NJ Department of Environmental Protection
WLM-2026-26 Environmental Scientist 4 (INTERNAL POSTING)
Watershed & Land Management - Trenton, NJ - Full Time
Open to: Division-Wide
Work Week: NL (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (R30) $100,498.48 – $148,186.78
Opening Date: 9/14/2026
Closing Date: 9/28/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Watershed & Land Management Program
Land Resource Protection
Costal Permitting
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Scope of Eligibility
Open to permanent employees in a competitive title who work for the Division of Land Resource Protection and meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the direction of an Assistant Commissioner or higher level official provides direction, advice, assistance and consultation on specialized scientific programs and problems: does related duties.
Specific to the Position
Under the general direction of a Manager 4, the Environmental Scientist 4 is responsible supervising other dedicated Critical Permitting Team staff within the bureau to ensure that the Governor's Executive Order projects (energy, housing, etc.) will be managed and reviewed timely and effectively and to avoid any unnecessary delays. This ES4 will also focus on scientific research that is needed to support the permitting process and rule changes as well as the Coastal Zone Management grants, including coastal restoration (nature-based solution projects), marsh migration, and submerged aquatic vegetation mapping and restoration.
Preferred Skill Set
Extensive knowledge of the Program's rules and regulations as well as a strong research background in coastal restoration (nature-based solution projects), march migration and submerged aquatic vegetation mapping and restoration. Strong supervisory skills, and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, federal, state and local governments.
Requirements
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in one of the physical, biological or environmental sciences.
EXPERIENCE:
Four (4) years of experience involving research and the application of the physical, biological or environmental sciences.
NOTE: A Doctorate degree in one of the indicated fields may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.
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: (R30) $100,498.48 – $148,186.78
Opening Date: 9/14/2026
Closing Date: 9/28/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Watershed & Land Management Program
Land Resource Protection
Costal Permitting
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Scope of Eligibility
Open to permanent employees in a competitive title who work for the Division of Land Resource Protection and meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the direction of an Assistant Commissioner or higher level official provides direction, advice, assistance and consultation on specialized scientific programs and problems: does related duties.
Specific to the Position
Under the general direction of a Manager 4, the Environmental Scientist 4 is responsible supervising other dedicated Critical Permitting Team staff within the bureau to ensure that the Governor's Executive Order projects (energy, housing, etc.) will be managed and reviewed timely and effectively and to avoid any unnecessary delays. This ES4 will also focus on scientific research that is needed to support the permitting process and rule changes as well as the Coastal Zone Management grants, including coastal restoration (nature-based solution projects), marsh migration, and submerged aquatic vegetation mapping and restoration.
Preferred Skill Set
Extensive knowledge of the Program's rules and regulations as well as a strong research background in coastal restoration (nature-based solution projects), march migration and submerged aquatic vegetation mapping and restoration. Strong supervisory skills, and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, federal, state and local governments.
Requirements
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in one of the physical, biological or environmental sciences.
EXPERIENCE:
Four (4) years of experience involving research and the application of the physical, biological or environmental sciences.
NOTE: A Doctorate degree in one of the indicated fields may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.
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.
