WORD PROCESSING SPECIALIST 3
Career Family: WORD PROCESSING SPECIALIST
In New Jersey, Word Processing Specialist 3 is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
It is the lowest-paid of the 3 Word Processing Specialist grades, a step below Word Processing Specialist 2, whose band tops out about $11,047 higher. Qualifying turns on 1 year of relevant experience. The FY2027 range lands between $39,358 and $56,481, and state payroll currently lists 3 people in the title, led by Office of the Public Defender.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Office of the Public Defender's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Health posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Law & Public Safety posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Pay ladder: Word Processing Specialist series
- Word Processing Specialist 3 — $39,358 – $56,481 (this title)
- Word Processing Specialist 2 — $46,727 – $67,528
- Word Processing Specialist 1 — $50,990 – $73,902
Promoting to Word Processing Specialist 2 raises the top of the band by about $11,047. Its top salary lands around the 3rd percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 3 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $65,244. The agencies employing the most are:
- Office of the Public Defender (1)
- Health and Senior Services (1)
- Law and Public Safety (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.
Definition
Under direction of a Supervisor, Word Processing System, Manager Word Processing System, Word Processing Specialist 1 or an administrative official, in a state department or agency, operates magnetic media keyboard equipment, performs varied word processing work requiring the exercise of independent judgement and a considerable knowledge of department policies and procedures; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Operates magnetic media keyboard equipment using complete capabilities of equipment to perform a variety of word processing functions. Processes, in rough draft or final form, technical, scientific, financial, statistical, and other statements and reports, certificates, correspondence, memoranda, charts, creates forms, tabulations, bills, warrants, contracts, specifications, case records, manuscripts and legal documents from a variety of source materials using magnetic media keyboard equipment. Transcribes from dictation equipment and processes technical, scientific, financial, statistical, and other statements and reports, correspondence, memoranda, charts, creates tabulations, bills, warrants, contracts, specifications, case records, manuscripts, and legal documents, and so forth. Proofreads work and assumes responsibility for accuracy and completeness of documents produced. Prepares and maintains a log with subject content, media coding, margins, tabs, switch codes, data and other special instructions concerning the document. Prepares and keeps records and files. 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.
Experience
One (1) year of general experience in the operation, technology, and application of varied word processing equipment.
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 the operation, technology, and application of varied word processing equipment. Knowledge of modern office methods, practices, routines, machines, and equipment. Ability to comprehend established office routines and regulations and apply them to specific tasks in accordance with prescribed procedures. Ability to sustain mental attention for long periods of time. Ability to accurately proofread and correct processed work. Ability to acquire knowledge of the operation of transcription equipment and the ability to transcribe dictation using such equipment. Ability to do routine keyboarding with reasonable speed, accuracy, and neatness, and in accordance with department requirements and procedures. Ability to properly use and care for office machines and equipment. Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written directions. Ability to use proper English and to spell correctly. Ability to maintain established 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 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. Code: A09- CAH 11/14/94