EMERGENCY RESPONSE SPECIALIST TRAINEE
New Jersey classifies Emergency Response Specialist Trainee as non-competitive, which skips the exam-and-list step and turns on whether you meet the minimum requirements.
It expects a bachelor's degree and a valid NJ driver's license. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $63,663 to $66,592.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →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 close supervision of an Emergency Response Specialist 3 or other higher-level supervisory official in the Emergency Management Program, Department of Environmental Protection, learns to assist in responding to environmental emergencies for the purpose of assessing environmental impacts including hazardous substances, materials and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive (CBRNE), acts of terrorism and acts of nature (hurricanes, snow, floods, droughts, etc.) as well as functioning as departmental On Scene Coordinator and National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command Representative during activation of the State Emergency Operations Center with other responding agencies; learns to coordinate with other Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive (CBRNE) team as assigned; learns to assist in issuance of incident reports; assists in providing emergency services for people, water, land, and structures within the State; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Under close supervision, as trainee and productive worker: Will be assigned to a member of a team, responds to environmental emergencies (all hazards) on a 24-hour, 7 day a week basis. Learns to prepare timely and technically accurate reports regarding responses to discharges and/or releases of hazardous substances and hazardous materials and chemical, biological, nuclear/radiological, and/or explosive releases and acts of nature (snow, floods, droughts, etc.) Learns to prepare investigative and incident reports regarding environmental emergencies to ensure compliance with State environmental laws and regulations. Learns to assist a Department representative during activation of the State Emergency Operations Center and facilitates agency actions during emergencies of any type. Learns to utilize field monitoring equipment to assess environmental conditions for potential health and safety hazards, often in a hazardous environment. Learns to assist in preparing evidence for use in court actions and hearings associated with the enforcement of federal, state and local environmental regulations. During emergency situations, learns to update management as per established procedures and DEP's Centralized Communications Center-Trenton Dispatch as necessary. Will be trained in the use of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) during emergencies. Required to work in varying conditions. Maintains a calm attitude during emergencies for the purpose of ensuring response action is taken without undue delay. Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties. Maintains 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.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree from among the following categories: physical sciences, biological sciences, chemical sciences, environmental sciences, environmental studies, public health, engineering, emergency management, or homeland security.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Appointees will be required to complete the following Incident Command System (ICS) or equivalent Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved courses by the end of the training period: ICS 100 - Introduction to ICS ICS 200 - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents ICS 700 - National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction Appointees will be required to carry a communication device and must be able to respond to environmental emergencies on a 24-hour, 7 day a week basis. Appointees will be required to establish residence in a geographic region assigned area within six (6) months of permanent appointment as defined by the Program.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methodologies utilized in emergency response field activities associated with environmental or atmospheric conditions which pose potential public health and/or environmental significance with particular emphasis on those involving potentially acute hazards. Knowledge of the relationship and coordination required at state, county, and local levels as well as with other intra and interstate, and federal agencies concerned with or responsible for emergency response programs relating to the discharge and/or release of hazardous substances and hazardous materials, and chemical, biological, nuclear/radiological releases. Knowledge of the concepts and principles of environmental investigations and sampling techniques; and of the use and calibration of specific equipment and recording, measuring, and testing devices used in monitoring and assessing environmental conditions during periods of emergency. Knowledge of how to use a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and other personal safety equipment, and to direct their use. Knowledge of the usage, understanding, and preparation of maps, charts, and diagrams for incident responses, reports, and courtroom exhibits. Knowledge of the National Incident Management System. Knowledge of New Jersey and Federal laws and the rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards of the Department's Emergency Management Program for all aspects of emergency response after a period of training. Ability to acquire knowledge of the legal requirements and procedures for collecting samples and of their proper storage and transportation after a period of training. Ability to read, interpret, and apply the laws, rules, and regulations relating to the environmental parameters of the State of New Jersey. Ability to maintain a calm attitude during periods of stress and emergency for the purpose of ensuring response action is taken without undue delay. Ability to prepare incident reports regarding environmental and/or atmospheric conditions which pose potential public health and/or environmental significance, especially those involving potentially acute hazards. Ability to follow established safety rules, precautions, policies, and procedures in work assignments. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and concise correspondence in the course of official duties. Ability to maintain essential records and files. 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 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 if 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. ADVANCEMENT: Appointees who successfully complete the twelve (12) month training period and complete the training courses mentioned above, will be eligible for advancement to the Emergency Response Specialist 1 title in accordance with the New Jersey Civil Service Commission procedures. The inability of an employee in this trainee title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to Emergency Response Specialist 1 shall be considered as cause for separation.
Note
The following examples of work 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. Possession of a valid Professional Engineer's license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree in engineering.