Jobs and Careers
NE
SPFHS-2026-10 Program Specialist Trainee
New Jersey Department of Environmental ProtectionManalapan, NJfull_timeVerifiedPosted 11 Feb 2026
💰 $51,480/yr
About the role
Open to: General Public
Work Week: NE (35-hour Work Week)
Salary: $51,479.83 (Non-negotiable)
Opening Date: 2/12/2026
Closing Date: 3/5/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks, Forestry, and Historic Sites
New Jersey State Parks
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
20 State Route 33
Manalapan, NJ 07726
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
Works with the site’s Superintendent and/or Resource Interpretive Specialist to implement programming utilizing objectives of the Statewide Interpretation Plan. Learns to assist the Superintendent/RIS in developing and conducting educational programs and/or guided tours for a variety of different groups. Learns to prepare specialized projects, materials, workshops, exhibits and events. Learns to train and supervise seasonal employees and volunteers in the procedures and functions of the site and its interpretive programs. Learns the operation and administrative functions staffing of the Visitor Center. Provides assistance to the RIS in the site's collection.
*Due to nature of the role, this position is performed exclusively on-site.
Preferred Skill Set
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. Collection management skills and experience.
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:
Work Week: NE (35-hour Work Week)
Salary: $51,479.83 (Non-negotiable)
Opening Date: 2/12/2026
Closing Date: 3/5/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks, Forestry, and Historic Sites
New Jersey State Parks
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
20 State Route 33
Manalapan, NJ 07726
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
Works with the site’s Superintendent and/or Resource Interpretive Specialist to implement programming utilizing objectives of the Statewide Interpretation Plan. Learns to assist the Superintendent/RIS in developing and conducting educational programs and/or guided tours for a variety of different groups. Learns to prepare specialized projects, materials, workshops, exhibits and events. Learns to train and supervise seasonal employees and volunteers in the procedures and functions of the site and its interpretive programs. Learns the operation and administrative functions staffing of the Visitor Center. Provides assistance to the RIS in the site's collection.
*Due to nature of the role, this position is performed exclusively on-site.
Preferred Skill Set
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. Collection management skills and experience.
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
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