Program Specialist 2

Open to:Division-Wide
Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week
Salary:(P21) $66,592.01– $97,353.89
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: 11/13/2026
Existing Vacancies: 3

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

Scope of Eligibility
Open to full-time employees who work for the Division of Green Acres and meet the requirements below.

Description
Under the limited supervision of a Program Specialist 3 or 4, or other supervisory official in a state department, institution or agency, or in a local jurisdiction, takes the lead over professional and/or technical staff engaged in program activities; performs professional, administrative and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of various programs and services administered by the Department of assignment; conducts 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
Support the DEP's mission of permanently preserving land for recreation and conservation purposes by providing regulation and policy guidance involving Green Acres encumbered parkland to residents, local officials, consultants, attorneys, and state officials. Review, analyze, and evaluate documents submitted by local units and nonprofits pertaining to fee implementation, new or renewal of leases, temporary use agreements, ROSI Amendment Requests, and public hearing notices. Investigate and respond to compliance-related complaints. Prepare, present, and make an appropriate recommendation regarding a local unit’s request to convert, divert, or dispose of Green Acres encumbered parkland.

Preferred Skill Set
Preference will go to candidates who have strong attention to detail; strong writing skills; the ability to work independently and as part of a team; and the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with officials in the public and private sectors. Preference will be given to applicants with experience working / volunteering with a land conservation organization, local planning board, environmental commission, or recreation board. Ability to travel throughout the State and occasionally conduct fieldwork as needed.


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.
Six (6) years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying, and/or evaluating agency programs and services.

OR

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.

OR

Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a discipline appropriate to the position; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.

NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment 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.

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”.

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*

*Pursuant to the State/Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.

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.