SPECIAL STAFF OFFICER 3 (R18)
Career Family: SPECIAL STAFF OFFICER
In the unclassified service, Special Staff Officer 3 is appointed rather than examined for, and its pay is often negotiated case by case.
This is where the Special Staff Officer ladder starts, one grade under Special Staff Officer 2, whose band tops out about $8,611 higher. It lists a bachelor's degree as the baseline, with an experience-based path open to those who do not hold the degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $58,222 to $84,763, and state payroll currently lists about 12 people in the title, most of them at Military Affairs.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Special Staff Officer 3 appears on the State payroll at 2 departments, most of them at Military Affairs.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Military Affairs | 11 |
| Veterans Affairs | 1 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Special Staff Officer series
- Special Staff Officer 3 — $58,222 – $84,763 (this title)
- Special Staff Officer 2 — $66,592 – $97,354
- Special Staff Officer 1 — $72,896 – $106,798
Promoting to Special Staff Officer 2 raises the top of the band by about $8,611. Its top salary lands around the 24th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 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 12 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $85,742. The agencies employing the most are:
- Military Affairs (11)
- Veterans Affairs (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. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
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 as required.
Examples of work
Plans the implementation of work programs and procedures and develops appropriate schedules when necessary. When applicable, executes effective utilization of available funds, personnel, equipment, materials, and supplies. When directed by appropriate supervisor, issues orders and sees that work projects are carried out in the most efficient and economic manner. Obtains, stores, safeguards, distributes, and supervises the proper use of needed equipment, material, and supplies. Prepares factual reports concerned with the specific area of operation and maintains an up-to-date file of salaries, procedures, and regulations. Establishes and maintains records and files of personnel, equipment, materials, supplies, work done, and time spent. Accomplishes specific projects as directed by appropriate supervisor. Serves as a Military Aid to the Governor. Interprets regulations and policies as required within the unit of assignment. Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates. Attends meetings and conferences and prepares reports thereon. Reviews supply, maintenance, and administrative procedures for compliance with applicable regulations. Conducts investigation of problems to include Line of Duty Determinations and Reports of Survey. Institutes aggressive follow-up actions on delinquent reports and overdue requests. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information system 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, New Jersey Department of Military Affairs or Department of Veterans Affairs. 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
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 the division and department organization and state military forces. Knowledge of government budget and administrative practices and procedures. Knowledge of modern office management principles, procedures, and techniques and their application. Knowledge of military procedures and customs of service. Ability to prepare statistical, financial, and other 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 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 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. 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. Must have completed formal or informal military courses resulting in the award of Military Occupational Specialist 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. Final Secret Clearance required. SU4E18N/AR19- SUNL18N/AR18- 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