CHIEF OF POLICE STATE PARKS

Code: 02783 State Competitive Range: MB29 (FY 2027) Work week N4: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $72,201.31 - $101,089.39/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of the Director Division of Parks and Forestry, or other administrator in the New Jersey State Park Police, State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites Program, Department of Environmental Protection, as a sworn law enforcement officer for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites, manages all law enforcement and other staff assigned to State Park Police and law enforcement programs to ensure protection and management of the health and safety of the public and lands, improvements and facilities and natural and historical resources of the State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites Program; manages the enforcement of laws and regulations of the State of New Jersey for the protection and management of people and natural and historical resources, as well as environmental enforcement activities within the Department of Environmental Protection; manages the internal affairs investigation process; acts as liaison with elected and appointed officials, the public and State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites Program affiliated constituent groups; manages, plans, develops, directs, and monitors all phases of the State Park Service law enforcement of State Park Service assets ensuring that a safe and lawful recreational atmosphere is maintained; manages, plans, directs the development of, and monitors all phases of the educational programs, that are provided to the public by subordinate law enforcement staff to enhance environmental awareness and stewardship; manages, plans, develops, directs and monitors all phases of security services for people, water, land, and structures under the guidelines for Homeland Security; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Manages the operations and/or functional programs of State Park Police and has the responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Manages, oversees, directs, and applies established law enforcement procedures and techniques to enforce the laws and regulations of the State of New Jersey and ensures that park visitors and the natural, historical, and physical resources are protected. Ensures State Park Police staff delivers responsive, courteous customer service to visitors. Directs the administration of proper procedures for execution of police powers and as the Chief of Police State Parks, acts as the liaison with the Department of Law and Public Safety, and other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Identifies issues of concern requiring legislative action, administrative code changes, policy development and changes in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Research, develops, and maintains current law enforcement policies, procedures, and general orders to ensure that protocols for the prosecution of cases, field investigation and day-to-day operations meet law enforcement standards. Manages, plans, directs the development of and monitors training programs for law enforcement personnel, including the development and updating of manuals and reference materials, in coordination with the Division Training Coordinator. Coordinates, develops, and monitors a structured training program during the initial one-year probationary period of all Ranger Trainees to ensure compliance with existing laws, mandates, and agency standards. Certifies that law enforcement candidates are eligible to attend a police academy in accordance with Police Training Commission requirements. Directs the coordination of joint training sessions with emergency response and/or local government agencies. Develops emergency response programs and assists other agencies with the allocation of law enforcement personnel and equipment to meet emergency situations. Oversees the recruitment and candidate process for law enforcement personnel, including background investigations, interviews, candidate selection, drug screening, medical and psychological evaluations, in coordination with the Division of Human Resources within the Department of Environmental Protection. Develops the standards and protocols for and manages the investigation of complaints of misconduct against law enforcement personnel and other matters including use of force, pursuits, discharge of firearms and those complaints of a confidential and/or complicated nature. Determines the need for, recommends and coordinates formal remedial action with the Department's Office of Employee Relations up to and including termination, criminal delineation, and/or disciplinary action as warranted. Directs and oversees the maintenance of related confidential records, files and/or reports. Generates related correspondence and responds to the complainants. Manages the collection of data for dissemination of pertinent information and directs the preparation of reports. Ensures in-depth program analyses of security risks, crime patterns and staffing requirements are conducted, recommendations are made, and corrective actions are taken. Manages and directs the development and implementation of asset protection programs designed to reduce crime and minimize loss. Integrates law enforcement efforts, assigns law enforcement equipment, and reassigns law enforcement personnel to meet State Parks Forests & Historic Sites and/or Department objectives. Develops and ensures compliance with background check procedures for law enforcement personnel of State Park Police. Directs research and analyzes and compiles data for budget purposes. Prepares and manages the State Park Police budget and establishes priorities and allocates funds. Manages the State Park Police communication program. Provides recommendations for capital improvements on law enforcement projects and collaborates with the managers, supervisors, and technical staff responsible for such work. Reviews and approves annual law enforcement reports for the State Park Service. Directs the administration, training, and the procedures for execution of police powers. Recommends candidates under Division Order No. 3 that relates to delegation of authority. Develops visitor assistance programs for the safety, health, protection, guidance, and convenience of the visitor. Directs the development of public educational programs to enhance environmental awareness and stewardship. Authorizes the purchase of law enforcement equipment and supplies. Sets staffing levels to assign/reassign law enforcement personnel to meet State Parks Forests & Historic Sites and/or Department objectives and operational needs in accordance with applicable protocols. Plans, reviews, recommends and directs plainclothes operations. Directs and organizes State Park Police and other Department of Environmental Protection employees into teams to effectively address emergency, technical, and/or