SPFHS-2025-30 Research Scientist 2 (INTERNAL POSTING)
Trenton, NJ
Full Time
State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites
Mid Level
Open to: Division-Wide
Work Week: NL (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P28) $88,529.64 - $130,338.54
Opening Date: 09/23/2025
Closing Date: 10/06/2025
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites
Forest & Natural Lands - Office of Natural Lands Management
501 E State Street, 4th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625
Scope of Eligibility
Open to permanent employees in the Forest & Natural Lands Program, who meet the requirements below.
Description
Under general supervision of a Research Scientist 1 or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, conducts research projects or participates in functional programs in a specified professional field; assumes appropriate administrative and scientific duties as delegated; heads complex projects and makes recommendations to the supervisor; does related work.
Specific to the Position
Under the direction of the ONLM Administrator or other senior official, conducts field surveys and documents the occurrence of plant species and natural communities in the Natural Heritage Database (Database). Ensures the accuracy of all data transcribed, mapped and entered in the Database. Assists with managing updates and performing maintenance procedures for the Database. Reviews and analyzes projects for impacts to rare plant biodiversity consistent with Department policy to avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts. Researches and prepares written reports and delivers scientifically sound presentations to diverse professional and nonprofessional audiences.
Preferred Skill Set
Excels working as part of a team of scientists and others to achieve the mission and goals of the work unit. Ability to research and convey complex information to diverse audiences using a variety of formats. Possesses excellent written and oral communication skills.
Requirements
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position.
EXPERIENCE:
Three (3) years of full-time experience in a field appropriate to the position.
NOTE: A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.
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.
License
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:
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.
Work Week: NL (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P28) $88,529.64 - $130,338.54
Opening Date: 09/23/2025
Closing Date: 10/06/2025
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites
Forest & Natural Lands - Office of Natural Lands Management
501 E State Street, 4th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625
Scope of Eligibility
Open to permanent employees in the Forest & Natural Lands Program, who meet the requirements below.
Description
Under general supervision of a Research Scientist 1 or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, conducts research projects or participates in functional programs in a specified professional field; assumes appropriate administrative and scientific duties as delegated; heads complex projects and makes recommendations to the supervisor; does related work.
Specific to the Position
Under the direction of the ONLM Administrator or other senior official, conducts field surveys and documents the occurrence of plant species and natural communities in the Natural Heritage Database (Database). Ensures the accuracy of all data transcribed, mapped and entered in the Database. Assists with managing updates and performing maintenance procedures for the Database. Reviews and analyzes projects for impacts to rare plant biodiversity consistent with Department policy to avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts. Researches and prepares written reports and delivers scientifically sound presentations to diverse professional and nonprofessional audiences.
Preferred Skill Set
Excels working as part of a team of scientists and others to achieve the mission and goals of the work unit. Ability to research and convey complex information to diverse audiences using a variety of formats. Possesses excellent written and oral communication skills.
Requirements
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position.
EXPERIENCE:
Three (3) years of full-time experience in a field appropriate to the position.
NOTE: A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.
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.
License
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*
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.
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