What are the responsibilities and job description for the CIER-2026-9H - Program Specialist (Hourly) position at NJ Department of Environmental Protection?
Open to: General Public
Work Week: 40 hours per week (Up to 944 hours max per fiscal year)
Salary: $25 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
Community and Local Government Support
Youth Inclusion Initiative
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
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), through its Community Investment & Economic Revitalization (CIER) office, coordinates and promotes programs and initiatives at the intersection of environmental, social, and economic improvement. A cornerstone of this work is the Youth Inclusion Initiative, an exposure program designed to cultivate New Jersey's next generation of environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability leaders. The initiative provides young adults from overburdened communities with hands-on career experience through interactive activities and structured pathways to environmental professions. Given its comprehensive scope, the Youth Inclusion Initiative engages nearly every program within NJDEP. In this role, you will directly support the Youth Inclusion Initiative by facilitating stakeholder engagement, public outreach, and cross-sector collaboration. This position offers valuable experience in building and sustaining partnerships that advance both environmental protection and community development objectives. CLGS experience.
Preferred Skill Set
Preference will be given to candidates with excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and writing skills. The candidate should be able to thrive in a fast-paced working environment where work priorities shift according to the Department’s needs. Preference will be given to candidate who can drive and have a personal vehicle.
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 (5) 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 one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a discipline appropriate for the position.
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.
Employee Benefits
TES / Hourly employee benefits include:
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 SAME@csc.nj.gov, 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.
Work Week: 40 hours per week (Up to 944 hours max per fiscal year)
Salary: $25 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
Community and Local Government Support
Youth Inclusion Initiative
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
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), through its Community Investment & Economic Revitalization (CIER) office, coordinates and promotes programs and initiatives at the intersection of environmental, social, and economic improvement. A cornerstone of this work is the Youth Inclusion Initiative, an exposure program designed to cultivate New Jersey's next generation of environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability leaders. The initiative provides young adults from overburdened communities with hands-on career experience through interactive activities and structured pathways to environmental professions. Given its comprehensive scope, the Youth Inclusion Initiative engages nearly every program within NJDEP. In this role, you will directly support the Youth Inclusion Initiative by facilitating stakeholder engagement, public outreach, and cross-sector collaboration. This position offers valuable experience in building and sustaining partnerships that advance both environmental protection and community development objectives. CLGS experience.
Preferred Skill Set
Preference will be given to candidates with excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and writing skills. The candidate should be able to thrive in a fast-paced working environment where work priorities shift according to the Department’s needs. Preference will be given to candidate who can drive and have a personal vehicle.
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 (5) 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 one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a discipline appropriate for the position.
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.
Employee Benefits
TES / Hourly employee benefits include:
- Earned Sick Time*
- Enrollment in Defined Contribution Retirement Plan upon meeting minimum earnings threshold
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 SAME@csc.nj.gov, 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.
Salary : $25