What are the responsibilities and job description for the CSO-2026-5 - Environmental Services Trainee position at NJ Department of Environmental Protection?
Open to: General Public
Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P95) $53,807.27 (Non-negotiable)
Opening Date: 4/20/26
Closing Date: 5/11/26
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of the Chief of Strategy Officer
Division of Science and Research
Office of the Director of Science and Research
428 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the close supervision of a supervisory official, in an Environmental Services Program, learns to conduct routine surveys, studies, inspections, and/or investigations relating to the improvement and/or monitoring of environmental conditions, and/or the enforcement of environmental laws/regulations; does other related duties.
Specific to the Position
Within the Division of Science and Research, this person will support NJDEP programs by translating complex scientific, technical, and regulatory information into clear, concise, and accessible materials suitable for general audiences. The position will work closely with scientists, engineers, policy staff, and program managers to ensure that public-facing communications accurately reflect underlying science while adhering to plain language principles and accessibility standards. Responsibilities will include the development and editing of public-facing reports, summaries, fact sheets, briefing materials, graphics, website and social media content, and other written products intended for broad audiences. The appointee may summarize peer-reviewed scientific literature, data analyses and technical documents into understandable narratives that support public understanding of environmental and public health issues, science-based policy initiatives, and agency programs.
Preferred Skill Set
Special consideration will be given to candidates with experience in scientific writing, technical communication, public communication, or related work involving the translation of complex scientific or technical information for non-technical audiences. A strong understanding of PFAS and other environmental contaminants and knowledge of modern research methods is preferred. Experience with Canva, Adobe Suite, ArcGIS Online, and/or other related platforms is a plus.
Requirements
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in one of the Physical Sciences, Environmental Sciences/Studies, Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences, or in Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or Physical Geography; or in Civil Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Mining Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Bio-resource Engineering.
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
As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
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 CSC 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: NE (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P95) $53,807.27 (Non-negotiable)
Opening Date: 4/20/26
Closing Date: 5/11/26
Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of the Chief of Strategy Officer
Division of Science and Research
Office of the Director of Science and Research
428 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the close supervision of a supervisory official, in an Environmental Services Program, learns to conduct routine surveys, studies, inspections, and/or investigations relating to the improvement and/or monitoring of environmental conditions, and/or the enforcement of environmental laws/regulations; does other related duties.
Specific to the Position
Within the Division of Science and Research, this person will support NJDEP programs by translating complex scientific, technical, and regulatory information into clear, concise, and accessible materials suitable for general audiences. The position will work closely with scientists, engineers, policy staff, and program managers to ensure that public-facing communications accurately reflect underlying science while adhering to plain language principles and accessibility standards. Responsibilities will include the development and editing of public-facing reports, summaries, fact sheets, briefing materials, graphics, website and social media content, and other written products intended for broad audiences. The appointee may summarize peer-reviewed scientific literature, data analyses and technical documents into understandable narratives that support public understanding of environmental and public health issues, science-based policy initiatives, and agency programs.
Preferred Skill Set
Special consideration will be given to candidates with experience in scientific writing, technical communication, public communication, or related work involving the translation of complex scientific or technical information for non-technical audiences. A strong understanding of PFAS and other environmental contaminants and knowledge of modern research methods is preferred. Experience with Canva, Adobe Suite, ArcGIS Online, and/or other related platforms is a plus.
Requirements
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in one of the Physical Sciences, Environmental Sciences/Studies, Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences, or in Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or Physical Geography; or in Civil Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Mining Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Bio-resource Engineering.
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
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*
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 CSC 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 : $53,807