Emergency Response Specialist Trainee

Title: Emergency Response Specialist Trainee

Posting Number: COS-2024-5 

Salary: (P95) $57,420.37

Opening Date: 4/4/2024

Closing Date: 4/25/2024

Existing Vacancies: Two (2)

Program/Location:

Department of Environmental Protection 

Office of the Chief of Staff 

Emergency Management Program 

Bureau of Emergency Response

33 Arctic Parkway Ewing, NJ 08625 

Scope of Eligibility: Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Description: Under the close supervision of an Emergency Response Specialist 3 or other higher level supervisory official in the Emergency Management Program, Department of Environmental Protection, learns to assist in responding to emergencies for the purpose of assessing environmental impacts including hazardous substances, materials and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive (CBRNE), acts of terrorism and acts of nature (hurricanes, snow, floods, droughts, etc.) as well as functioning as departmental On Scene Coordinator and National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command Representative during activation of the State Emergency Operations Center with other responding agencies; learns to coordinate with other Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive (CBRNE) team as assigned; learns to assist in issuance of incident reports; assists in providing emergency services for people, water, land and structures within the State; does related duties as required.

Specific to the Position: DEP Emergency Management (DEP EM) is committed 24/7/365 to ensure the safety of the people of New Jersey and protect the environment during all-hazard emergency situations by supporting the network of DEP responders and working closely with federal, state, county, and local partners. As an entry-level ERS position, the appointee will be trained to the Technician level of Hazardous Material Response and will work under the direct supervision of senior responders to become knowledgeable of DEP and Bureau SOPs, pertinent statutes/regulations, gain proficiency using assigned equipment and performing essential Bureau functions for the position in the areas of: field and investigative work, hazard monitoring, personal protection, documentation and report writing, equipment maintenance and purchasing, on-scene coordination and work within Incident/Unified Command as a subject matter expert. Appointee will be required to carry a communication device and be able to respond 24/7/365. 

Preferred Skill Set: Completion of the OSHA 40-hour HazWoper 1910.120 and NJSP 80-hour HazMat Technician courses. FEMA courses completed: ICS-100, ICS-200, and IS-700. Continued professional/technical growth and development as an emergency response specialist. Be a team player, self-motivated, and able to work independently. Have strong organizational/documentation skills, ability to multi-task, capacity to manage project cycles, excellent oral and written communication skills.

Requirements 

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in one of the following: the physical sciences, biological sciences, chemical sciences, environmental science, environmental studies, public health or engineering. 

NOTE: Possession of a valid Professional Engineer's license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree in Engineering. 

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. 

Other: 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Appointees will be required to have completed the following Incident Command System (ICS) courses or equivalent Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved courses by the end of the training period: ICS 100 – Introduction to ICS ICS 200 – ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents ICS 700 – National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction Appointees will be required to carry a communication device and must be able to respond to environmental emergencies on a 24-hour, 7 day a week basis. Appointees will be required to establish residence in a geographic region assigned area within six (6) months of permanent appointment as defined by the Element. 

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.

Per Executive Order 253, all State employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing. Please do not submit proof of vaccination at this time; instructions will be provided if an offer of employment results from this NOV.

Veteran's Preference: To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated below. For more information, please visit Civil Service Preference for Veterans (nj.gov)

Please submit Letter of Interest, Resume, Unofficial Transcripts (if college degree is required), and the Personal Relationship Disclosure Statement by 4:00 p.m. on the closing date.

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 https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at (833) 691-0404.

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.