SPFHS-2026-23 Program Specialist Trainee
Barnegat Light, NJ
Full Time
State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites
Entry Level
Open to: General Public
Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: $53,281.62 (Non-negotiable)
Opening Date: 7/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/7/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites
New Jersey State Parks
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
208 Broadway & The Bay
Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the close supervision of a Program Specialist 3, Program Specialist 4, or other supervisory officer in a State department or agency, as a trainee and productive worker, receives on-the-job training while assisting in the professional, administrative, and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of human or social service programs, programs serving the socio-economic needs of specific clients populations, or regulatory programs designed to ensure public safety, health and welfare, or protection of the environment; completes assignments which provide practical Program Specialist experience; does other related work.
Specific to the Position
Entry-level training position assisting with park programs, operations, and visitor services in a high-traffic coastal park (also supporting Island Beach State Park). Main responsibilities include visitor services, fee collection and processing; office administrative duties, answering phones, billing and filing; coordinate volunteer activities, recruitment, scheduling, partner communication; assist with seasonal staff management, scheduling, onboarding, task assignments; help plan and deliver interpretive/recreational programming; support environmental and resilience projects. The ideal candidate will have project management experience. The trainee will gain hands-on experience in program planning, operational coordination, public engagement, and administrative support while working under close supervision.
*Note that this position will be performed exclusively on site.
Preferred Skill Set
The ideal candidate will have experience with the Microsoft Suite of programs including Outlook, Word and Excel; strong writing and communication skills and the ability to understand, analyze, and communicate complex topics; project management experience is a plus; customer service training and experience - ability to effectively manage high volumes of phone and in-person inquiries; ability to provide good customer service.
Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following, or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester-hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the position.
OR
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
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:
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 email [email protected], or call CSC 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.
Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: $53,281.62 (Non-negotiable)
Opening Date: 7/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/7/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites
New Jersey State Parks
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
208 Broadway & The Bay
Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the close supervision of a Program Specialist 3, Program Specialist 4, or other supervisory officer in a State department or agency, as a trainee and productive worker, receives on-the-job training while assisting in the professional, administrative, and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of human or social service programs, programs serving the socio-economic needs of specific clients populations, or regulatory programs designed to ensure public safety, health and welfare, or protection of the environment; completes assignments which provide practical Program Specialist experience; does other related work.
Specific to the Position
Entry-level training position assisting with park programs, operations, and visitor services in a high-traffic coastal park (also supporting Island Beach State Park). Main responsibilities include visitor services, fee collection and processing; office administrative duties, answering phones, billing and filing; coordinate volunteer activities, recruitment, scheduling, partner communication; assist with seasonal staff management, scheduling, onboarding, task assignments; help plan and deliver interpretive/recreational programming; support environmental and resilience projects. The ideal candidate will have project management experience. The trainee will gain hands-on experience in program planning, operational coordination, public engagement, and administrative support while working under close supervision.
*Note that this position will be performed exclusively on site.
Preferred Skill Set
The ideal candidate will have experience with the Microsoft Suite of programs including Outlook, Word and Excel; strong writing and communication skills and the ability to understand, analyze, and communicate complex topics; project management experience is a plus; customer service training and experience - ability to effectively manage high volumes of phone and in-person inquiries; ability to provide good customer service.
Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following, or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester-hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the position.
OR
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
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*
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 email [email protected], or call CSC 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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