STATE PARK POLICE SERGEANT

Code: 32094 State Competitive Range: K21 (FY 2027) Work week 40: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $82,514.35 - $131,464.03/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

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 direction of a State Park Police Lieutenant or other higher level law enforcement officer in the New Jersey State Park Police, State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites Program or Director, in the Department of Environmental Protection, during an assigned tour of duty, develops and maintains a cooperative working relationship with the area Superintendent; provides support and develops and implements, in coordination with the Lieutenant and area Superintendent or other assigned State Park Service staff, a formal protocol that establishes a cooperative, effective and efficient coordination of law enforcement activities and civilian operation and the administration of a park or other operational assignment; identifies operational and personnel issues and problems, develops solutions in coordination with the Lieutenant and area Superintendent, and implements corrective action; supervises lower level ranked law enforcement officers and other personnel as assigned by management; oversees the training and development of all assigned State Park Police and State Park Police Trainees and ensures attendance at mandatory training and maintenance of current certifications; personally attends mandatory training and maintains current certifications; performs public assistance and resource protection functions as a sworn law enforcement officer; supervises the enforcement of laws and regulations for the protection and management of the health and safety of people and natural and historical resources, as well as environmental enforcement activities within the Department of Environmental Protection; supervises the execution of all processes for violations within the State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites' jurisdiction; effectuates arrests and issues summons as required; authorizes serve warrants; exercises all the powers and duties conferred by law while conducting regular tour of duty; supervises and implements programs, through a working knowledge of forest, wildlife, habitat and watershed management practices, to educate and inform the public regarding the rules, regulations, laws and management practices of State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites and to enhance environmental awareness and stewardship; acts as liaison with the public and Division affiliated constituent groups; provides security services for people, water, land, and structures under the guidelines of Homeland Security; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Ensures normal day-to-day functions of the area State Park Police force, as the senior line authority. Oversees the training and development of assigned State Park Police and State Park Police Trainees, ensures attendance at mandatory training and that current certifications are maintained. Identifies and reports operational and personnel issues and problems, and implements corrective action developed jointly with the Lieutenant and area Superintendent. Develops and maintains a cooperative working relationship with the area Superintendent. Develops a formal area protocol that establishes a cooperative, efficient, and effective coordination of law enforcement activities and civilian operation and administration of the assigned area; implements and enforces the approved protocol, in coordination with the Lieutenant and area Superintendent. Administers fiscal and budgetary matters, revenue records and control, visitor service programs, data collection, equipment management, communications, and scheduling for the State Park Police staff. Supervises and applies established law enforcement procedures and techniques to enforce New Jersey laws, Homeland Security, and the Federal Government to protect the park visitors and ensures that people and the natural, historical and/or physical resources as well as park visitors are protected. Educates visitors and promotes public adherence to the rules and regulations of the assigned area, and corrects visitors violating Federal, State and State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites laws, rules and/or regulations and uses progressive enforcement practices as a last resort. Supervises 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. Supervises, develops, organizes, participates in, and trains law enforcement personnel, seasonal, and other civilian personnel at the assigned area in matters relating to law enforcement as necessary; may be trained and designated as a Field Training Officer. Implements and supports educational and visitor public relations programs concerning the protection of recreational facilities, activities, historic landmarks, natural features, plant and animal life, public assistance, law enforcement, and natural resource protection. Evaluates visitor use patterns and develops work schedules and patrol patterns to provide for public assistance and protection consistent with park protocols and objectives developed by and between civilian and law enforcement management. Provides law enforcement security in public