NJ Civil Service Navigator

SECTION CHIEF, TRANSPORTATION

Transportation

Code: 15881J State Competitive Range: S31 (FY 2027) Work week N4: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)
Salary: $105,267.31 - $155,358.91/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Section Chief, Transportation 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 lists a doctoral degree as the baseline, with an experience-based path open to those who do not hold the degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $105,267 to $155,359, and state payroll currently lists about 26 people in the title, most of them at Transportation.

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.

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Who employs this title

Section Chief, Transportation appears on the State payroll at 3 departments, most of them at Department of Transportation.

State departments

Employer Employees
Department of Transportation 23
New Jersey State Parole Board 2
Department of Environmental Protection 1

All agencies.

State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.

Who employs this title

State payroll records show 26 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $140,426. The agencies employing the most are:

  • Transportation (23)
  • State Parole Board (2)
  • Environmental Protection (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 general direction of a supervisory official, is responsible for the management and supervision of work programs of two (2) or more defined work units in a bureau (or organizational equivalent) having responsibility for the various phases of the section's projects and/or programs which may include complex studies, surveys and analyses, and adherence to the various federal and/or state laws, rules, and regulations relating to these projects and/or programs; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related duties as required. NOTE: A work unit for this purpose would typically consist of a primary level supervisor and professional and/or technical subordinates, as appropriate. Any deviation from this standard must be pre-approved by the Civil Service Commission before any appointments are made to the title.

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 technical aspects relative to a section's functions and responsibilities. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. 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 other 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 to provide public information relative to the section's work. Keeps immediate supervisor apprised of current activities, problems, and developments relative to the section's work. Keeps current with laws, 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 how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the theory, principles, and technical methods associated with the programs relevant to the position. Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures, operational/organizational theories, and their application 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, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures as they apply to the functions and responsibilities of the section. Ability to supervise the preparation of reports on administrative and/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 supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the 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 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 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

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 full time experience analyzing and evaluating budget and fiscal management, organizational operations, administrative practices, contract and regulatory compliance, and/or facilities and physical plant management which shall have included responsibility for the recommendation, planning, and/or implementation of business or agency improvements, two (2) 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, 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 a discipline related to the above areas; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a discipline related to the above areas; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of 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. 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.