special problems and projects based on operational needs. Establishes and ensures compliance with procedures and standards for information technology of the unit. Manages, directs, and oversees the law enforcement internal records system, maintaining central files, establishes procedures and manuals for statewide consistency. Directs the collection of and interprets information and data for law enforcement reports for the State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program, Division of Criminal Justice, New Jersey State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and other law enforcement units. Conducts and/or acts as the State Parks Forests & Historic Sites appointed representative at law enforcement meetings, conferences, and seminars. Directs the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointee must possess a driver's license valid for use in the State of New Jersey. Appointee may be required to possess other operator's licenses as needed, which may include a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and/or a Motorboat Operator's License. Appointees must be able to acquire and maintain a professional license through the Police Training Commission (PTC). The license is required to be renewed every (3) three years. An employee who fails to maintain this license may be removed from their position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices and techniques required to develop and manage law enforcement programs and training. Knowledge of laws pertaining to New Jersey's State forests, parks, historic sites, and the health, safety, and general welfare of the public at large. Knowledge of the structure and functions of local, county, state, and federal government law enforcement agencies. Knowledge of public administration and land management principles and techniques as related to outdoor recreation and conservation of natural and historic resources. Knowledge of state, department and State Park Service procedures, policies, regulations, and laws. Knowledge of the state budgetary and purchasing processes. Knowledge of management and supervisory principles, personnel practices, and techniques. Knowledge of state forest, wildlife, habitat, and watershed management practices. Ability to interpret and implement state, department and State Park Service policy, directives and goals and functional operations. Ability to plan, direct the development of, and monitor educational programs to enhance environmental awareness and stewardship. Ability to provide clear direction provided orally or in writing. Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds. Ability to manage the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. Ability to effectively organize assigned supervisory and technical staff to carry out investigative and enforcement work. Ability to prepare reports relating to programs and problems containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations then effectively review and edit those reports prepared by subordinate personnel. Ability to interpret and apply state laws and regulations. Ability to effectively interview people. Ability to act properly during emergency situations. Ability to develop and maintain a cooperative working relationship with the Assistant Director, State Park Service and Regional Superintendents, and others involved in the work of the program. Ability to prepare and manage the budget for Parks Law Enforcement. Ability to manage the functional programs, operations and staff assigned to Parks Law Enforcement. Ability to manage and direct law enforcement and other subordinates with a wide range of educational and vocational backgrounds and experience providing technical guidance and direction through correspondence and consultation. Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in accordance with Homeland Security guidelines. Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures for Parks Law Enforcement. Ability to handle and use firearms, batons, chemical agents and other law enforcement equipment safely and properly in accordance with established proficiency standards and guidelines. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Nine (9) years of Police Training Commission sworn law enforcement professional experience in a federal, state, county or municipal park involving the administration and operation of public/visitor assistance, protection and information and the safeguarding of the natural and physical resources and assets of park properties against negligent or unlawful acts; two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a master's degree in Public Administration, Parks and Recreation Administration or Criminal Justice; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions. CITIZENSHIP: Must be a citizen of the United States of America. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Appointees must successfully complete a Basic Police Training Course certified by the Police Training Commission (PTC). Appointees must successfully complete firearm qualifications in accordance with Police Training Commission guidelines on a semiannual basis. Appointees will be required to attend and successfully complete an in-house field training course which will include, but not limited to, Standard Operating Procedures of the State Park Service, introduction into Fish & Wildlife Program rules, regulations, policies and procedures, introduction into Forest Fire Service rules, regulations, policies and procedures, natural lands management, domestic security, protection and preservation of natural and historic resources, communication and team building skills, cultural diversity, customer service and associated training related to the job assignment(s). Appointees will be required to successfully complete training and maintain certification to include, but which is not limited to the following: Certified First Responder, First Aid, CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation), Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) use, oxygen administration and other potentially lifesaving equipment, baton certification and firearm qualifications in accordance with Attorney General's guidelines and Division requirements; must be able to use Division vehicles based on operational need and work assignments. The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required operator's license commensurate with the class and type of vehicle, equipment or watercraft they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority. SPECIAL NOTE: Appointees will be required to use potentially lifesaving equipment and to perform potentially lifesaving functions when necessary. MEDICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION: Appointees certified from an open-competitive eligible list for this title may be required to pass a thorough medical and psychological examination administered by a qualified representative of the appointing authority.