TRAINING OFFICER
Training Officer is a local-government title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
On paper it calls for a bachelor's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree.
How to apply
-
Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
-
Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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.
Definition
Under direction, plans, organizes, and supervises comprehensive training programs; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Plans and develops policies and procedures for execution of staff development and training programs. Plans, develops, and conducts orientation classes for new employees. Develops a continuing program of staff development. Prepares and supervises preparation of study and other materials for use in staff development and training programs. Prepares and maintains bibliographies and resource materials for staff development courses. Selects training programs. Prepares correspondence relating to training programs. Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports on training programs and activities containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Supervises establishment and maintenance of training records and files. Researches and writes proposals for all types of training programs. Prepares manuals and implements programs including preparing curriculum and arranging, scheduling, conducting, and/or arranging for other instructors. Arranges for and supervises use of visual and other training aids. Seeks out funds for training programs through federal, state, and private grants. Supervises personnel in carrying out their training functions. Studies individuals to be trained to determine the type and level of the training program to be provided. Determines content, type, and length of training courses, and helps develop course outlines and lists of materials to be used in certain areas. Makes arrangements for facilities, equipment, and needed materials, and selects instruction procedures. Selects and orders films, booklets, supplies, and other materials for the training program. Develops and carries out an evaluation system to determine future revisions in course content. Provides advice regarding training methods and techniques for trainees. Recommends proper ways of using training materials including visual aids in specific situations. Designs orientation, inservice, and other types of training programs. Contacts various institutions and agencies to determine facilities and types of training programs available and the cost of such programs. Designs and develops policies and procedures pertaining to a tuition reimbursement program. Designs and develops a high school equivalency program and all related study and guidance materials. Develops and operates a career development service, and counsels employees as to their growth and development. Designs and develops training announcements and brochures to inform employees of projected training and development courses. Develops and operates a management development manpower planning and replacement system whereby qualified persons will be available at all times to fill expected and unexpected vacancies. Develops a system of job rotation and enrichment to facilitate career development and growth. Confers with all department and agency heads and develops a comprehensive training plan to meet their needs. Will 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.
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.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of principles, methods, and problems involved in planning, organizing, and administering training programs. Knowledge of teaching principles, methods, tools, and techniques, and their application to specific training programs. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with administrative, supervisory, and public officials. Ability to organize and coordinate activities of diversified units. Ability to plan and develop training programs. Ability to exercise independent judgment in evaluating situations and in making determinations. Ability to work harmoniously with associates, superior officials, employees, and with those persons interested in or concerned with inservice and other training work. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports of training activities containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability 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 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. 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 professional experience in work involving the determination of training needs, development of training plans and materials, and the conduct of orientation, inservice, refresher, and other types of training courses, five (5) years of which shall 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 which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. For positions located in a fire department/district, possession of a valid Fire Instructor Level 2 Certification issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Safety; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience which shall 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 judgement and make accurate and informed decisions.