SECTION CHIEF

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 general direction of a Manager 3/Manager 4, or other higher level official, is responsible for the management and supervision of work programs of two (2) or more defined work units* in a planning, engineering, environmental analysis, or scientifically related bureau (or organizational equivalent) having three (3) or more defined work units; does related work as required. *A defined work unit consists of: A professional supervisor (for example, Supervising Environmental Engineer, Supervising Environmental Specialist, etc.) and at least two (2) professional subordinates. Any deviation from this standard must be preapproved by the Department of Personnel before appointments are made.

Examples of work

Plans, organizes, and prioritizes the work of the section and supervises the overall work operations. Is responsible for planning and implementing all complex engineering, environmental, technical, or scientific aspects relative to a section's functions and responsibilities. Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates. Supervises section staff in achieving goals and objectives, is responsible for the accomplishment of section objectives in conformance with pertinent federal and state laws, rules, and regulations, and ensures that interagency objectives are met. Provides specific high level technical information for legal actions and public forums pertinent to a section's functions and responsibilities. Supervises section activities and priorities, staff, and workload to conform to bureau and/or division priorities. Reviews and provides relevant technical information for legal and/or scientific documents relating to or affecting the specific objectives of a program or section. Plans, schedules, and participates in formal meetings and conferences involving state, federal, county, and local officials, those of other states, and private interests in reference to section matters. Plans and supervises the preparation of detailed reports containing problem identification, analysis, findings, conclusions, and recommendations, including but not limited to studies, compilations of data, computations, and analyses pertaining to the section's work. Reviews and assists in developing guidelines, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, and implements required changes relative to the section's work. Administers, interprets, and ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. Assists in the preparation of budget, grant applications, and personnel needs requests for the section, and monitors expenses in conformance with established budgets. Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of complex correspondence in the course of official duties. Identifies specific operational or implementation problems within the section and supervises the staff in resolving these situations. Introduces progressive technical methods most applicable to section operations and, when pertinent, supervises the establishment and maintenance of computer data base systems relative to section operations. Addresses professional, technical, and lay groups for the purpose of providing public information relative to the section's work. Keeps immediate supervisor appraised of current activities, problems, and developments relative to the section's work. Keeps abreast of current knowledge, information, and developments pertaining to the section's needs. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of essential files, records, data sources, and/or related materials. Will be required to learn and utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology in a field related to civil engineering from an accredited college having a curriculum approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). OR Completion of forty five (45) semester hour credits of specialized college level/non-remedial engineering education from an accredited college in an engineering or engineering technology program. Acceptable specialized education must include a minimum of 24 credits in Engineering/Engineering Science and a minimum of 21 credits in general science and higher-level math courses. Information regarding acceptable courses may be obtained from DOT/Human Resources. You must attach a copy of your transcript(s) to your application. Foreign degrees/transcripts must be evaluated by a recognized evaluation service. Failure to do so will result in rejection from the examination process. AND Three and one half (3-1/2) years of full time experience in engineering related work. Applicants who have more than the required forty-five (45) engineering related credits may substitute additional credits for the required experience (on a prorated basis, thirty (30) credits equaling one (1) year of experience up to a maximum of two and one half (2-1/2) years. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code

Experience

Five (5) years of full time experience in a relevant field appropriate to the position (see specific requirements indicated below), two (2) years of which shall have been in program administration.

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 environmental, engineering, and/or scientific theory and principles, and of the technical methods associated with an environmental control program. Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures and operational/organizational theories and the application thereof in supervising overall work operations. Knowledge of the tools, techniques, principles, and practices utilized in the specific discipline appropriate to the position. Knowledge of the state and federal laws, and the rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures of the Department of Environmental Protection as they apply to the functions and responsibilities of the section. Ability to supervise the preparation of reports on administrative, engineering, environmental, scientific, or technical matters with clear and accurate findings and sound recommendations, including appropriate implementation and scheduling. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with representatives of local, county, state, and federal governments industry, civic associations, and others interested in the goals, functions, and responsibilities of the section. Ability to plan and coordinate the work of the assigned section. Ability to evaluate section performance, identify problem areas, and develop and implement improved or corrective methods and procedures. Ability to effectively represent a section at conferences, seminars, meetings, and negotiations. Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of essential records, files, and/or data sources. 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, and understand 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 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: FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES Employees hired by the Department of Transportation on or before July 1, 1999, who do not possess the Bachelor's degree listed above, may substitute education and experience as indicated below to meet the education requirements:

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 a discipline appropriate to the position (see specific areas listed below) may be substituted for one (1) year of nonmanagerial experience as indicated. POSITIONS IN PLANNING RELATED AREAS: 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 planning experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in program administration. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in program administration. OR Possession of a valid Professional Planner's license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Professional Planners; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in program administration. OR Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in Planning; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in program administration. POSITIONS IN TECHNICALLY SCIENTIFIC/ENGINEERING RELATED AREAS: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Chemical, Environmental, Physical or Biological Science, or Engineering; and five (5) years of professional, specialized experience as described below, two (2) years of which shall have been in program administration. Specialized experience in the following will be considered appropriate to these positions: Experience in the scientific/technical or engineering aspects of environmentally related activities. 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. POSITIONS IN LANDSCAPE: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an accredited program of Landscape Architecture, Horticulture or Urban Design; and five (5) years of professional experience in landscape architectural or urban design work involving the design or construction of highway projects, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design or Public Administration; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. Appointee will be required to possess a valid license as a Landscape Architect, issued by the State of New Jersey, Department of Law and Public Safety, State Board of Architects. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.