DISPUTE RESOLUTION SPECIALIST 2
Career Family: DISPUTE RESOLUTION SPECIALIST
Dispute Resolution Specialist 2 is a state title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
It is a middle Dispute Resolution Specialist grade, between Dispute Resolution Specialist 1 below and the better-paid Dispute Resolution Specialist 3 above. On paper it calls for a doctoral degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $92,711 to $136,605.
How to get hired
- Watch for an open-competitive announcement for Dispute Resolution Specialist 2 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: Dispute Resolution Specialist series
- Dispute Resolution Specialist 1 — $84,548 – $124,366
- Dispute Resolution Specialist 2 — $92,711 – $136,605 (this title)
- Dispute Resolution Specialist 3 — $101,708 – $150,105
Promoting to Dispute Resolution Specialist 3 raises the top of the band by about $13,500. Its top salary lands around the 76th 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 limited supervision of a higher level supervisory official in a state department, is responsible for assessing the disputant's needs and recommends a dispute resolution process to meet those requirements. Acts as an arbitrator, case evaluator, conciliator, facilitator, fact-finder, mediator, or negotiator, and is responsible for designing and developing processes and systems for particular contexts or types of disputes. Designs and administers training programs; assesses situations for appropriate alternative dispute resolution (ADR) intervention; develops, implements, and monitors dispute resolution programs; and promotes and encourages dispute resolution processes. Determines the most appropriate dispute resolution process for disputes referred from the courts or other government/public agencies. Conducts facilitations regarding the development of new rules and policies through consensus building; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Determines the most appropriate dispute resolution process for disputes referred from the courts. Conducts complex facilitations regarding the development of new rules and policies through consensus building. Determines and directs when sessions should be arranged between the principals in a dispute and utilizes skill to resolve the differences. Persuades parties as to reasonableness and equity of proposals and counter-proposals as well as suggesting alternative solution. Trains public agency personnel, attorneys, and other relevant parties in negotiation and dispute resolution techniques. Confers with disputants separately and jointly to assess information pertaining to the issues in dispute and provides assistance and pertinent data to remove barriers to resolution. Keeps abreast of recent developments in the field of mediation. Designs case specific alternative dispute resolution processes. Develops case specific protocol. Directs settlement discussions by identifying parties, developing mechanisms for reporting back to constituents, scheduling meetings, and setting agenda. Assists parties in identifying policy issues through facilitating effective exchange of information. Assists parties in defining suitable negotiation goals. Prepares analytic guidance documents that frame policy/procedural issues for discussion and decision making. Meets with disputing parties separately to explore possible solutions, defuse emotions, and clarify positions. Suggests possible approaches to settlement. Drafts settlement agreement or final recommendation report. Designs training programs in negotiation, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution processes. Trains groups in the use of dispute resolution methods and techniques. Conducts educational and outreach activities to inform the public, community groups, professional associations, and government agencies about the dispute resolution process. Consults with representatives of school systems and government agencies in the development of their own dispute resolution programs. Maintains roster of potential neutral mediators, facilitators, and arbitrators. Assesses cases and assigns them to a selected mediator or facilitator on a case-by-case basis, and provides technical assistance, advice, direction, and instruction to assigned mediator or facilitator. Oversees the development of written reports and final settlement or recommendation documents prepared by the designated individual, and modifies as appropriate and gives final approval prior to release and dissemination of such documents. Summarizes information from files, reports, documents, research notes, or meetings. Edits written material. Interviews individuals for needed information. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized 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 legal and factual issues involved in handling complex litigation and public disputes. Knowledge of the techniques involved in the facilitation of new rules through consensus building. Knowledge of current alternative dispute resolution processes, principles, and methods. Knowledge of procedures for conducting formal and informal settlement conferences. Ability to organize and interpret data and draw reasonable and accurate conclusions. Ability to assess complex cases to determine the appropriate application of the dispute resolution process. Ability to plan, schedule, and conduct meetings between and among disputing parties. Ability to deal effectively with lawyers, clients, and judges. Ability to conduct around-the-clock dispute resolution sessions. Ability to interview people for needed information. Ability to impartially communicate a thorough, complete analysis of the position and flexibility of each disputant involved to the other disputant(s). Ability to organize assigned dispute resolution work. Ability to analyze dispute resolution problems and develop effective work methods. Ability to maintain confidentiality in dispute resolution proceedings. Ability to develop training programs. Ability to conduct training sessions. 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: 29/P29- CAH 6/22/96
Note
The definition and 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. The following are some of the factors that should be considered in determining case complexity: relationship between the parties, the number of parties and issues in dispute, whether personal emotions are involved, and the age of the dispute. 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. Eight (8) years of professional experience in mediating litigation and public disputes and/or facilitating the development of new rules or policies through consensus building. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Dispute/Conflict Resolution; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a Juris Doctor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) 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.