STATE PARK POLICE LIEUTENANT

Code: 32095 State Competitive Range: J24 (FY 2027) Work week N4: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $101,495.12 - $149,727.02/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 the Chief of Police State Parks or 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, functions as a sworn law enforcement officer for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites; develops and maintains a cooperative working relationship with Regional Superintendents and Superintendents assigned to the Region; supervises the development and implementation of formal area protocols, consistent with overall law enforcement priorities of the Department, that establish a cooperative, effective and efficient coordination of law enforcement activities and civilian administration and operation of State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites and other Department lands and facilities; serves as a member of a management team and provides support and operational law enforcement assignment to areas within the Region or to directly to the Chief of Police State Parks; acts as liaison with the public and State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites Program affiliated constituent groups; manages all law enforcement officers of lower rank assigned to the region and/or work area in enforcing laws and regulations for the protection and management of people and natural and historical resources, as well as environmental enforcement activities within the Department of Environmental Protection; supervises State Park Police Sergeants and oversees mandatory training and professional development; ensures staff attendance at mandatory training and certifications are kept current; maintains daily communications with Regional Superintendent, Superintendents assigned to the Region, and Sergeants to identify operational and personnel issues and problems, promptly develops solutions with civilian managers, and directs implementation of corrective action; works with the Chief of Police State Park to identify training needs and opportunities; supervises the execution of all processes for violations within the State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites' jurisdiction, including effectuating arrests, issuing summonses and serving warrants; exercises all the powers and duties conferred by law while conducting regular tour of duty; develops, oversees and monitors programs, through 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; oversees and supervises security services to protect people, water, land, and structures under the guidelines of Homeland Security; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Manages the law enforcement 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 law enforcement personnel. Manages State Park Police Sergeants, and when necessary, supervises lower-level ranked State Park Police; oversees mandatory training and professional development; ensures law enforcement staff attends mandatory training and maintains current certifications. Manages, oversees, and directs regularly scheduled meetings of State Park Police Sergeants ensuring compliance in accordance with established Division Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and establishes regional procedures for required reporting. Manages, oversees, and directs the law enforcement functions and operations at areas assigned to a region which may include but not be limited to field visits, critiquing law enforcement programs and seeking solutions to common problems with State Park Police Sergeants. Works cooperatively with the Regional Superintendents, area Superintendents assigned to the Region and State Park Police Sergeants and directs the development and implementation of formal area protocols, that are consistent with the overall law enforcement priorities of the Department, for the coordination of cooperative, effective and efficient law enforcement activities and civilian administration and operations of the areas assigned to the region to promote efficient park operations and park programs. Demonstrates ability to work cooperatively with all levels of State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites employees. Demonstrates communication and problem-solving skills. Maintains daily communications with the Regional Superintendents, Area Superintendents assigned to the region, and State Park Police Sergeants to identify operational and personnel issues and problems, promptly develops joint solutions and directs implementation of corrective action. Develops operational plans, emergency response plans and/or memoranda for assigned region that require the approval of the Chief of Police State Parks as directed by the Director. Works with the Chief of Police State Parks to identify training needs and opportunities. Monitors to ensure that a lawful, peaceful, and recreational atmosphere is maintained at all areas within the region. Understands the physical characteristics and terrain of all areas within the region. Manages, supervises and/or participates in special operations, events and/or programs, which may involve creating special operation teams policies and plans. Works with the Division Range Master in coordinating range schedules to alleviate scheduling problems. Reviews law enforcement reports daily ensuring compliance with policies and procedures relating the Law Enforcement Internal Reporting System (LEIRS). Reviews and provides recommendations on completed investigations. Develops regional law enforcement training programs for personnel assigned to a region. Reviews training records for all state park police assigned and recommends training needs. Organizes, leads and/or participates in meetings, conferences and/or seminars for State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program staff, other public agencies and/or State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program affiliated constituent groups. Acts as the State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program liaison for inter-agency training programs. Oversees and monitors all phases of the State Park Police Trainee program which may include but not limited to assisting and/or instructing as may be required. Coordinates and monitors background checks for prospective State Park Police Trainees within the region. Oversees and reviews area State Park Police schedules and maintains a file of previous schedules to ensure appropriate coverage at assigned areas for the safety of the public and the natural and historic resources and provides guidance on scheduling issues as required. Directs the coordination of joint training sessions with emergency response and/or local government agencies. Directs and coordinates staffing and operational plans for regional functions or activities and implements regional procedural, tactical and operational plans. Establishes and maintains a library of books, periodicals, reports, and proceedings of interest, and may promote the use of the library by regional personnel. Maintains copies of all General Orders, advisories, operational plans and procedures, LEIRS, summons, forms, Uniform Crime Reports, injury reports, monthly reports, and state park police training records. Attends regularly scheduled meetings with the Chief of Police State Parks, and other Lieutenants to share information and to ensure uniformity, compliance, efficient operations, and continuity of state park police activities Statewide. Works with other State Park Police Lieutenants to effectively coordinate the uniform implementation of policies, procedures, directives, and orders to ensure continuity throughout the State. Prepares the law enforcement budget for a region. Authorizes the purchase of law enforcement equipment and supplies for the region. May be required to act as training coordinator and liaison with State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program representative. Provides guidance and direction to law enforcement staff assigned to a region in law enforcement incidents and state, department, State Park Service policies and procedures, encouraging high morale and motivation. Ensures Ranger staff delivers quality customer service to visitors. Prepares and/or directs the preparation of reports and/or correspondence and determines the appropriate findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Maintains essential records and files. 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.

