Project Review Specialist – Hourly

The NJ Department of Environmental Protection is hiring a Project Review Specialist for 20-35 hours per week in Trenton, NJ. The role involves reviewing projects to ensure compliance with environmental policies, focusing on protecting rare biodiversity. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and strong knowledge of ecology. The position pays $20-$30 per hour, depending on experience, and requires a valid New Jersey driver's license.
Open to: General Public

Work Week: 20-35 Hours per week

(Up to 900 hours max per fiscal year)

Hourly Rate: $20.00 – $30.00 per hour (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Opening Date: 5/8/2025

Closing Date: 5/29/2025

Existing Vacancies: 1 or more

Program/Location

Department of Environmental Protection

State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites

Office of Natural Lands Management

501 East State Street

Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility

Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Description

Under the guidance of an official in the Office of Natural Lands Management, State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites, this position involves reviewing proposed projects and activities to ensure compliance with policies and procedures for protecting and preserving rare biodiversity on Department of Environmental Protection properties, and related duties.

Specific to Position

Depending on program needs and the candidate’s experience and interests, duties may include reviewing a wide range of proposed projects and activities across more than 900,000 acres of public lands and waters managed by the Department. These lands include state parks, forests, recreation areas, historic sites, wildlife management areas, and State Natural Areas. The goal is to prevent or minimize negative impacts to endangered and rare native plant species, as well as rare ecological communities. Additionally, the position involves developing and using skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), word processing, and other relevant applications.

Preferred Skill Set

Strong knowledge of and keen interest in botany, ecology, and ecological processes, with the ability to evaluate both primary and secondary environmental impacts caused by human activities and stressors. These may include structures, roads, trails, recreational activities, prescribed fire, and invasive species or their control within protected public lands and waters. Ability to conduct desktop research using scientific literature to support environmental assessments. Passion for learning about and managing New Jersey’s natural communities and species of conservation concern.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, botany, ecology, natural resource management or related environmental field. Equivalent experience in a relevant field may be considered in lieu of degree.

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

Operation of a state vehicle will require appointee to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey.

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.

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.

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