Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the close supervision of a Program Specialist 3 or 4, or other supervisory official in a state department, institution or agency, assists in the professional, administrative and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of various programs and services administered by the Department of assignment. Assists in conducting the research and field work necessary to meet the needs of the appropriate state and/or local public or private agencies; does other related work.
Specific to the Position
Position 1: Case Management Focus
Oversee buyout cases and manage property owner interactions from the initial assignment through the closing. Serve as the primary point of contact for property owners, addressing all matters related to their properties and guiding them through the Blue Acres process. Maintain consistent availability to respond promptly to property owners' questions or concerns, ensuring all calls and emails are returned within one business day. Handle and process all required documentation, keeping the database and virtual files updated as needed. Proactively follow up with property owners to collect any outstanding documents or information necessary to progress with the buyout.
Position 2: Planning and Outreach Focus
The appointee will assist with gathering, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating materials to support federal grant formulation and grant compliance; doing so may require review of local planning documents for consistency with climate resilience and environmental planning principles and policies, researching existing practices in climate resilience, assisting with the preparation of informational materials/presentations, drafting guidance documents and handouts; appropriate tracking of documentation and information; attending meetings and other public or internal events as required; promoting Blue Acres work; and interacting with both DEP, local governments, community members and homeowners, and third-party stakeholders to encourage planning for buyouts.
Preferred Skill Set
Position 1: Case Management Focus
Well organized, with excellent problem-solving, analytical, written, and oral communication, data management, customer service, and interpersonal skills. Experience with land acquisition, conservation, disaster recovery, tenant relocation work, and land-use planning are a plus
Position 2: Planning and Outreach Focus
Experience utilizing complex datasets, performing analysis to support planning and grant decision making, and applying metrics; strong writing and communication skills and the ability to understand, analyze, and communicate complex topics. Appointee with a background in planning or policy work. Understanding governance, planning, and policy in NJ; an understanding of climate change and resilience principles; experience or understanding of outreach and engagement best practices, particularly for socially vulnerable and underserved communities preferred. Some experience with or understanding of open space site design and GIS is a plus.
Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Five (5) years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying and/or evaluating agency programs and services.
OR
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a discipline appropriate for the position.
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 SAME@csc.nj.gov, 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 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.