORPossession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a discipline appropriate for the position.NOTE: "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.NOTE: 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.LicenseAppointees 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.SAME ApplicantsIf you are applying under the NJ SAME program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter) must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME program, please visit SAME Program, email , or call Civil Service Commission at (609) 292-4144 and select Option #3.Veteran's PreferenceTo qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preferencestatus, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated. For more information, please visit persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the "New Jersey First Act".Authorization to WorkSelected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations. NOTE: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.Equal Opportunity EmploymentThe State of New Jersey seeks to increase the richness and diversity of its workforce, and in doing so, become the employer of choice for all people seeking to work in State Government. To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and employ a diverse workforce, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few brief questions on the NJ Affirmative Action Information Form. All information is considered confidential and will be filed separately with the agency's affirmative action officer. This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision.The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations under ADA will be provided upon request.

Created: 2025-02-21