RESOURCE INTERPRETIVE SPECIALIST 3
Career Family: RESOURCE INTERPRETIVE SPECIALIST
Resource Interpretive Specialist 3 is a state title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
It is a middle Resource Interpretive Specialist grade, between Resource Interpretive Specialist 2, Historic below and the better-paid Resource Interpretive Specialist 4 above. Candidates need a bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $77,144 to $113,264, and state payroll currently lists about 25 people in the title, most of them at Environmental Protection.
How to get hired
- Watch for an open-competitive announcement for Resource Interpretive Specialist 3 on the NJ Civil Service Commission jobs portal. Announcements run for a fixed filing window.
- Apply during that window and sit the examination. Depending on the title, that can be a written test, a rating of your training and experience, or a mix of the two.
- Passing scores go onto a ranked eligible list. Veterans get preference points added on top of their score.
- When an agency has a vacancy it must appoint from the top of that list under the "Rule of Three." Many competitive jobs are first filled provisionally while the list is being built.
Read the official specification at NJ Civil Service Commission.
Pay ladder: Resource Interpretive Specialist series
- Resource Interpretive Specialist 1, Natural Resources — $61,510 – $89,810
- Resource Interpretive Specialist 2, Historic — $67,312 – $98,503
- Resource Interpretive Specialist 3 — $77,144 – $113,264 (this title)
- Resource Interpretive Specialist 4 — $88,530 – $130,339
Promoting to Resource Interpretive Specialist 4 raises the top of the band by about $17,075. Its top salary lands around the 55th 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 25 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $106,040. The agencies employing the most are:
- Environmental Protection (25)
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 the general supervision of a Resource Interpretive Specialist 4, or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), performs complex work coordinating natural and/or historical resource-themed educational and interpretive programs; takes the lead in the research, publication, and publicizing of information related to environmental, historical, and/or natural resource interpretation; develops and leads environmental, historical, and/or natural resources educational and interpretive programs; monitors the use and stewardship of a natural or historical resource facility and related resources; provides recommendations for program events, materials, activities, and policies; functions in a lead work capacity; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Organizes and implements site-specific interpretive and educational public events, displays, exhibits, tours, and programs related to environmental, natural, and/or historical resources. Maintains the associated publications and digital media posts, including artwork and informational graphics. Coordinates strategies for creating and updating exhibits, digital media posts, and program publications, such as books, brochures, and other printed materials. Additional duties include reviewing program publications and brochures for both content and style. Coordinates displays and exhibits as part of a natural resource interpretive program. Ensures that display and brochure racks are professional, clean, and fully stocked. Maintains program publications by ordering and distributing relevant brochures and pamphlets. Coordinates interpretive and educational programs, lectures, and classes for groups of various ages and interest levels at a state park, forest, natural area, or natural resource, or historical facility. Interprets and explains the ecological, scientific, or historical significance of the site and its resources. Coordinates research efforts using both primary and secondary sources and interprets the findings. Incorporates key elements into the design, development, and implementation of special projects for environmental, historical, and resource events, programs, and exhibits. Oversees staff on environmental and natural resource topics, sharing insights to raise public awareness, inform visitors, educate the public, enhance the visitor experience, and provide details about the facility's recreational activities. Responsibilities may also include developing and implementing the visitor and public educational programs. Oversees staff in efforts to research primary and secondary sources related to the subject matter at a historic resource facility. Recommends editorial policies on content and style to supervisory officials. Coordinates and attends conferences, seminars, and workshops, providing background and written information to participants and other interested parties as needed. Leads collaboration with vendors to manage and exchange information on graphic design concepts, printing, and photography for various publications, ensuring that program materials meet project specifications, guidelines, and set editorial standards. Coordinates the implementation and maintenance of a system for referencing the procedures and graphic design elements used in developing historical resource content for program materials and supplies as part of a public information initiative. Tracks project timelines to ensure that all program milestones are completed by established deadlines. Proactively identifies and addresses any issues that may arise, and escalates critical delays to a Resource Interpretive Specialist 4 or another supervisory official for guidance or further action. Drafts correspondence to provide updates and communicate with staff, the public, and other stakeholders. Collaborates with authors to oversee and monitor the submission of illustrations for articles about historical, environmental, and/or natural resource events, ensuring timely and accurate delivery. Develops audio, video, and digital content for educational programs on historical, natural, or environmental resource topics. Designs, executes, and leads training programs and workshops for interpretive and/or educational staff and volunteers, and recommends additional training opportunities with other organizations when beneficial. Directs officials and the news media to the designated authority regarding the Statewide Interpretive Plan. Collaborates with facility staff to implement the plan within their assigned facility. Coordinates the use of historic resource facilities with local historical, educational, and social groups to ensure their proper use. Collaborates with field educators and other interested parties to develop content for interpretive and educational programs and prepares pre- and post-visit materials. Coordinates planning and development of daily, weekly, and monthly work schedules for employees and volunteers. Coordinates activities to identify, locate, and procure historical objects, artifacts, and materials for use in newly created or updated curated collections and exhibits for the facility's interpretive programs. Coordinates the maintenance of a collection of artifacts at a historic house museum or village. May also be responsible for supervising curatorial care, the preservation of historical objects, artifacts, and collections, and general museum upkeep using modern techniques and methods. Performs advanced curatorial care and coordinates museum maintenance, including the proper storage of collections, and monitors exhibit and storage areas for potential environmental issues when assigned to a historic resource