CODE WRITER 1 CODE SECTION
Career Family: CODE WRITER
Code Writer 1 Code Section is a competitive state title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
Of the 2 Code Writer grades this one pays the most, sitting just above Code Writer 2 Code Section. You can qualify with a bachelor's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $84,548 to $124,366.
How to get hired
- Watch for an open-competitive announcement for Code Writer 1 Code Section on the NJ Civil Service Commission jobs portal. Announcements run for a fixed filing window.
- Apply during that window and sit the examination. Depending on the title, that can be a written test, a rating of your training and experience, or a mix of the two.
- Passing scores go onto a ranked eligible list. Veterans get preference points added on top of their score.
- When an agency has a vacancy it must appoint from the top of that list under the "Rule of Three." Many competitive jobs are first filled provisionally while the list is being built.
Read the official specification at NJ Civil Service Commission.
Pay ladder: Code Writer series
- Code Writer 2 Code Section — $73,707 – $108,073
- Code Writer 1 Code Section — $84,548 – $124,366 (this title)
Its top salary lands around the 67th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY2026 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
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.
Definition
Under the direction of the Assistant Director, Office of Standards and Appeals, Division of Workplace Standards, Department of Labor, drafts codes, rules and regulations designed to implement the various State statutes administered by the Division of Workplace Standards; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Carries out the complex code writer assignments which require extensive technical expertise in specific workplace standards and/or wide knowledge of existing codes, rules or regulations. Drafts codes, rules, and regulations concerning Workplace Standards, including occupational safety and health, wages and hours of employment, migrant labor and boiler and vessel operations, in order to administer an adequate regulatory program as defined by the various State statutes administered by the Division of Workplace Standards. Drafts codes, rules, and regulations in conjunction with Federal guidelines for all departmental units involved in the administration of the State statutes concerned with the work of the Division. Performs research utilizing Federal publications, other state publications, and national consensus organizations publications and consultation with enforcement agencies to facilitate the promulgation of codes, rules and regulations. Drafts rule proposal documentation, incorporating summary of proposed rules, social impact statements and economic impact statements. Drafts other documents such as, but not limited to, program feasibility studies and operations manuals. Drafts proposed comments concerning Federal rule making affecting the New Jersey workforce which includes criticism or suggestions for alternative wording. Drafts proposed new legislation and amendments to existing legislation. Drafts Division's positions in response to public comment on Division rule making. Reviews rules and regulations in conjunction with additions or amendments to existing workplace standards and assists in the preparation of same. Reviews variance requests to the regulatory program for employer groups, and/or inspectors and recommends exceptions to the literal interpretation of the rules, codes and regulations where the insertion of the appropriate State statutes are best served. Analyzes existing and/or proposed legislation relating to roadway safety, as needed, exercising independent judgment and knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies, in order to advise the Governor of their potential effect on roadway safety. Directs the preparation of reports and statistical information containing findings, conclusions and recommendations for the highway safety community. Initiates development of highway safety project applications from State and local agencies which will contribute to the accomplishment of the goals of the overall Highway Safety Plan. Oversees the review of these applications for compliance with State and Federal guidelines. Manages the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. When requested, composes correspondence, as required for signature of the Governor and the Attorney General, using a thorough technical knowledge of the various components, which constitute a thorough and efficient roadway safety system in reply to inquiries from the public, members of the bar, judiciary, legislators, etc. Assists in coordinating government accountability for expenditure of State and Federally appropriated Highway Safety funds in order to support the State roadway program in compliance with applicable status and administrative regulations. When requested, addresses various public and private groups and gives press interviews in order to define and accentuate the functions and objectives of the State's overall roadway safety program. Prepares new operation procedures and revisions of existing procedures, pertaining to the Office of Highway Safety, as required, using independent and initiate judgment in order to update and refine current practices. Provides appropriate assignments, instructions, and supervision to middle managers, supervisory, technical, and clerical employees, as required, using technical knowledge of the Office of Highway Safety and managerial skills, in order to achieve efficiency and effectiveness. 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
Appointee 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 all the components contributing to the development and implementation of a comprehensive roadway safety program. Knowledge of the principles of management. Knowledge of the Federal regulations, funding guidelines and cost principal regarding the reimbursement process. Ability in analyzing data, identifying problems and developing ameliorative strategies employing a variety of appropriate countermeasures. Ability to direct complementary countermeasure activities in diverse program areas (e.g., Selective Police Enforcement, Codes and Laws, Driver Licensing), which will result in increased highway safety to increase compliance with traffic laws. Ability to deal effectively with management personnel, including elected officials, at all levels of government, local, state and Federal. Ability to prepare detailed and technical correspondence. Ability to analyze proposed and/or existing legislation and its effects on roadway safety and to prepare definitive reports thereon. Ability to assign, instruct, supervise, and evaluate the performance of supervisory, technical, clerical, and other employees. Ability develop new and/or revised procedures and programs. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording 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.
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. Ten (10) years of professional experience in the management of a complex, large scale traffic safety program. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and six (6) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "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 judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.