SPECIAL STAFF OFFICER 1 (S23)
Career Family: SPECIAL STAFF OFFICER
In the unclassified service, Special Staff Officer 1 is appointed rather than examined for, and its pay is often negotiated case by case.
Of the 3 Special Staff Officer grades this one pays the most, sitting just above Special Staff Officer 2. The stated bar is a bachelor's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $72,896 and $106,798, and state payroll currently lists 2 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 1 appears on the State payroll at one department, Military Affairs.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Military Affairs | 2 |
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 — $60,876 – $88,743
- Special Staff Officer 2 — $66,592 – $97,354
- Special Staff Officer 1 — $72,896 – $106,798 (this title)
Its top salary lands around the 54th 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 2 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $81,348. The agencies employing the most are:
- Military Affairs (2)
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 the direction of a Principal Staff Officer or other supervisory officer in the Department of Military Affairs or Department of Veterans Affairs, assists in the formulation and execution of procedures pertinent to organization, training and utilization of resources; does other related work as required.
Examples of work
Acts as the chief assistant to a Principal Staff Officer or other supervisory official in the Department of Military Affairs or Department of Veterans Affairs. Acts as a planner, advisor and coordinator for the appropriate Bureau or Branch business. Supervises employees of the Bureau or Branch. Acts as the chief assistant on matters relating to the Bureau or Branch in which assigned. Assumes the duties of the supervisor in his/her absence. Serves as Military Aide to the Governor. Develops budget-input data, resource allocation records, and general control measures. Maintains a working knowledge of new and revised policy statements, regulations, directives and other communications published by the departmental primary Divisions and develop plans and procedures for implementation. Assists in the collection of data, and preparation of informative reports on support of program activities, time and attendance records, leaves, terminations, new employees, transfers, fiscal expenditures and statistical records of performance data. Investigates problems and provides recommendations for solutions. Assists in planning and implementing improvements, including organizational changes and work systems. Expedites and coordinates services such as maintenance, repairs, supplies and mail. Interprets regulations and policies as required within the unit of assignment. Assists in the supervision of office operations including clerical work, internal reporting systems, forms, space and office equipment, and suggests methods for office improvements. Schedules and/or attends meetings and conferences, and prepares reports. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Reviews and prepares correspondence. Supervises the maintenance of records and files. Additional specific functions or duties as directed by supervisor. 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 Nation 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 N.J.S.A. 43:15A-61.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.
Experience
Three (3) years of military experience. One (1) year military experience at Battalion level or in a support unit. Supervisory experience desirable.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in NJ only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the methods and procedures of military related problems including management and their adaptation. Knowledge of division and department organization and state military forces. Knowledge of government budget and administrative practices and procedures. Knowledge of and familiarity with office management methods and procedures. Knowledge of survey techniques, statistical and research methods. Knowledge of military procedures and customs of service. Ability to prepare reports. Ability to analyze problems and data. Ability to edit, review and interpret complex technical material. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and others. 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. Completion of Branch Officer Basic Course or equivalent. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience as indicated on a year for year basis. Final Secret Clearance required. SUNL22N/AS22- SUN422N/AS23- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 12/23/2006