COM-2026-5 Governor's Fellow

Open to: General Public
Work Week: NL (35-hour) Work Week
Salary: (X98) $75,000
Opening Date: August 3, 2026
Closing Date: August 24, 2026
Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Legislative Affairs
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625

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

Description
The Governor's Fellow assigned to the Office of Legislative Affairs supports the Department's legislative and public policy initiatives by conducting policy research, tracking and analyzing legislation affecting the Department, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders throughout the legislative process. This position provides a unique opportunity to gain experience at the intersection of public policy, legislative affairs, and executive branch government while contributing to the development and implementation of the Department's legislative priorities.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Researching, analyzing, and monitoring legislation relevant to the Department's programs, policies, and strategic priorities.
• Maintaining and updating the Department's legislative tracking system to ensure accurate, timely information on bill status, legislative developments, and agency positions.
• Assisting in the preparation of legislative analyses, policy summaries, briefing materials, correspondence, talking points, and other documents to support executive leadership.
• Coordinating with Department subject matter experts to gather technical information, assess the operational and policy impacts of proposed legislation, and develop informed legislative recommendations.
• Supporting communication and collaboration with the Governor's Office, members of the State Legislature, legislative staff, and external stakeholders regarding Department legislative initiatives and policy matters.
• Attending legislative, policy, and stakeholder meetings; documenting discussions, tracking action items, and following up to support project completion.
• Assisting with outreach to elected officials and other governmental partners in support of the Department's legislative agenda.
• Contributing to special projects involving legislative strategy, policy development, intergovernmental affairs, and executive initiatives as assigned.

Preferred Skill Set
The ideal candidate demonstrates strong analytical and written communication skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Success in this role requires the ability to synthesize complex policy information, collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and communicate professionally with executive leadership, policymakers, and technical experts.

Requirements
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree and a combination of established excellence in academics and/or professional achievement; proven leadership ability and potential for further growth; demonstrated commitment to public service; effective written communication skills as demonstrated by writing assignment; evidence of effective teamwork.

NOTE: Applicants may utilize college credits in combination with the indicated experience to meet the job requirements. These credits will be applied on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester-hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.

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*

*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 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 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.