recreation areas including campsites, cabins, swimming areas, historic sites, picnic facilities and other recreational areas. Ensures a lawful, peaceful, and recreational atmosphere is maintained in the parks for the visitor. Works cooperatively with federal, state, county and municipal agencies to establish incident command in the event of a critical incident or natural disaster. Provides responsive, courteous customer service to the visitor. Administers the Law Enforcement Internal Records System (LEIRS) program, reviews reports and control logs for compliance. Supervises, develops, and implements emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations to meet public safety demands, security alarms, deaths, natural disasters, snow removal emergencies, lost persons, fire, theft, vandalism, or system breakdowns. May administer first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), oxygen, and other emergency life saving techniques. Supervises and/or conducts search and rescue activities. Understands the physical characteristics and terrain of the area. Operates, performs, or reports the need for basic maintenance on issued and assigned law enforcement items and equipment. Supervises and/or conducts investigations. Reviews and/or conducts background investigations; conducts interviews, researches data, and provides appropriate recommendations for the hiring of entry level law enforcement personnel. Participates in meetings with State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program staff, and/or other public agencies. Develops operational plans for the assigned area. Works cooperatively with other State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program members, and specifically State Park Service staff, assigned to an area to promote efficient area operations and park programs. Demonstrates communication and problem-solving skills. Prepares correspondence, reports, inventories, budget, records, and payrolls. Administers area safety and security programs. Solicits bids for purchases and repairs and completes fiscal, attendance, or other required reports related to law enforcement activities. Develops and delivers or assigns public relations presentations to individuals and groups to promote public interest and support in the programs, facilities, educational, and informational activities of the State Parks Forests & Historic Sites' law enforcement program involving protection and preservation of parks visitors and natural and historic resources. Administers the area communication program, completes reports, maintains inventories, assigns equipment, and provides recommendations for the repair or replacement of equipment. Manages uniforms distributed for designated staff. Provides testimony in court regarding summonses issued and other related activities of violations occurring in assigned area or in an emergency that occurs out of the assigned area. Directs the required State Park Police support to assist the Forest Fire Service as needed. Utilizes techniques, policies, and procedures relating to detecting and reporting of oil spills, hazardous waste, or dumping on and off state land. Takes and maintains an inventory of equipment and property. Secures gates, facilities, doors, buildings, and windows, and raises and lowers flags. Secures transfer and/or transportation of funds to secure location. May analyze area law enforcement staffing, patrol and visitor service need patterns and interrelationships then may prepare written evaluations and recommendations to supervisory personnel. May direct and coordinate staffing and operational plans for area functions or activities and may implement area procedural, tactical, and operational plans. May establish and maintain a regional library of books, periodicals, reports, and proceedings of interest, and may promote the use of the library by area personnel. May advise and assist in the preparation of procedures, orders, memoranda, manuals, and area plans. Assists the Lieutenant in coordinating area implementation of policy and procedure. Assists the Lieutenant in conducting area staff inspections of law enforcement personnel, equipment, property, procedures, and reports results to supervisory personnel. Assists the Lieutenant in area emergency response programs and incident command in the event of a critical incident or natural disaster. Assists the Lieutenant in conducting area investigations on complaints filed by the public. Assists the Lieutenant in coordinating and supervising all area uniform crime reporting in accordance with State Parks Forests & Historic Sites and Attorney General directives. Prepares accurate factual reports and/or correspondence. Attends mandatory training and maintains current certification as directed. Maintains essential records and files. Supervises and/or coordinates joint training sessions with emergency responses and/or local government agencies. 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.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with and Associate's degree.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in a federal, state, or county or municipal parks involving public/visitor assistance, protection and the safeguarding of natural and physical resources and assets of properties against negligent or unlawful acts.

