DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF PARKS AND FORESTRY

Code: 15698 State Unclassified Range: M39 (FY 2027)

Salary: $101,137.83 - $141,594.31/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 and supervision of the Commissioner in the Department of Environmental Protection, administers the functions of the Division of Parks and Forestry including development, improvement, protection, management and administration of all state forests, state parks, state recreational areas, state historic sites, and state natural areas and the general public recreational activities associated with those natural resources; does other related work.

Examples of work

• Serves as executive advisor to the Commissioner, or Assistant Commissioner of Natural Resources on all forests and parks resources, protection and management matters.
• Manages the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• Administrates the State Park Service, the State Forestry Service, Office of Administrative Services, the historic sites program, the natural areas section, the office of resource development, the program of the Bureau of Recreation and such other bureaus as the Commissioner sees fit.
• Prepares and disseminates informational materials to inform the public with respect to New Jersey's historic sites.
• Consult and works with groups and organizations in order to advance the purposes of the historic sites program.
• Directs the preparation and allocation of budgets and workload objectives for each Bureau within the Division, modifying plans of service as required to meet the larger goals of the Department.
• Manages the property of Morris Canal and Banking Company and serves as General Manager.
• Directs the certified tree experts licensing program.
• Evaluates the impact of proposed legislation, both State and Federal, and makes recommendations to the Commissioner; drafts and recommends legislation changes.
• Provide liaison between Federal, State and Local government in forestry, conservation, recreation, historic sites and other related areas.
• Testifies before State and Federal legislative Committees.
• Formulates guidelines to assure uniform interpretation of policy and approves the necessary rules and regulations for their implementation.
• Organizes, directs, and plans for diversified, recreational, and interpretative lands and facilities programs in balance with New Jersey's population distribution to meet future generation ecological needs and ensure the continuing preservation of New Jersey's natural resources.
• Directs the protection of life and property threatened by wildfire through a forest fire management program, which includes county, municipal and volunteer participation.
• Executes and ensures that the Statewide police powers of the Division are carried out in accordance with department and State laws, rules and regulations.
• Directs the maintenance of the acres of forest under state and private control utilizing forest management principles and programs to perpetuate yields of recreation, wood fiber, wildlife, and natural beauty amenities.
• Develops and expands public understanding of the benefits of managing and protecting the renewable forest resource.
• Organizes and directs the development of youth oriented conservation programs.
• Attends and represents the department at Liberty State Park Development Corporation meetings, Liberty State Park Advisory Commission meetings and Delaware and Raritan Commission meetings.
• Under the direction of the Governor or Commissioner serves on various boards, Councils, and Commissions at the State and National level.
• Directs the establishment and maintenance of essential Division 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.
• REQUIRMENTS

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.

Experience

Seven (7) years of experience in the management of public parks, forests and outdoor recreation facilities, four (4) years of which shall have been in a managerial capacity.

License

Appointee 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.

KNOWLEDGES AND ABILITIES

Ability to learn 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, 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 the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

CODE: 39/M39- MCK 08/14/03

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 who do not possess the required education may substitute additional experience as indicated on a year for year basis.