Environmental Specialist

Overview

POSITION: Environmental Specialist
CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt, Union
POSTING PERIOD: 12/5/2025 – 1/5/2026
SALARY RANGE: $59,000- $90,000
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 is 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 is required in response to land development applications and inquiries regarding Commission regulations and processes. The position also requires extensive telephone contact and meetings with applicants. Local travel to conduct site inspections/field work is required.

Qualifications:
• Minimum of a 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.
• Experience reviewing and/or designing land development projects to ensure consistency with applicable environmental and land use regulations desired but not required.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting engineering plans, environmental laboratory data reports, and/or land use regulations is desired, but not required.
• Experience with onsite septic wastewater treatment systems, hydrogeology, soil science, and/or stormwater management is 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.

Salary Range: Salary will be commensurate with experience, starting at $59,000.
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 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 relevant experience and resume via email to humanresources@pinelands.nj.gov by the closing date. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.