Resource Planning Specialist (1 vacancy)

POSITION:  Resource Planning Specialist (1 vacancy)
CLASSIFICATION:  Full Time, Exempt, Union
POSTING PERIOD:  9/6/2024 – 10/28/2024
Salary Range: $74,985 - $96,410

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The New Jersey Pinelands Commission is an independent state agency whose mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the Pinelands National Reserve, and to encourage compatible economic and other human activities consistent with that purpose. The Commission implements a comprehensive plan that guides land use, development, and natural resource protection programs in the 938,000-acre Pinelands Area of southern New Jersey.

The Commission’s Land Use Programs Office seeks a full-time Resource Planning Specialist with a focus on hydrology, soil science, geology, and/or climate science. The position will support a wide array of on-going programs as well as projects that arise to meet emerging environmental and regional planning priorities of the Commission.  Responsibilities include review of complex land use issues, wastewater and water quality challenges, and climate change impacts and coordination with other state and local governmental agencies on land use planning or resource management issues and projects.  The position may apply knowledge of hydrology, water quality science, and resource management to conduct land use related analyses, draft and evaluate implications of rule proposals and municipal ordinances, and/or to review advanced wastewater treatment and stormwater management projects.

Skills and Qualifications

Well-qualified candidates will have excellent communication skills, considerable knowledge of environmental quality parameters, and an ability to use technology in carrying out the duties of the position. Candidates must have the ability to read and interpret natural resource studies and reports, regional land use regulations and municipal ordinances, the ability to collaborate effectively with other staff and across a diverse region with many local governments, and the ability to conduct research. Duties may include data analysis, professional writing, public presentations, conceptualizing and developing solutions to regional planning and local zoning issues, and application of resource science to land use planning issues. The ability to understand and translate complex natural resource principles to other well-qualified individuals, but also to members of the public, is important.

Time and project management skills are necessary as the incumbent works on multiple projects with competing deadlines.  The candidate should be able to define problems, apply concepts, and make oral presentations at staff and public meetings. The position conducts research and identifies solutions in support of identified issues and emerging needs in regional planning and resource management. Applicants should be interested in developing a wider knowledge of regional planning, infrastructure planning, water science, site remediation, or climate change planning, along with gaining understanding of the Pinelands ecosystem, the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan, and the Pinelands Commission’s operating procedures. The incumbent must work successfully individually and as part of a team to achieve goals. Some local travel may be required to attend meetings or visit sites within the Pinelands Area.

Required skills include proficiency with Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well the ability to learn and use Teams to facilitate remote collaboration. A Driver’s license is required.  Familiarity with GIS, analytical tools, and regulatory frameworks is important. Understanding stormwater management, soil science, climate science or other environmental regulations is beneficial. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience: A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of three years of experience is required.  Additional experience in an applicable field will be considered.  A Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.

Residency:  The New Jersey First Act (P.L. 2011, c. 70) requires all new employees to reside in the State of New Jersey, unless exempted under law. If you do not reside in New Jersey, within one year of hire, you must either establish residency in the State of New Jersey or successfully receive an exemption from the Employee Residency Review Committee.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES:  Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample via e-mail to humanresources@pinelands.nj.gov by the closing date.

Only candidates selected for interview will be notified. Starting salary range is $$74,985 - $96,410, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Opportunities for hybrid work and flex schedule are available. Full benefits package offered. Send resume, cover letter, and writing sample by October 28, 2024, to: humanresources@pinelands.nj.gov

EOE

For more information, see www.nj.gov/pinelands.

Environmental Specialist

POSITION:  Environmental Specialist
CLASSIFICATION:  Full Time, Exempt, Union
POSTING PERIOD:  9/6/2024 – 10/28/2024

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The New Jersey Pinelands Commission is an independent state agency whose mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the Pinelands. The Commission implements a comprehensive plan that guides land use, development, and natural resource protection programs in the 938,000-acre Pinelands Area of southern New Jersey.

The Commission’s Regulatory Programs office is seeking one full-time Environmental Specialist. The primary responsibility of the position involves the review of land development applications for consistency with the environmental and land use regulations of the 53 municipalities in the Pinelands Area. Examples of environmental regulations include wetlands protection, groundwater quality, threatened and endangered species protection, soils, septic systems and stormwater management. Examples of land use regulations include municipal zoning and cluster development requirements.

Extensive writing will be required in response to land development applications and general public inquiries regarding Commission regulations and processes.  The position also requires extensive telephone contact and meetings with potential applicants and applicants. Local travel to conduct site inspections/field work is required.

THIS POSTING IS TO FILL ONE FULL-TIME POSITION. 

Position level (Specialist 4 or 2) will be determined based on the following requirements:

Environmental Specialist 4 (Entry Level):

Salary range $56,987 - $82,631

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with concentration in biology, environmental science, geology, environmental planning or related field is required.
• Driver’s License required.
• Knowledge and/or experience with wetland delineation, soils, vegetation identification, threatened and endangered species desired, but not required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and the ability to use Teams to facilitate remote meetings .
• Proficiency with ArcGIS and other ESRI products or similar GIS software desired, but not required.
• Strong interpersonal and writing skills, attention to detail and ability to work both independently and collaborate in teams.

OR;

Environmental Specialist 2 (Minimum 5 years experience):

Salary Range $69,267- $100,438

Requirements:

• All of the requirements of the Environmental Specialist 4 described above
• Minimum of five years of experience reviewing and/or designing land development projects to ensure consistency with applicable environmental and land use regulations; or equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience.
• Knowledge and/or experience with wetland delineation, soils, vegetation identification, threatened and endangered species is required.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting engineering plans, environmental laboratory data reports, and/or land use regulations is desired.
• Experience with onsite septic wastewater treatment systems, hydrogeology, soil science, and/or stormwater management is desired.
• Special consideration will be given to candidates with environmental engineering experience and/or experience reviewing and/or designing stormwater management plans for land development projects.
• Possession of a Professional Engineer License is desired, but not required.

Benefits: Full benefits package including paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, health and dental insurance, life insurance, and enrollment in the public employee’s retirement system. Opportunities for hybrid work and flex schedule are available.

Residency:  The New Jersey First Act (P.L. 2011, c. 70) requires all new employees to reside in the State of New Jersey, unless exempted under law. If you do not reside live in New Jersey, within one year of hire, you must either establish residency in the State of New Jersey or successfully receive an exemption from the Employee Residency Review Committee.

Interested Candidates:  Interested candidates should submit a cover letter identifying the position level (Environmental Specialist 2 or 4) desired and resume via email to humanresources@pinelands.nj.gov by the closing date. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Full-Time Employee Benefits

• Health insurance for employees and eligible dependents

• Dental insurance for employees and eligible dependents

• Generous leave allowance
• Membership in the New Jersey Public Employees' Retirement System (contributions made with "pre-tax" dollars)
• Voluntary deferred compensation program (contributions may be made with "pre-tax" or "after tax" dollars)
• Health insurance for retirees with 25 years service credit of which at least 7 years include Pinelands Commission service
• May be eligible for 50% payment of earned sick leave, up to $15,000 upon retirement

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