STAFF ASSISTANT 1
Career Family: STAFF ASSISTANT
Staff Assistant 1 falls in New Jersey's unclassified service: an appointing authority hires for it directly, without a civil service exam.
Of the 2 Staff Assistant grades this one pays the most, sitting just above Staff Assistant 2. 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 $51,480 to $74,754, and state payroll currently lists 7 people in the title, most of them at Military and Veterans Affairs.
How to apply
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No examThis title is not filled by examination
Non-competitive, unclassified, and Senior Executive Service titles are appointed directly by the hiring agency rather than through a civil service exam. Apply directly to the agency below.
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Agency posting
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs'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.
Pay ladder: Staff Assistant series
- Staff Assistant 2 — $49,266 – $71,403
- Staff Assistant 1 — $53,807 – $78,268 (this title)
Its top salary lands around the 16th 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.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 7 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $73,376. The agencies employing the most are:
- Military and Veterans Affairs (6)
- Unknown (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 Principal Staff Officer or a Special Staff Officer, serves as a primary assistant in matters of a varied nature; does other related duties.
Examples of work
Implements work programs, work procedures and appropriate schedules. When directed by appropriate supervisor, issues orders and sees that work projects are carried out in the most efficient and economical manner. Obtains, stores, safeguards, distributes, and supervises the proper use of needed equipment materials and supplies. Prepares or assists in the preparation of factual reports concerned with the specific area of operation, maintains an up to date file of salaries, procedures, and regulations. Accomplishes specific projects as directed by the appropriate supervisor. Serves as Military Aid to the Governor. Implements regulations and policies as required within the unit of assignment. Reviews supply, maintenance, and administrative procedures for compliance with applicable regulations. Assists in the conduct of investigation of problems to include Line of Duty Determinations and Reports of Survey. Maintains accurate listing of forces of the New Jersey National Guard. Assists in the Enlisted and Officer Personnel Management Systems. 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.
Requirements
Incumbent must be an active member of the New Jersey National Guard upon assignment to this position unless formally waived by the Chief of Staff. When the individual loses military status for any reason, his term of employment may be extended by the Chief of Staff in a civilian status until such time as the incumbent is eligible for retirement as a veteran under NJSA 43:15A-61.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.
Experience
Two (2) years military experience. At least one (1) year military experience at Battalion level or in a support type unit.
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 National Guard recruiting procedures and directives. Knowledge of the principles and procedures of the military. Knowledge of Division and Department organization and state military forces. Knowledge of government budget and administrative practices and procedures. Knowledge of office management principles, procedures, and techniques and their adaption. Knowledge of military procedures and customs of service. Ability to prepare reports. Ability to analyze problems and data and take or recommend action. Ability to plan and supervise control systems. Ability to speak and write effectively and to analyze, edit, review, and interpret complex technical material. Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with the department and with outside departments and agencies. Ability to maintain records and files. 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. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range
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. For Firefighter appointments, must meet NFPA 1003 "Airport Firefighter" medical requirements and maintain Department of Military Affairs or Department of Veterans Affairs and AFP Physical Fitness Program standards. Applicants must have completed formal or informal military courses resulting in the award of Military Occupational Specialty Code (MOSC) or Specialty Skill Indicator (SSI). Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience as indicated above on a year for year basis. Applicant must possess a Final Secret Clearance. SUNE16N/AP16- SU4016N/AP17- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 3/17/2007