RESOURCE INTERPRETIVE SPECIALIST 2, NATURAL RESOURCES

Code: 54405C State Competitive Range: P22 (FY 2027) Work week NE: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $69,668.2 - $101,950.9/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 the limited supervision of a Resource Interpretive Specialist 4, or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), performs the more complex work involved in the development and implementation of natural resource-themed educational and interpretive programs; coordinates research, publishing, and publicizing information related to natural resource interpretation and scheduled events; monitors the use and stewardship of a natural resource facility and related resources; conducts advanced research, interprets data, and presents findings on topics related to New Jersey's natural resources; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Conducts interpretive programs, lectures, classes, educational programs, and/or guided tours as part of an interpretive or educational program for various groups at a state park, forest, natural area, or natural resource facility. Interprets and explains the ecological and scientific significance of the site and its resources. Develops and implements audience-specific interpretive and educational programs, events, exhibits, and digital media posts designed to raise public awareness and appreciation of the site's natural resources and to highlight their environmental significance. Collaborates with higher-level staff in implementing the Statewide Interpretive Plan at a natural resource facility by developing and delivering site-specific interpretive program initiatives. Evaluates existing programs using the criteria established in the State Plan. May assist in training staff and volunteers in natural resource interpretation, facility maintenance, daily program procedures, and the operating functions of a natural resource facility. Stays informed about new developments in natural resource management techniques and technologies. Conducts research using both primary and secondary sources and interprets the findings. Incorporates key elements into the design, development, and implementation of special projects for environmental and/or natural resource events, programs, and exhibits. Organizes, plans, and presents at public events and programs related to environmental and/or natural resources while also maintaining a comprehensive event calendar for the site, which is shared with appropriate staff members. Drafts content on environmental and/or natural resource topics, including illustrations and text for publications and digital media posts. Recommends and implements strategies for creating and updating exhibits, digital media posts, and program publications such as books, brochures, other printed or digital content related to the natural resources and recreational activities in a state park, forest, natural area, or other state land, or facility. Reviews program publications and brochures for both content and style. Develops, implements, and coordinates natural resource stewardship projects with a 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 and develops displays and exhibits as part of a natural resource interpretive program. Ensures that display and brochure racks are professional, clean, and fully stocked. Coordinates and compiles research efforts on environmental and natural resource topics, and shares insights to raise awareness, educate the public, and inform visitors about recreational opportunities, thereby enhancing the visitor experience. Gathers information about the vendor bidding process for program brochures and supplies related to environmental and/or natural resource topics. Updates program publications, including site guides and other booklets and brochures that contain details about the site's environmental and/or natural resources, and additional information about state facilities. Implements the established editorial policies for content creation and publications, ensuring that deadlines are met while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy. Coordinates routine care and maintenance of the educational displays and supplies at a natural resource facility. Prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Assists in planning and developing daily, weekly, and monthly work schedules for employees and volunteers. Organizes conferences, seminars, and workshops by providing background and written information to participants and other interested parties as needed. Provides technical assistance to visitors or other interested parties in response to routine or basic inquiries. Collaborates with the academic community and partner organizations to develop environmental and/or natural resource educational programs and initiatives for the facility. Monitors 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. Collaborates with educators and other interested parties to develop the content for interpretive and/or educational programs and prepares pre- and post-visit materials. Coordinates distinct interpretive programs and events in collaboration with appropriate staff. These activities may include supporting the continuous implementation of natural resource training, and a professional development program for teachers. Develops and implements site-specific interpretive and exhibit plans for enhancing public education and visitor engagement. May provide guidance and assistance to lower-level specialists and others involved in the work of the unit. Investigates complaints concerning alleged violations of rules and regulations governing forests, parks, and/or natural areas within the state. May be required to research appropriate grant opportunities, prepare applications, and assist with managing the awarded funds. Identifies, develops, maintains, and provides information about interpretive facilities in both newly acquired and existing areas. Establishes and maintains essential records and files. 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; or a bachelor's degree in education that includes or is supplemented by eighteen (18) credits in any combination of the previously listed areas.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in any of the following areas: researching and preparing environmental or natural resource information; managing natural resources; interpreting natural resources; or implementing environmental, environmental education, or natural resource programs.

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 the basic principles of interpretation and guidelines for developing natural resource interpretive or educational programs. Knowledge about the methods for developing and delivering effective educational and interpretive programs related to environmental or natural resource topics. Knowledge of the natural resources, as well as the flora and fauna of New Jersey. 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, websites, and other digital or print media layouts. Knowledge of natural resource management principles and practices. Knowledge of the methods used for acquiring the artwork, exhibit items, or graphic arts content for creating and maintaining publications, exhibits, and digital media posts for an environmental and/or natural resource program. Ability to recommend creative concepts for articles and features on environmental and natural resource topics for publications, print or digital media, especially on social media. Ability to coordinate activities with volunteers. Ability to communicate effectively with audiences of diverse ages and backgrounds. Ability to conduct interpretive programs with diverse audiences of varying ages and backgrounds. Ability to implement interpretive and educational programs and plan environmental and/or natural resource events. Ability to research, compile, and analyze 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 establish and maintain essential records and files. Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, and basic rules and regulations in a state facility. Ability to prepare, select, and arrange suitable photographic and illustrative content for articles on environmental and/or natural resource topics. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, program volunteers, and other state, federal, non-profit, and community partners. Ability to plan state environmental and/or natural resource events. Ability to evaluate interpretive and/or educational programs, assess the effectiveness, and implement improvements as needed. Ability to conduct interpretive programs that highlight key points of interest in natural areas of a state facility and interpret their ecological and natural significance. Ability to identify and report hazardous and detrimental conditions, such as damage and misuse, and conduct basic preventive maintenance of a site and its resources when assigned to a natural resource facility. Ability to investigate complaints concerning alleged violations of laws and regulations governing forests, parks, or natural areas. Ability to provide guidance and assistance to lower-level specialists and others involved in the work of the unit. 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; or a master's degree in education 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.