WRM-2026-41 Principal Environmental Technician, Water Resources

Open to: Division-Wide
Work Week: 35-hour Work Week
Salary: (R18) $58,222.22 - $84,763.22
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: 11/10/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Water Resource Management
Water Monitoring, Standards & Pesticide Control
Marine Water Monitoring
929 East Stony Hill Road
Leeds Point, NJ 08220

Scope of Eligibility
Open to permanent employees in a competitive title who work for the Division of Water Monitoring, Standards & Pesticide Control and meet the requirements below.

Description
Under the general supervision  of the Supervising Environmental Technician or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection, plans and supervises the work of subordinates in the performance of technical, semi-skilled and other field and office work in connection with a phase of environmental engineering, sanitation, or environmental investigations and inspections pertaining to water resources, Supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related duties.

Specific to the Position
This position will plan and supervise the collection of water and shellfish samples and record the data, including the operation and navigation of vessels. This position will also conduct other field and office work in connection with environmental investigations and inspections pertaining to water resources as well as supervise staff and work operations. Additional duties include knowing the concepts of and the legal requirements and procedures for collecting samples, specimens, proper storage, and transporting methods; using maps, charts, and navigational equipment, as well as meters and other testing devices; managing the purchasing and maintenance of assigned vessels, vehicles, and equipment; conducting investigations; and maintaining records.

Preferred Skill Set
Ability to use and work from a small boat. Ability to navigate inland and coastal waters and safety rules and practices for boat handling. Knowledge of environmental investigations and sampling techniques.

Requirements
EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of experience conducting field inspections, investigations, and surveys, operating collection, measuring, recording, or testing equipment, and/or other work in sub- professional environmental engineering, sanitation or related work, pertaining to water resources.

 NOTE: Applicants who do not possess the required experience may substitute college credits in natural, chemical, environmental, biological or engineering sciences on a year for year basis up to two (2) years. Twenty-two (22) semester hour credits in the above technical subjects and eight (8) semester hour credits in general subjects equal to one (1) year of college credits.

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.
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Benefits
As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: 

• Paid Benefit Leave
• Holiday Pay
• Alternative Workweek Program*
• Telework*
• Pension
• Deferred Compensation
• Health Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance
• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Commuter Tax Savings Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Tuition Reimbursement*

*Pursuant to the State/Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.

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. 

 

DEP Notices of Vacancy have a 4:00 p.m. deadline on the closing date. When filing for these opportunities, please be sure to have your letter of interest and credentials sent electronically before 4 p.m. on the closing date.

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.