Program Specialist - Inspections/Investigations

Open to: General Public
Work Week: 20 hours per week (Up to 944 hours max per fiscal year)
Salary:  $23 per hour
Opening Date: 10/26/2026
Closing Date:11/16/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Community Investment and Economic Revitalization
Green Acres
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Description
Under the close supervision of a Program Specialist 3 or 4, or other supervisory official in a state department, institution or agency, assists in the professional, administrative and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of various programs and services administered by the Department of assignment; assists in conducting the research and field work necessary to meet the needs of the appropriate state and/or local public or private agencies; does other related work.

Specific to the Position

• ​​​​Top of FormCommunicating with local representatives and property owners via email
• Extensive in-state travel
• Extensive outdoor walking
• Documenting inspection findings with photographs and written reports
• Updating project files and digital records
• Preparing post-inspection follow-up letters
• Performing additional duties as neededBottom of Form
• Valid NJ driver's license (required to operate a state vehicle)

Preferred Skill Set
Preference will be given to candidates who have the following:

• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Comfortable driving long distances in both rural and urban areas of New Jersey
• Strong navigation skills
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to work outdoors during all seasons 

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.

Five (3) years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying and/or evaluating agency programs and services.

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.

License 
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey to operate a vehicle, it is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Employee Benefits
TES / Hourly employee benefits include:

• Earned Sick Time*
• Enrollment in Defined Contribution Retirement Plan upon meeting minimum earnings threshold

*Earn one hour of earned sick leave for every 30 hours you work.

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 Civil Service Commission 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.