AEMS-2026-4i - Sustainable Waste Management Intern

Trenton, NJ
Internship
Student (College)
AEMS-2026-4i - Sustainable Waste Management Intern

Open to: General Public
Work Week:  Up to 35 hours per week (5 days per week)
Hourly Rate: Sliding Scale based on Education Level ($19-$24 Per Hour)
Opening Date:  7/1/2026
Closing Date:  7/22/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1

Internship Length: 9/21/2026- 12/11/2026

Program/Location

Department of Environmental Protection
Air, Energy, & Materials Sustainability
Sustainable Waste Management
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Program Description
The Air, Energy & Materials Sustainability program area develops and enforces statewide programs, policies, and regulations to reduce air pollution and climate-related emissions, ensure compliance with the New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act, and support clean energy and sustainability initiatives. The unit oversees inspections, licensing, and enforcement related to solid, hazardous, and medical waste management, recycling, underground storage tanks, and vapor recovery systems, working to protect public health, preserve the environment, and enhance quality of life for New Jersey residents.

Specific to the Position

The candidate for this position will be reviewing and analyzing solid waste data that has been submitted annually for the past several years. The calculated data will be used to inform us of recycling capacity, facility operations, material flow, and market conditions. It will also help us identify emerging trends, inform policy decisions, and support resource allocation and strategic planning. The purpose of this position is to help improve data quality and compliance by conducting data review/evaluation of the annual recycling tonnage reports. The data collected will allow verifiable calculation of the total tonnage of recyclable materials for Class B, C, D, multi-class (B&C) recycling facilities, help to elevate the amount of material recycled and amount disposed, identify trends, and flag inconsistencies or non-submittals etc.

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.


Employee Benefits
TES / Hourly employee benefits include:
  • Earned Sick Time*
  • Enrollment in Defined Contribution Retirement Plan upon meeting minimum earnings threshold
*Earn one hour of earned sick leave for every 30 hours you work

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 SAME Program, email [email protected], or call Civil Service Commission at (609) 292-4144 and select Option #3.

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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