Forester Trainee

Open to: General Public

Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week

Salary: $53,807.27 (non-negotiable)

Opening Date: 8/1/2025

Closing Date: 8/22/2025

Existing Vacancies: 2

Program/Location

Department of Environmental Protection

State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites

NJ Forest Service

501 East State Street

Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility

Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Description

Under the supervision of a Regional Forester or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection, assists in the implementation of forestry programs on state, municipal, and private lands; provides professional forestry review, planning, and recommendations for forestry programs within an assigned region or central office; does other related duties as required.

Specific to the Position: Position 1 (Community Forestry)

Implement the Community Forestry Assistance Act and enforce its requirements that provide liability protection and implement grant funding for municipalities to manage their tree resources. Promote proper management of urban trees by conducting technical outreach programs such as webinars and hands on training events and serving as a source of factual urban forestry information. Promote the national Tree City USA program for New Jersey recognizing municipalities for their achievements in urban forest management. Implement state and federal grants for urban forestry work. Assist in the planning and implementation of the state Arbor Day celebration.

Specific to the Position: Position 2 (Forest Health Program)

As a forester trainee in the Forest Health Program, this position's responsibilities include learning to implement forest health programs on state, municipal, and private lands; providing professional forestry review, planning, and recommendations for forestry programs statewide related to forest response to disturbance and damage causing agents; and protecting the forest resource from insect, disease, and wildfire damage. Some of the duties include managing federal grants, making silvicultural recommendations to address damage causing agents, conducting insect and disease surveys, identifying forest and tree insects and pathogens, and assisting in urban and rural forestry assistance programs.

Preferred Skill Set: Position 1 & 2

Knowledge of the principles and practices of forestry and natural resource management. Strong communication and organization skills preferred.

Requirements

EDUCATION:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Urban Forest Management, Silviculture, Forest Biometrics, or other closely related Forestry curriculum.

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.

Employee 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.

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.

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 CSC 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/

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.