PLANNER TRAINEE (State)
Planner Trainee is a non-competitive state civil service title, so there is no ranked exam. You qualify by meeting the stated education and experience.
The stated bar is a bachelor's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $58,222 and $60,876, and state payroll currently lists 3 people in the title, most of them at Transportation.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Planner Trainee appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Transportation.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Transportation | 3 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 3 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $58,818. The agencies employing the most are:
- Transportation (3)
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 close supervision, in a state or local government agency, learns to perform the routine field and office work involved in planning activities and programs; does other related duties.
Examples of work
As a trainee and productive worker under supervision: Learns and assists in the work involved in the development and execution of regional and/or other planning projects. Learns to conduct studies and research for planning projects specific to the area of assignment. Participates in the analysis of project data; applies planning theories and techniques to assist in the development of findings. Learns to assist in the land-use planning activities specific to the area of assignment (transportation, environmental, etc.). May prepare maps of present conditions and proposed changes utilizing a variety of media. May assist in the correlation of the agency's plans and programs with those of other agencies. May perform preliminary tracing, drafting and other routine work. May learn to participate in local planning assistance efforts. Assembles, compiles and tabulates statistical and other data utilized to prepare reports. Prepares clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Establishes and 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.
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 theories, concepts and techniques of land-use planning. Knowledge of the techniques used to draft maps. Knowledge of the problems involved in planning activities Knowledge of research and data collection techniques. Ability to conduct studies and research, and to participate in the analysis of data. Ability to assist in the land-use planning activities specific to the area of assignment. Ability to read and interpret laws, rules and regulations specific to the area of assignment, and apply them to specific situations. Ability to assemble, compile, interpret, and analyze data and information utilized to prepare reports. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with associates, superiors and others involved with the work of the agency. Ability to establish and 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 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-month (12) training period will be eligible for advancement to the titles Assistant Planner in either State or Local government or Planner, Transportation in State government, under Civil Service Commission procedures. The inability of an employee in this title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to one of the titles listed above shall be considered as cause for separation.
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. Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the position. Please refer to the Advancement section located at the bottom of this title specification for a comprehensive list of approved journeyman titles connected to this trainee title. Experience must be related to the journeyman title associated with the position. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional planning subjects such as the principles of land use planning, history of city planning, planning project design, and planning law and administration. OR A valid license as a Professional Planner issued by the New Jersey State Board of Professional Planners. OR Possession of a current and valid credential as a Certified Planner issued by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). NOTE: "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.