Jobs and Careers
NE
SPFHS-2026-23 Program Specialist Trainee
New Jersey Department of Environmental ProtectionBarnegat Light, NJfull_timeVerifiedPosted 17 Jul 2026
💰 $53,282/yr
About the role
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
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
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