Research Analyst 2

Open to: NJ State Employees

Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week

Salary: (P21) $64,340.11 - $94,061.71

Opening Date: 11/26/2025

Closing Date: 12/10/2025

Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location

Department of Environmental Protection

Legal and Regulatory Affairs

Office of Record Access

401 East State Street

Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility

Open to permanent employees NJ State Employees, in a competitive title, who meet the requirements below.

Description

Under direction of a supervisory official in a state department or agency, performs more difficult and/or independent legislative and legal research in connection with department or agency programs; prepares reports, summaries, and recommendations on the impact/scope of Federal and State legislation or regulations; provides technical support to enforcing activities; does other related duties as required.

Specific to the Position

The Office of Record Access requires a paralegal or individual with a legal background or knowledge, to perform a wide range of activities that relate to legal expertise or litigation, including:

1. Conducting Privilege Reviews of government records to identify privilege/confidential information.

2. Performing Department wide email searches and reviewing the results thereafter for responsiveness to OPRA and Non-OPRA record requests, as well as E-Discovery requests for DOL and Special Counsel.

3. Processing Bankruptcy Notices & Claims

Preferred Skill Set

Paralegal skills and knowledge in legal procedures. Ability to research, understand and apply Regulations, Statutes and Case Law to the production of government records in response to OPRA record requests, Non-OPRA record requests, and litigation related productions.

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 legal or legislative research, which shall have included the preparation of basic research and technical reports.

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 in Public Administration, Political Science, Government, or other relevant area from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.

OR

Possession of a Juris Doctor degree or Bachelor of laws degree from an accredited law school.

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.

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.

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.

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.