COS-2026-2 Communications Operator 2, Environmental Protection (Internal Posting)

Open to: Division-Wide
Work Week: 40 (40-hour) Work Week
Salary: (A16) $51,479.83 - $74,754.23
Opening Date: 1/28/2026
Closing Date: 2/11/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of the Chief of Staff
Emergency Management Program
Bureau of Communications and Response Services
1400 Negron Drive
Hamilton Square, NJ 08619

Scope of Eligibility
Open to permanent employees in a competitive title who work for the Emergency Management Program and meet the requirements below.

Description
Under the general supervision of a Communications Operator 3 or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in a centralized communications center, functions as a lead worker, providing guidance to lower-level communications operators and taking the lead on work-related matters; monitors, receives, and transmits environmental emergency alarms including, but not limited to, incidents associated with fires, radiation accidents, toxic releases, chemical spills, and atmospheric pollution; receives requests for DEP emergency assistance and transmits same to first responders and/or law enforcement  personnel, and other pertinent federal, state, county, and/or local authorities; does other related duties as required.

Specific to the Position
The appointee will work as the “lead operator” when the supervisor in not available, in the daily operation of our 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year centralized communications center, providing close direct supervision to lower-level communications operators as required by the Civil Service Commission. The appointee will also assist in the training program for our new staff.

Requirements 
EXPERIENCE:
Two (2) years of experience in work involving the monitoring, receiving, sending, transmitting, and relaying of electronic messages and/or electronic radio messages, and the receiving, relaying and recording of environmental complaints and requests for assistance which shall have included the use of computer-aided dispatch, data processing, or computer equipment and programs for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and/or other first responders.

License/Certification:
Appointees must possess certification in IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System, IS-200.c: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, IS-700.b: National Incident Management System (NIMS) an Introduction, and IS-800.c: National Response Framework, an Introduction.

Appointees may be required to possess certification by the National Emergency Communications Institute (NECI) as an Emergency Communications Officer; or Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) as a Public Safety Telecommunicator; or International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) as an Emergency Telecommunicator Communications.

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.

​​​​​Benefits
As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: 

• 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.

Veteran's Preference
To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, 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 https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service-preference/

Residency
All 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 Work
Selected 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 Employment
The 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. 

DEP Notices of Vacancy have a 4:00 p.m. deadline on the closing date. When filing for these opportunities, please be sure to have your letter of interest and credentials sent electronically before 4 p.m. on the closing date.

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.