SPFHS-2026-8 Resource Interpretive Specialist Trainee
Somerville, NJ
Full Time
State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites
Entry Level
Open to: General Public
Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P95) $56,253.35 (Non-Negotiable)
Opening Date: 3/16/2026
Closing Date: 4/6/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites
New Jersey State Parks
Wallace House/Old Dutch Parsonage
71 Somerset Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants that meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the close supervision of a Resource Interpretive Specialist 4, or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), as a trainee and a productive worker, receives on-the-job training in developing and implementing educational and interpretive programs focused on natural and/or historic resources; learns to conduct research, develop publications, and promote information related to natural and/or historical resource interpretation and scheduled events; learns procedures for monitoring the use, preservation, and management of natural or historical resource facilities and related resources; conducts research, interprets data, and presents findings on topics related to New Jersey’s natural resources or historical background; does other related duties as required.
Specific to the Position
The position would be trained in researching, developing and producing educational and interpretive programs and tours and special events for the general public; trained to develop special group and school programs. Trained to research, develop and produce interpretive materials such as brochures, signs, fliers and exhibits; create and update site plans, scope of collections statements and tour manuals; catalog and label historic museum collections.
*Due to nature of the role, this position is performed exclusively on-site.
Preferred Skill Set
Ability to learn about the history of New Jersey and the Wallace House/Old Dutch Parsonage Historic Site and maintain an understanding of the site’s natural, cultural and historic resources. Able to communicate with visitors of all ages. Excellent public speaking skills. Ability to share information in a creative and exciting manner that generates understanding and appreciation in the targeted audience. Ability to learn how to maintain historic sites and museums, ensuring they remain authentic, clean, safe, and visually appealing.
Requirements
EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in history, American History, art history, architectural history, American Studies, American Literature, anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, or a closely related historical or museum studies field; or with a bachelor’s degree in education, or English that includes or is supplemented by eighteen (18) credits in any combination of the previously listed areas.
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.
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 CSC at (609) 292-4144 and select Option #3.
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: NE (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P95) $56,253.35 (Non-Negotiable)
Opening Date: 3/16/2026
Closing Date: 4/6/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites
New Jersey State Parks
Wallace House/Old Dutch Parsonage
71 Somerset Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants that meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the close supervision of a Resource Interpretive Specialist 4, or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), as a trainee and a productive worker, receives on-the-job training in developing and implementing educational and interpretive programs focused on natural and/or historic resources; learns to conduct research, develop publications, and promote information related to natural and/or historical resource interpretation and scheduled events; learns procedures for monitoring the use, preservation, and management of natural or historical resource facilities and related resources; conducts research, interprets data, and presents findings on topics related to New Jersey’s natural resources or historical background; does other related duties as required.
Specific to the Position
The position would be trained in researching, developing and producing educational and interpretive programs and tours and special events for the general public; trained to develop special group and school programs. Trained to research, develop and produce interpretive materials such as brochures, signs, fliers and exhibits; create and update site plans, scope of collections statements and tour manuals; catalog and label historic museum collections.
*Due to nature of the role, this position is performed exclusively on-site.
Preferred Skill Set
Ability to learn about the history of New Jersey and the Wallace House/Old Dutch Parsonage Historic Site and maintain an understanding of the site’s natural, cultural and historic resources. Able to communicate with visitors of all ages. Excellent public speaking skills. Ability to share information in a creative and exciting manner that generates understanding and appreciation in the targeted audience. Ability to learn how to maintain historic sites and museums, ensuring they remain authentic, clean, safe, and visually appealing.
Requirements
EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in history, American History, art history, architectural history, American Studies, American Literature, anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, or a closely related historical or museum studies field; or with a bachelor’s degree in education, or English that includes or is supplemented by eighteen (18) credits in any combination of the previously listed areas.
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.
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 CSC at (609) 292-4144 and select Option #3.
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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