What are the responsibilities and job description for the OEJ-2026-3i Environmental Justice Engagement Intern position at NJ Department of Environmental Protection?
Open to: General Public
Work Week: Up to 35 hours per week (5 days per week)
Hourly Rate: Sliding Scale based on Education Level ($19-$24 Per Hour)
Opening Date: 7/1/2026
Closing Date: 7/22/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Internship Length: 9/21/2026 - 12/11/2026
Program/Location:
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of the Commissioner
Office of Environmental Justice
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Program Description: The Office of Environmental Justice aims to improve the quality of life in New Jersey’s most vulnerable communities by educating and empowering communities who are often outside of government decision-making processes and guiding DEP’s programs and other state departments and agencies in implementing environmental justice.
OEJ focuses on three main priorities:
• Priority 1: Amend DEP’s internal work to incorporate environmental justice.
• Priority 2: Facilitate a council of NJ agencies to amend the way the entire state achieves environmental justice.
• Priority 3: Engage with EJ communities and remove barriers to accessing resources so that communities are better informed and heard.
Project Description: The intern will work closely with OEJ staff to support science and policy research and implementation related to Priority 1: Amend DEP's internal work to incorporate environmental justice. Strong research skills required. Prospective candidates should be creative and curious and should be willing to travel to different parts of the state for community engagement support as needed.
Specific to the Position: Data visual and technical writing is strongly recommended but not required.
Preferred Area of Study: Seeking individuals enrolled in a graduate level program at an accredited university/college studying environmental studies and data science.
License: Appointee 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 email [email protected], 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 Veterans' Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated below. For more information, please visit https://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: Up to 35 hours per week (5 days per week)
Hourly Rate: Sliding Scale based on Education Level ($19-$24 Per Hour)
Opening Date: 7/1/2026
Closing Date: 7/22/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Internship Length: 9/21/2026 - 12/11/2026
Program/Location:
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of the Commissioner
Office of Environmental Justice
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Program Description: The Office of Environmental Justice aims to improve the quality of life in New Jersey’s most vulnerable communities by educating and empowering communities who are often outside of government decision-making processes and guiding DEP’s programs and other state departments and agencies in implementing environmental justice.
OEJ focuses on three main priorities:
• Priority 1: Amend DEP’s internal work to incorporate environmental justice.
• Priority 2: Facilitate a council of NJ agencies to amend the way the entire state achieves environmental justice.
• Priority 3: Engage with EJ communities and remove barriers to accessing resources so that communities are better informed and heard.
Project Description: The intern will work closely with OEJ staff to support science and policy research and implementation related to Priority 1: Amend DEP's internal work to incorporate environmental justice. Strong research skills required. Prospective candidates should be creative and curious and should be willing to travel to different parts of the state for community engagement support as needed.
Specific to the Position: Data visual and technical writing is strongly recommended but not required.
Preferred Area of Study: Seeking individuals enrolled in a graduate level program at an accredited university/college studying environmental studies and data science.
License: Appointee 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*
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 email [email protected], 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 Veterans' Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated below. For more information, please visit https://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.
Salary : $19 - $24