License

Appointees must possess a driver's license valid for use in the State of New Jersey. Appointees may be required to possess other operator's licenses as needed, which may include a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and/or Motorboat Operator's License. Appointees must be able to acquire and maintain a professional license through the Police Training Commission (PTC). The license is required to be renewed every (3) three years. An employee who fails to maintain this license may be removed from their position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the State budgetary and purchasing processes. Knowledge of law enforcement techniques and investigative procedures. Knowledge of the physical characteristics, terrain, recreational activities, and programs of the assigned area. Knowledge of forest, wildlife, habitat, and watershed management practices. Ability to supervise the area law enforcement program. Ability to interpret and apply state, department and State Park Service laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws including but not limited to search and seizure rights, confiscation of evidence, and inherent rights of citizens and the relevant laws relating to the protection of people and the natural and historical resources. Ability to interpret and apply knowledge about natural and physical resources of the assigned area including knowledge of common trees, plants, animals, history of landmarks, and location of facilities. Ability to negotiate physical terrain of the parks to assist, provide emergency response or otherwise, to support parks visitors. Ability to enforce rules and regulations of the State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program, the State Parks Service and the laws of the State of New Jersey. Ability to establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with the area Superintendent, and others involved in the work of the program. Ability to develop and implement a formal area protocol that establishes a cooperative, efficient, and effective coordination of law enforcement activities and civilian administration and operation of the assigned area, in coordination with the Lieutenant and area Superintendent. Ability to interpret and apply information about state purchasing and budgetary procedures and regulations. Ability to prepare and manage the law enforcement budget for the assigned area. Ability to interpret and apply area programs and procedures. Ability to read, interpret and apply State laws and regulations. Ability to maintain a lawful, peaceful, and recreational atmosphere for the visitor. Ability to apply fire-fighting techniques and to direct ranger support for forest fire control and suppression as required after a period of training as a first responder. Ability to supervise and/or conduct search and rescue activities. Ability to oversee the operation of public recreation areas. Ability to direct and supervise law enforcement and other employees and the law enforcement operations of the assigned area. Ability to identify and resolve operational and personnel issues and problems by developing solutions in coordination with the Lieutenant and area Superintendent. Ability to oversee the training and professional development of assigned staff, and ensure the staff attends mandatory training and maintains current certifications as directed. Ability to provide clear direction given either orally or in writing and to communicate organizational goals and management directives effectively and accurately to supervise employees. Ability to implement organizational plans to meet goals and objectives of the State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program. Ability to meet and deal effectively with State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program affiliated constituent groups, citizen and/or government groups in a liaison capacity. Ability to organize and direct technical investigative work and analyze enforcement problems. Ability to supervise and/or assume care, custody and control of persons placed under arrest and to use restraining devices as required. Ability to effectively interview people. Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with associates, supervisor, and other staff, both civilian and law enforcement. Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public. Ability to supervise and train new employees, and to assign workers into work teams especially during emergencies. Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time under varying climatic conditions and all types of terrain. Ability to lift and carry, for a considerable distance, heavy objects including small boats and equipment. Ability to direct and supervise law enforcement personnel in educating the public regarding rules, regulations, and management practices of the State Park Service. Ability to operate department vehicles based on operational need and work assignments. Ability to operate outboard motorboats and other small craft including canoes and kayaks on inland and coastal waterways, if required based on work location. Ability to pursue and apprehend violators of statute law, which may include but not be limited to, effectuating arrests, issuing summons, and serving warrants. Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in accordance with Homeland Security mandates and guidelines. Ability to handle and use firearms, batons, chemical agents, and other law enforcement equipment safely and properly in accordance with established proficiency standards and guidelines. Ability to respond properly under stressful and/or emergency situations. Ability to attend mandatory training and maintain current certifications as directed. Ability to prepare clear, concise correspondence and factually accurate reports. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to maintain and supervise maintenance of the department's law enforcement issued equipment to include, but not be limited to, uniforms, batons, and firearms. 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 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 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 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 who do not possess the required education may substitute additional experience as indicated above on a year for year basis. CITIZENSHIP: Must be a citizen of the United States of America. AGE: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the announced closing date. SPECIAL QUALIFCATIONS: Appointees must have satisfactorily completed a Basic Police Training Course certified by the Police Training Commission. Appointees must successfully complete firearm qualifications in accordance with Police Training Commission guidelines on a semiannual basis. Appointees will be required to attend and successfully complete an in-house field training course which will include but not limited to, Standard Operating Procedures of the State Park Service, introduction into Fish & Wildlife Program rules, regulations, policies and procedures, introduction into Forest Fire Service rules, regulations, policies and procedures, natural lands management, domestic security, protection and preservation of natural and historic resources, communication and team building skills, cultural diversity, customer service and associated training related to the job assignment(s). Appointees will be required to successfully complete training and maintain certification which includes but which is not limited to the following: Certified First Responder, First Aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), oxygen administrative, Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), baton certification and firearm qualifications in accordance with the Attorney General's mandates and State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program requirements; must be able to use State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program vehicles based on operational need and work assignments. The responsibility for ensuring that the employees possess the required operator's license commensurate with the class and type of vehicle, equipment or watercraft they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority. SPECIAL NOTE: Appointees will be required to use potential lifesaving equipment and, to perform potentially lifesaving functions when necessary. MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION: Appointees certified from an open-competitive eligible list for this title will be required to pass a thorough medical and psychological examination administered by a qualified representative of the appointing authority.