NJ Government Appointments
By NJ Civil Service Navigator Editorial Team · Updated June 19, 2026
How NJ government appointments work: what requires a civil service exam vs. what is filled by appointment. Governor's appointments, board seats, unclassified vacancies, and your rights.
Two Ways Into NJ Government
Not every NJ government job requires passing a civil service exam. Positions fall into two main tracks: civil service (classified) and appointed (unclassified). Civil service positions require a competitive exam and eligibility list. Appointed positions are filled by direct selection from the Governor, a department head, or a board.
Types of Appointments
- Cabinet & Department Heads — Commissioners and Directors appointed by the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation.
- Boards & Commissions — Members serve fixed staggered terms (typically 3–5 years).
- Deputy & Senior Staff — Agency deputies, chiefs of staff, and senior policy staff appointed by department heads.
- Unclassified Vacancies — Positions posted on jobs.nj.gov and filled without an exam, the largest category by volume.
Civil Service vs. Appointed Positions
Civil service employees have strong job protections, union representation, and seniority rights. Appointed employees typically serve at-will with no civil service protections. Senior appointments require Senate confirmation; departmental appointments do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a New Jersey government appointment?
An appointment in NJ government refers to a position filled by direct selection — typically by the Governor, a department head, or a board — rather than through the civil service exam and eligibility list process. Appointed positions are classified as "unclassified" in NJ civil service terminology.
What is the difference between a civil service position and an appointed position?
Civil service positions require passing a competitive exam and being placed on an eligibility list. The hiring agency must select from the top-ranked candidates. Appointed positions bypass that process entirely — the appointing authority selects whomever they choose, subject to Senate confirmation for senior positions. Appointed employees generally serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
Are NJ government appointments subject to Senate confirmation?
Cabinet-level and major board positions typically require NJ Senate confirmation. Many other unclassified positions — like department deputies, program managers, and policy staff — are made by department heads without Senate review. The Governor's Office, statutory boards, and commissions each have their own appointment authority.
How long do NJ government appointments last?
It depends on the position. Some appointments are at-will and can end when the appointing official leaves or changes priorities. Board and commission members often serve fixed terms — typically 3–5 years — staggered to prevent a single administration from replacing all members at once. Gubernatorial cabinet appointments typically align with the governor's term.
Do appointed employees get civil service protections?
Generally no. Civil service protections — including due process before termination, the right to appeal, and seniority rules — apply to permanent civil service employees, not appointees. Appointees serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority, though some board members have fixed terms that protect them from arbitrary removal.
Where can I find NJ government appointment announcements?
The Governor's Office publishes major appointments on the official NJ Governor's website. The NJ Legislature maintains records of Senate-confirmed appointees. For lower-level unclassified vacancies at state agencies, departments often post them on NJ Jobs (jobs.nj.gov) without going through the civil service exam process.
Browse unclassified position titles or learn about the unclassified service.