Local Government Intern - CIER-2025-6i

This position is part of the EPIC Program (Environmental Pathways in Informed Careers) specifically reserved for Trenton Central High School students.

Title: Local Government Intern
Posting Number: CIER-2025-6i
Closing Date: November 18, 2025
Start Date of Internship: February 9, 2026
End Date of Internship: June 12, 2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Location: 401 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility: This position is only open to students at Trenton Central High School who are seniors.

Internship Hours Per Week: 16-20 hours per week (4 days per week, from 1 PM – 4 PM)

Hourly Rate: $18 per hour

Program: Community Investment and Economic Revitalization - Office of Local Government Assistance

Program Description: The Office of Local Government Assistance (LGA) serves as the direct link between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and all municipal, county, and local governments. The office works collaboratively with jurisdictions across the state to address and alleviate concerns, answer questions, and provide information on grants and loans that support local redevelopment and environmental initiatives. By maintaining open and effective communication with local government officials, the LGA helps communities advance projects that protect New Jersey’s air, water, land, and historic resources. The office keeps mayors and local leaders informed on DEP programs relevant to their municipalities, coordinates meetings with agency staff, and works toward timely resolutions of local issues.

Project Description: As a Local Government Intern, you will support the LGA team in advancing initiatives that improve staff engagement, communications, and program support. This role blends creative content development, event planning, and organizational tasks, giving you hands-on experience in communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement within a large environmental program.

Specific to the Position:

• Communicate effectively with municipal representatives both virtually and in person.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings between local officials and DEP staff.
• Reply to inquiries via email and assist with follow-up communication.
• Update and organize case logs for active local government concerns.
• Collaborate with internal DEP partners to gather information and address specific municipal inquiries.

• Scheduling and preparing for meetings with local government representatives.
• Responding to municipal inquiries and tracking correspondence.
• Updating databases and case logs to ensure timely responses.
• Attending virtual or in-person meetings with DEP and local officials.
• Communicating with internal program areas to collect information or coordinate responses.
• Observing how DEP and local governments collaborate to achieve environmental and redevelopment goals.

• Interest in local government operations and community engagement.
• Interest in gaining a holistic understanding of DEP programs and structure.
• Interest in networking and attending interagency or public meetings.

License: Appointee 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.

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.

Veteran's Preference: To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated below. For more information, please visit https://nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service/preference/

SAME applicants: If 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 https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email [email protected], or call CSC at (609) 292- 4144 and select Option #3

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.