ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE, OPERATIONS

Code: 03205D State Competitive Range: M34 (FY 2027) Work week NL: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $79,246.26 - $110,956.98/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 Fish and Wildlife, in the Department of Environmental Protection, assists in directing, coordinating, planning, organizing, and operating the State programs of freshwater fish, and wildlife management, fish and wildlife law enforcement, Land Management, Endangered and Non-Game Species, and Fisheries Production; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Directs the respective Bureau Chiefs in the planning, organizing and operating of the assigned areas.
• Acts as a representative of the Division to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, other Federal and State agencies, and agencies concerned with the activities o f the Operations Element.
• Ensures the proper development and implementation of policies and programs.
• Directs the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• Oversees and coordinates the development of management plans, including detailed schedules for management of State-owned wildlife areas, fishing waters, private lands and waters where wildlife and fisheries populations are to be enhanced a nd managed.
• Responsible for the coordinating, planning, organizing, and directing the programs and activities of the Bureau of Law Enforcement relative to the protection and regulation of New Jersey's fish and wildlife resources.
• Coordinates the planning, organization, and direction of State fish hatcheries and pheasant and quail farms including the development and execution of sound stocking programs.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the shellfish and finfish inspection and enforcement unit.
• Coordinates the planning and direction of freshwater fisheries, wildlife research projects, and special studies to provide need of basic biological, economic and ecological data.
• Studies and makes recommendations to the Director for changes in organization required for program effectiveness.
• Supervises and coordinates the planning and organization of training programs, and courses for conservation officers, fisheries and wildlife personnel.
• Directs the inspection of and prepares appropriate recommendations to the Director concerning land being considered for acquisition by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and prepares reports of the soils, topography, vegetation, waters and fisheries and wildlife resources present.
• Coordinates the development of legal procedures, within the statutes and constitution for compliance by Conservation Officer.
• Directs the preparation of proposed codes, policies and regulations governing the State's fish and wildlife resources as approved by the Director and Fish and Game Council; reviews existing laws and presents recommended changes to the Director.
• Oversees budget preparation and spending priorities and controls the allocation and expenditure of funds for the Operations Section of the Division.
• In cooperation with the Education Unit, promotes wildlife and fisheries conservation through the appropriate public relations media.
• As required by the Director, prepares and/or supervises the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, informative, technical reports and correspondence containing finding, conclusions and recommendations.
• As directed, acts as personal representative of the Director at meetings, conferences, and public appearances.
• Directs the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files.
• May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, fisheries management or a related field.

Experience

Six (6) years of experience in in the development of fisheries or wildlife management programs, three (3) years of which shall have been in a supervisory and/or managerial capacity.

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 essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of fish and wildlife resources, and management programs, including commercial and recreational use.
• Knowledge of geography, topography, soils and vegetation and the economic and social conditions which effect fisheries and wildlife populations.
• Knowledge of the operation of fish hatcheries and game farms including propagation, feeding, and the care and distribution of fish and game.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of the Division's priorities, programs, objectives, standards and internal organization; and ability to develop plans accordingly.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of development and maintenance needs including funding sources and allocation, budgetary constraints, purchasing procedures, contract requirements, and equipment specifications.
• Ability to apply Federal and State laws, codes, rules and regulations related to the conservation and management of the State's fish and wildlife resources and habitat.
• Ability to utilize techniques of personnel management, procedures and policies related to administrative programs and supervision of personnel including working within various union contract guidelines.
• Ability to apply law enforcement techniques and procedures concerning hunting, fishing, trapping, shellfisheries, hunter education programs, and pollution detection and enforcement activities.
• Ability to direct, supervise, plan and carry out administrative and operational programs that meet the needs of the Operations Section and the Division.
• Ability to develop and supervise the management of a budget.
• Ability to organize assigned supervisory and technical fisheries and wildlife management work, analyze fish and wildlife management problems, and develop effective work methods for division employees.
• Ability to analyze the problems involved in improving lands and water for the various fish and wildlife species.
• Ability to supervise the allocation of Federal-Aid funds and direct assigned personnel in various fish and wildlife management projects.
• Ability to determine, develop and execute a program of fish and wildlife law enforcement and fisheries and wildlife conservation involving a widely scattered work force.
• Ability to cooperate with various Federal, State and private agencies whose activities affect fish and wildlife conservation.
• Ability to supervise the development and direction of a complete program for the operation of fish hatchery or game farm.
• Ability to coordinate the activities of the Operation Section of the Division.
• Ability to inform, consult with, and maintain an effective working relationship with the Fish and Game Council, representatives of State, Federal and local governments, private groups and others interested in and concerned with fish and wildlife resources.
• Ability to analyze the potential impacts upon the State's fish and wildlife resource resulting from development projects, both public and private.
• Ability to assess properties for acquisition or from the development of wildlife related facilities.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, and informative reports and correspondence containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to communicate and provide information to the general public, sportsmen groups, the scientific community, legislators, the media, environmental groups, State advisory councils, etc.
• Ability to direct the establishment and maintenance of the essential division records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the 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 as long as they can perform 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 particular 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.

A Master's degree in fisheries, wildlife management or other related field may be substituted for one year of non-supervisory experience.