CIER-2026-3H - Program Specialist (Hourly)

Open to: General Public
Work Week: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (up to 900 hours per fiscal year)
Salary:  $22/hr.
Opening Date: 02/27/2026
Closing Date: 03/20/2026
Existing Vacancies: 2

Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Community Investment & Economic Revitalization
AC Office – Community and Local Government Assistance
Youth Inclusion Initiative
401 East State Street, 4 th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625

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

Description
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Community Investment & Economic Revitalization (CIER) coordinates and promotes NJDEP programs and initiatives at the intersection of environmental, social, and economic improvement. NJDEP hosts the Youth Inclusion Initiative, an exposure program aimed at helping New Jersey develop the next generation of environmental protection, conservation and sustainability leaders. The NJDEP does this through providing young adults from overburdened communities with career experience through interactive activities and the necessary pathway to achieving those careers. The Youth Inclusion Initiative involves nearly every program in the NJDEP.

Specific to the Position
Specific duties may include developing a framework that will prepare Youth Inclusion Initiative supervisors with the method and expertise to prepare youth for more in-depth interactive activities. For example, developing presentations, flyers and other youth relatable material. Further using developed materials to assist the program manager in training the youth supervisors prior to the start of the YII program. Duties may also include assisting the program manager in ensuring youth are exposed to careers in the environmental field with parallel effort to developing program improvement ideas. The applicant should be comfortable speaking with youth, supervisors, and internal and external leadership for virtual and in-person meetings. The applicant should also thrive in fast pace working environment where work priorities are shifted according to the Department’s needs.

Preferred Skill Set
Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and writing skills. The position prefers a candidate who can drive and has a personal vehicle. This position is based out of the Trenton Office.

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
TES / Hourly employee benefits include:

• Earned Sick Time*

*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 , email [email protected] , 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

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 . 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.