PRINCIPAL STAFF OFFICER 3
Career Family: PRINCIPAL STAFF OFFICER
Principal Staff Officer 3 is an unclassified role, so it is appointed at the discretion of the hiring authority and does not carry the usual exam-and-tenure track.
It is the lowest-paid of the 3 Principal Staff Officer grades, a step below Principal Staff Officer 2, whose band tops out about $17,672 higher. The stated bar is a bachelor's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $79,844 and $117,228, and state payroll currently lists 6 people in the title, led by 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
Principal Staff Officer 3 appears on the State payroll at 2 departments, most of them at Military Affairs.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Military Affairs | 3 |
| Veterans Affairs | 3 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Principal Staff Officer series
- Principal Staff Officer 3 — $79,844 – $117,228 (this title)
- Principal Staff Officer 2 — $91,628 – $134,900
- Principal Staff Officer 1 — $100,498 – $148,187
Promoting to Principal Staff Officer 2 raises the top of the band by about $17,672. Its top salary lands around the 63rd 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 6 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $113,264. The agencies employing the most are:
- Military Affairs (3)
- Veterans Affairs (3)
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 General Staff Officer, Executive Director, or Principal Staff Officer, Department of Military Affairs or Department of Veterans Affairs, assists higher level staff officers by implementing plans and policies as directed and directs execution of administrative matters pertinent to the organization; Supervises the work of subordinates; does other related work as required.
Examples of work
Serves as the military aide to the Governor as required. Monitors correspondence and reports from Departmental agencies and subordinate units of the New Jersey Army & Air National Guard for compliance with established policies. Establishes priorities and formulates plans for fulfilling current and projected administration requirements within the Bureau. Provides recommendations and advises the director on matters pertaining managing resources, funding, manpower, equipment, and facilities. Develops the Bureaus budget and maintains appropriate fiscal accounts. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Assists in the preparation of estimates and plans and the supervision of such plans. Participates in special studies and projects pertaining to organization and training problems. Analyzes the preparation of reports and/or statistics. Conducts surveys and studies. Manages resources, funds, manpower, equipment, and facilities to achieve maximum support to units and other agencies within the Department of Military Affairs or Department of Veterans Affairs. Reviews and prepares correspondence. Supervises the maintenance of records and files. May perform other functions or duties as directed by the General Staff Officer, Executive Director, or Principal Staff Officer. 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 appointment to this position. Subsequent to appointment, should the incumbent cease to be an active member of the New Jersey National Guard for any reason, his term of employment may be extended by the Adjutant General 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 experience as either an Officer or Warrant Officer at company or battalion level
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 organization structure, policies, standards, and objectives of the Department. Knowledge of mobilization requirements and procedures. Knowledge of management and supervisory tactics. Ability to develop plans for Command, Staff Conferences, and special briefing sessions. Ability to prepare adequate military and civilian lesson plans and training techniques. Ability to instruct staff. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with the general public on matters concerning the activities of the Department. Ability to prepare periodic reports. 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
Successful completion of military courses equivalent to the level of the U.S. Army Branch Officer Career Course. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience as indicated on a year for year basis. Must possess a Final Secret Clearance.