SPECIAL AGENT TRAINEE

Code: 51342 State Competitive Range: FA95 (FY 2027) Work week NE: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $68,381.11 - $71,668.13/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 direction of the Supervising Special Agent or other supervisory official, in the Department of the Treasury, as a trainee and productive worker, learns to conduct intra and interstate investigative functions related to criminal and civil violations of New Jersey tax laws administered by the Division of Taxation; under close supervision, learns to recommend the initiation of legal proceedings against violators and assists in the preparation of legal documentation and presentment of evidence for prosecution in criminal and civil proceedings; does other related duties.

Examples of work

As a Trainee and productive worker: Participates in the conduct of undercover investigations and/or surveillance of limited complexity in cases where violations of criminal and civil statutes of the tax laws are suspected. Learns to develop and control informers, ensuring that strict secrecy and confidentiality are maintained. Learns to develop and maintain the cooperation of other law enforcement agencies in the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of tax law violators. Learns to make legal determinations regarding preparation of affidavits for search and seizure warrants and related documents involving apprehension and arrest procedures. Learns to collect and maintain evidence related to investigations of tax law violations. Participates in the interrogation of alleged tax law violators and witnesses, takes statements, and ensures that the constitutional rights of those questioned are upheld. Prepares investigative reports and related documentation according to directives from the Attorney General's office and/or the courts and/or management. Travels out of state for extended periods in the pursuance of criminal investigations. Appears at administrative, criminal, and civil proceedings as a witness and/or complainant and presents evidence as required. Learns to collect background data, conviction records and judgment orders to effect the proper and secure disposition of contraband, and assists in the physical removal of such contraband. As required, assists in making arrests and seizures as provided by law. (Arrest and peace officer powers confined to those activities provided by statute.) As necessary, operates various types of passenger and commercial vehicles. Prepares correspondence. Prepares clear, and informative reports of investigational activities containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Maintains records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the methods used to collect and assemble information. Knowledge of report preparation methods. Knowledge of the types of conduct that would constitute violation of civil or criminal laws. Ability to comprehend, analyze, and apply the provisions of New Jersey tax laws and the regulations, policies, standards, and procedures utilized in the Office of Criminal Investigations functions. Ability to organize technical investigative work, analyze enforcement problems and develop effective work methods. Ability to learn to conduct confidential and special investigations. Ability to learn to assume and maintain custody of persons placed under arrest and use restraining devices in the performance of these duties. Ability to work under adverse conditions and at any hour of the day, and among the dangers involved in dealing with hardened and possible armed criminals. Ability to learn to handle and use firearms safely and properly with caution and skill. Ability to prepare correspondence. Ability to prepare investigative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability 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 as long as 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. ADVANCEMENT Appointees who successfully complete the required twelve-month training period will be eligible for advancement to the title, Special Agent 3, in accordance with Merit System procedure. The inability to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to the title listed above shall be considered as cause for separation.

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. 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. Four (4) years of professional experience conducting investigations, collecting evidence, and/or preparing investigative reports related to criminal and/or civil matters involving fraud, misrepresentation, or other acts of criminal and/or civil misconduct, or as a police officer performing criminal follow-up investigations (not preliminary investigations). OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions. Appointees to the title of Special Agent Trainee will be required to satisfactorily complete all training courses mandated by the Police Training Commission (PTC), including the completion of instruction in the proper use of firearms during the Trainee period. Failure to satisfactorily complete the course is considered cause for separation. Candidates certified from the eligible list for this title will be required to undergo medical and psychological examinations administered by the appointing authority. Any psychological, medical or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient performance of the duties of the position, cause the appointee to be a hazard to himself/herself or others, or become aggravated as a result of performance of these duties, will be cause for rejection and/or removal from the eligible list. The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority.