AEMS-2025-7 Section Chief, Environmental Protection (INTERNAL POSTING)

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection seeks a Section Chief for Environmental Protection in Trenton, NJ. This role involves managing multiple units within environmental programs, overseeing grant programs, and ensuring compliance with budgets and reporting. Candidates should have a relevant Bachelor's degree and five years of related experience, including supervisory roles. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential. The position is an internal posting for permanent employees.
Open to: Division-Wide
Work Week: NL (35-hour) Work Week
Salary:(S30) $ 93,816.41 - $ 133,882.16
Opening Date: 4/23/2025
Closing Date: 5/7/2025
Existing Vacancies: 2

Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Air, Energy & Materials Sustainability
Climate Change Mitigation & Monitoring
Mobile Sources
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility
Open to permanent employees who work in the Division of Climate Change Mitigation & Monitoring and meet the requirements below.

Description
Under the general direction of a Manager 4, Environmental Protection or other higher level official in the Department of Environmental Protection, is responsible for the management and supervision of work programs of two (2) or more units in a technical, planning, engineering, environmental analysis, or scientific program; supervises staff and work activities. Prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related work as required.

Specific to the Position
The appointees will oversee the three main grant programs: The Diesel Modernization Program, It Pay$ to Plug In, and the eMobility Program; they will ensure that all the budgets are tracked and federal reports are submitted on time; will oversee the team of grant managers and ensure that the program requirements evolve with changing pricing and technology. The selected candidates will also oversee the Market Development Program, which is responsible for developing content on alternate fueled vehicles, charging stations, workforce development programs, and while maintaining relationships with other states, state entities, community groups and regional organizations to ensure consistency within programs and messaging.

Preferred Skill Set
Strong organizational and communication skills, strong writing skills, the ability to multi-task, pay attention to details, adapt to changing programs, make program recommendations, and the ability to gather, analyze and prepare reports on grant program metrics. Knowledge of contract/grant procedures, budget accounting, and cost share/match accounting along with the ability to write federal grant applications.

Requirements
EDUCATION
A Bachelor's degree in one of the physical, environmental, chemical or biological sciences, geography or environmental planning, or civil, chemical, environmental, mechanical, sanitary, agricultural, mining, industrial or bio-resource engineering.

EXPERIENCE
Five (5) years of experience in the investigation, inspection or enforcement of technical, scientific or engineering environmental activities, or, five (5) years of project management experience in the design, planning, coordination, monitoring and completion of environmental projects; two (2) years of either experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.

NOTE: A Master's degree in any of the disciplines outlined above may be substituted for one (1) year of the non-supervisory experience as indicated.

NOTE: A valid Professional Engineer's license issued by the New Jersey Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree in Engineering.

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.

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.