SPFHS-2026-7 Landscape Designer Trainee

Open to: General Public
Work Week: 40(40-hour) Work Week
Salary: (P95) $58,817.70 (Non-Negotiable)
Opening Date: 2/10/2026
Closing Date: 3/3/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites
New Jersey State Parks
Ringwood State Park
1304 Sloatsburg Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Description
Under the close supervision of a Landscape Designer 3 or other supervisory official in a state department, agency, or office, as a trainee, learns to perform the design, construction, and maintenance of landscape architecture projects for transportation projects, parks,
forests, or botanical gardens; does other related duties as required.

Specific to the Position
This position, based at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden, learns to assist with data gathering, mapping, site investigations, and the preparation of landscape plans, details, and grading designs; supports the design of planting plans and landscape features, including related calculations, specifications, and plant lists; learns to inspect and document plant materials while maintaining labels, records, photographs, and cultural information; learns to evaluate horticultural needs across gardens, grounds, and greenhouse operations; learns to conduct historical research to support restoration of original designs; learns to provide basic public guidance on horticulture and garden features; learns to deliver horticultural presentations; collaborates with volunteers and partner groups on programs and events; and is required to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license.

*Due to nature of the role, this position is performed exclusively on-site.

Preferred Skill Set
Knowledge of the principles and techniques involved in ornamental horticulture for garden design. Knowledge of the methods used to restore, renovate, and maintain grounds, formal gardens, lawns and flower gardens, trees, and shrubs. Ability to prepare preliminary landscape design plans.

Requirements
EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture.

NOTE: Possession of a valid license as a Landscape Architect issued by the New Jersey State Board of Architects may be substituted for the above education requirement.

NOTE: When assigned to the Department of Environmental Protection's State Botanical Garden, a Bachelor's degree in Ornamental Horticulture, Aboriculture, or Floriculture, are also acceptable in meeting the minimum education requirements.

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.

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 [email protected] , or call CSC at (609) 292-4144 and select Option #3.

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*

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

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.