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 a 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 law enforcement principles, practices, techniques, and investigative procedures to manage a comprehensive law enforcement program. Knowledge of the physical characteristics, terrain, recreational activities, and programs assigned to areas within a region. Knowledge of state forest, wildlife, habitat, and watershed management practices. Knowledge of structure and functions of local, county, state, and federal government law enforcement agencies. Knowledge of laws relating to New Jersey's State parks, forests, historic sites, and the health, safety, and general welfare of the public at large. Knowledge of the state budgetary and purchasing processes. Ability to read and apply state, department and State Park Service rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to provide clear direction either orally or written and communicate organizational goals and management directives effectively and accurately to supervise to employees. Ability to prepare and manage the law enforcement budget for the assigned region. Ability to interpret and apply 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 natural and/or historic resources. Ability to interpret and apply information regarding the natural, historical, and physical resources of the assigned region including knowledge of common trees, plants, animals, history of landmarks and location of facilities. Ability to interpret and apply information regarding state budgetary and purchasing procedures and regulations. Ability to read, understand, and apply information regarding region programs and procedures. Ability to identify areas of difficulty in maintaining a lawful, peaceful, and recreational atmosphere, develop solutions and direct corrective action. Ability to apply forest fire fighting techniques and manage the state park police support for forest fire control and suppression as necessary as first responders. Ability to manage the law enforcement operations of assigned areas. Ability to develop and implement organizational plans to meet goals and objectives of the State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program. Ability to manage, supervise and effectively communicate with law enforcement personnel and other employees engaged in law enforcement activities. Ability to identify operational and personnel issues and problems, promptly develop solutions and direct implementation of corrective action. Ability to develop and maintain a cooperative working relationship with the Regional and Area Superintendents, and others involved in the work of the program. Ability to maintain effective communications with the Regional and Area Superintendents and State Park Police Sergeants. Ability to direct the development and implementation of formal area protocols that establish a cooperative, efficient, and effective coordination of law enforcement activities and civilian administration and operations. Ability to oversee training and professional development of staff and ensure staff attendance at mandatory training and maintenance of current certifications. Ability to meet and deal courteously and effectively with State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program affiliated constituent groups and citizens as a representative of the State Parks Forests & Historic Sites Program. Ability to manage, oversee and direct technical investigative work and analyze and resolve enforcement problems. Ability to manage, direct and/or assume care, custody and control of persons placed under arrest and to use restraining devices as may be required. Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with people while investigating and/or interviewing people. Ability to effectively interview people. Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with associates, supervisory personnel, and other staff and to deal courteously and effectively with the public. Ability to manage lower-level law enforcement staff in the chain-of-command in the supervision and training of new employees and to assign workers into work teams when required especially during emergency situations. Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time under varying climatic conditions and all types of terrain. Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in accordance with Homeland Security mandates and guidelines. Ability to lift and carry, for a considerable distance, heavy objects including small boats and equipment. Ability to operate department vehicles based on operation need and work assignments. Ability to operate outboard motorboats and other small craft including canoes and kayaks on inland and coastal waterways. 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 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 prepare clear, concise correspondence and factual reports including investigations. Ability to manage the maintenance of law enforcement records and files for the assigned region. Ability to manage the issuance and maintenance of equipment including but not limited to uniforms, batons, and firearms. Ability to develop, direct and monitor educational programs to enforce laws and enhance environmental awareness and stewardship. Ability to develop operational plans. 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 the 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 perform 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. Eight (8) years of professional experience in law enforcement in a federal, state, county or municipal park involving the administration and operation of public/visitor assistance, protection and information and the safeguarding of the natural and physical resources and assets of park properties against negligent or unlawful acts; one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. "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. 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 QUALIFICATIONS: Appointees must successfully complete a Basic Police Training Course certified by the Police Training Commission (PTC). 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 to include, but which is not limited to the following: Certified First Responder, First Aid, CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation), Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) use, oxygen administration and other potentially lifesaving equipment, baton certification and firearm qualifications in accordance with Attorney General's guidelines and Division requirements; must be able to use Division vehicles based on operational need and work assignments. The responsibility for ensuring that 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 potentially lifesaving equipment and to perform potentially lifesaving functions when necessary. MEDICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION: Appointees certified from an open-competitive eligible list for this title may be required to pass a thorough medical and psychological examination administered by a qualified representative of the appointing authority.