facility. Guides staff in maintaining storage areas for artifacts and museum collections, ensuring that proper conditions are established and maintained and that these areas are properly monitored for potential problems or issues. Guides staff in monitoring the use of natural resources in a park, forest, or natural area by inspecting the site for deficiencies such as overuse or damage and notifying the appropriate authorities to ensure conservation when assigned to a historical resource facility. Supervises natural resource stewardship projects that focus on public awareness and education. Specific activities may include conservation efforts aimed at invasive species management, as well as habitat creation and restoration. Coordinates investigations of complaints concerning alleged violations of rules and regulations governing forests, parks, and/or natural areas. Coordinates training for staff and volunteers in historical or natural resource interpretation, museum maintenance, daily program procedures, and the operating functions of a historical or natural resource facility. Supervises distinct environmental or historical resource interpretive programs and events in collaboration with appropriate staff. These activities may include supporting the continuous implementation of teaching training programs. Acts as a liaison to the academic community and relevant partner organizations concerning environmental or historical educational programs and initiatives. Stays informed about new developments in natural resource management and/or museum curation techniques and technologies and advises lower-level staff accordingly. Provides technical assistance to visitors or other interested parties in response to complex inquiries. Assists supervisory officials with grant applications, preparing and reviewing budgets and spending plans, assessing capital projects, and planning land acquisition programs related to the interpretation and preservation of natural resources and historic sites. Takes the lead over lower-level resource interpretive specialists, volunteers, and other staff on work-related matters. May review the work of lower-level resource interpretive specialists for accuracy and consistency. Establishes and maintains essential records and files. Prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. 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.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in ecology, forestry, earth science, natural resource management, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental education, wildlife management, sustainability, a biological science, or a closely related natural or environmental scientific field, history, American History, art history, architectural history, American Studies, American Literature, anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, or a closely related historical or museum studies field; or a bachelor's degree in education, or English that includes or is supplemented by eighteen (18) credits in any combination of the previously listed areas.
Experience
Three (3) years of experience in any of the following areas: managing historical or natural resources, researching and preparing environmental, natural resource, or historical resource information; interpreting natural, or historical resources; implementing environmental, environmental education, or natural or historical resource programs; or planning, preparing, and caring for museum exhibits, artistic or historical artifacts, or museum curation.
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 research methods and techniques. Knowledge of the methods used to write and edit text and content for articles on program events and featured exhibits in various formats, including publications, brochures, and websites, and other digital or print media layouts. Knowledge of natural and historical resource management principles and practices. Knowledge of the methods used to prepare museum exhibits and displays. Knowledge of graphic design layout and publishing methods used in developing and maintaining environmental, historical, and natural resource publications. Knowledge of the methods for acquiring the artwork, exhibit items, or graphic arts content necessary for creating and maintaining publications, exhibits, and digital media posts for environmental, natural resource, or historical programs. Knowledge of the methods used to handle and protect museum objects. Ability to recommend and implement creative concepts for articles and features on environmental, historical, and/or natural resource topics for program events and publications. Ability to coordinate the research, compilation, and analysis of information. Ability to prepare, review, and edit various types of written material. Ability to prepare technical and other informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to draft correspondence. Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, and basic rules and regulations in a state facility. Ability to establish and maintain essential records and files. Ability to provide leadership and guidance to lower-level resource interpretive specialists and volunteers. Ability to communicate effectively with audiences of diverse ages and backgrounds. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, program volunteers, and other state, federal, and non-profit community partners. Ability to plan State environmental, historical, and/or natural resource events, and to serve as a liaison with other government offices and private entities. Ability to evaluate interpretive and/or educational programs, assess their effectiveness, and implement improvements as needed. Ability to oversee the cataloging of museum objects using current museum methods and practices. Ability to identify issues arising in a historical museum, analyze problems, and implement solutions. Ability to plan and lead staff in conducting guided tours that highlight key points of interest in natural areas or historic settings, while interpreting their natural, ecological, and historical significance. Ability to oversee staff efforts to identify and report hazardous and detrimental conditions, such as damage or misuse, and to conduct basic preventive maintenance of a site and its resources. Ability to lead investigations of complaints concerning alleged violations of laws and regulations governing forests, parks, or natural areas. Ability to oversee the maintenance of historical sites and museums, ensuring they remain authentic, clean, safe, and visually appealing. Ability to coordinate the preparation of photographic and illustrative content for articles on environmental, historical, and/or natural resource topics. 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.
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. A master's degree in ecology, forestry, earth science, natural resource management, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental education, wildlife management, sustainability, a biological science, or a closely related natural or environmental scientific field, history, American History, American Literature, art history, architectural history, anthropology, archaeology, American Studies, museum studies, or a closely related historical or museum studies field; or a master's degree in education, or English that includes or is supplemented by nine (9) credits in any combination of the previously listed areas may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. Appointees may be required to obtain a bond from an appropriate agency that manages artifacts and/or collections.