ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST 3 (P25)
Career Family: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Environmental Scientist 3 sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It sits mid-series for Environmental Scientist, one step up from Environmental Scientist 2 and one below Environmental Scientist 4. The requirements come down to a master's degree and 2 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $79,844 to $117,228, and state payroll currently lists about 12 people in the title, led by Environmental Protection.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 3 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 3 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Environmental Scientist 3 appears on the State payroll at 3 departments, most of them at Department of Environmental Protection.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Environmental Protection | 7 |
| Department of Health | 4 |
| Department of Education | 1 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Environmental Scientist series
- Environmental Scientist 2 — $91,628 – $134,900
- Environmental Scientist 3 — $79,844 – $117,228 (this title)
- Environmental Scientist 4 — $100,498 – $148,187
- Environmental Scientist 1 — $105,267 – $155,359
Promoting to Environmental Scientist 4 raises the top of the band by about $13,286. Its top salary lands around the 63rd percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 12 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $126,158. The agencies employing the most are:
- Environmental Protection (7)
- Health and Senior Services (4)
- Education (1)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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 an Environmental Scientist 1 or other supervisory officer, participates usually as one of a team, in projects and programs in the field of environmental science; does other related duties.
Examples of work
- Participates in the design, development, and execution of various types of research studies and surveys in the field of environmental quality, including air, water, solid waste, and/or other environmental pollutants and contaminants.
- Provides scientific advice and assistance.
- Reviews and evaluates the impact of environmental legislation.
- Participates in the preparation of project proposals for federal funds and in monitoring contracts.
- Participates in the coordination of environmental activities within the department.
- Participates in reviewing research proposals.
- Participates in developing ecological models.
- Participates in the development of environmental surveillance systems involving air, water, solid waste disposal and various pollutants and contaminants.
- Represents the department at meetings and conferences dealing with environmental protection.
- Keeps current with trends of thought, literature, and new developments in environmental science.
- Prepares correspondence.
- Prepares technical scientific reports of environmental and ecological matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Maintains records and files.
- 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.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in one of the physical, biological, or environmental sciences.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience involving research and the application of the biological, environmental, and/or physical science.
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 the principles and practices of environmental science and ecology.
- Knowledge of. the methods used to plan and conduct studies and surveys.
- Knowledge of ecological and toxicological effects of air and water pollution.
- Knowledge of research methods.
- Ability to read and interpret laws, rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
- Ability to evaluate scientific documents.
- Ability to work cooperatively as part of a group.
- Ability to compile and analyze data.
- Ability to coordinate activities with those of other programs or units.
- Ability to participate in the design, development and execution of research studies and surveys.
- Ability to prepare correspondence and reports.
- Ability to maintain records and files.
- 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.
- CODES: 25/P25 - - NL MCK 4/21/01 25/P26 - - 4E
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 Doctorate degree in one of the physical, biological, or environmental sciences may be substituted for the required experience.