RESOURCE INTERPRETIVE SPECIALIST 1, NATURAL RESOURCES

Code: 54406C State Competitive Range: P20 (FY 2027) Work week NE: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $63,662.98 - $92,953.28/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 close supervision of a Resource Interpretive Specialist 4, or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), performs work involved in the development and implementation of natural resource-themed educational and interpretive programs; assists in coordinating research, publishing, and publicizing information related to natural resource interpretation and scheduled events; assists in monitoring the use and stewardship of a natural resource facility and related resources; conducts research, interprets data, and presents findings on topics related to New Jersey's natural resources; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Assists in developing interpretive and educational programs at a natural resource facility in a state forest, park, or other similar area. Assists in conducting 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 other natural resource facility; interprets and explains the ecological and scientific significance of the site and its resources. Assists in developing audience-specific interpretive and educational programs, events, exhibits, and digital media posts to raise public awareness and appreciation of a site's natural resource history and significance. Assists with collaborative efforts with educators and other subject matter experts on proposed content or interpretive and/or educational programs for students visiting the facility and prepares pre- and post-visit materials. Assists in coordinating distinct educational and interpretive programs and events related to natural resources in collaboration with appropriate staff. These activities may include supporting a professional development training program for teachers. Conducts research using both primary and secondary sources and interprets the findings. Incorporates key elements into the design, development, and implementation of special projects or environmental and/or natural resource events, programs, and exhibits. Assists in arranging environmental and/or natural resource public events, programs, and digital media posts. Assists in drafting content on environmental and/or natural resource topics, including illustrations and text for publications and digital media posts. Also assists with the development of publications involving artwork and informational graphics. Assists in implementing creative strategies for developing and updating exhibits, brochures, digital media posts, and other program publications related to the natural resources and recreational activities at a state park, forest, natural area, or other state land or facility. Provides recommendations for program 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, pamphlets, and other publications. Assists in researching and compiling information on environmental and/or natural resource topics, sharing insights to raise awareness, educate, and inform visitors, and provide details about the facility's recreational activities, thereby enhancing the visitor experience. Assists in conducting natural resources stewardship projects with a focus on public awareness and education. Specific activities may include conservation efforts aimed at invasive species management, habitat creation, and/or restoration. Gathers information about the vendor bidding process for environmental and/or natural resource program brochures and supplies, and reports findings to a supervisor. Assists in creating and updating program publications, including site guides, booklets, and brochures that detail the site's environmental and/or natural resources, and additional information about other state facilities. Ensures they are consistent with the established editorial policies for both content and style. Assists in organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops by providing background and written information to participants and other interested parties as needed, under the direction of a supervisor. Assists in collaborative efforts with the academic community and partner organizations to develop environmental and/or natural resource educational programs and initiatives for the facility. Provides technical assistance to visitors or other interested parties in response to routine or basic inquiries. Performs routine care and maintenance of educational displays and supplies at a natural resource facility. Prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Assists 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 when necessary to ensure conservation. Assists in coordinating natural and/or historic resources and stewardship projects with a focus on public awareness and education. Specific activities may include conservation efforts aimed at invasive species management or habitat creation. Assists in identifying, developing, maintaining, and providing information about interpretive facilities in both newly acquired and existing areas. Stays informed about new developments in natural resource management techniques and technologies to ensure conservation. Assists in investigating complaints concerning alleged violations of rules and regulations governing forests, parks, and/or natural areas within the state. May assist in developing site-specific interpretive and exhibit plans to enhance public education and visitor engagement. May assist with grant-writing, including researching appropriate funding sources and drafting applications. 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

One (1) year 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. NOTE: 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 the required experience.

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 for articles, and content for program events and featured exhibits in various formats. This includes publications, displays, exhibits, brochures, websites, social media, and other digital or print media. Knowledge of basic natural resource management principles and practices. Ability to assist in developing and delivering educational and interpretive programs related to environmental and/or natural resource topics. Ability to apply the basic principles of natural interpretation and to follow relevant guidelines for developing educational programs. Ability to assist in acquiring the artwork, exhibit items, or graphic arts content necessary for creating and maintaining publications, exhibits, and digital media posts for an environmental or natural resource program. Ability to recommend creative concepts for articles, displays, or features on environmental and natural resource topics for publications, print and digital media posts, especially on social media. Ability to assist staff who coordinate activities with program volunteers. Ability to assist in conducting interpretive programs for diverse audiences of varying ages and backgrounds. Ability to assist in implementing interpretive and educational programs, and plan environmental or natural resource events. Ability to research, compile, and analyze information. Ability to prepare, review, and edit various types of written material. Ability to assist with the preparation of technical and other informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to draft correspondence for review by a supervisor. Ability to assist in conducting interpretive programs that highlight specific points of interest in each natural area of a state facility and to interpret their ecological and natural significance. Ability to assist in preparing, selecting, and arranging suitable photographic and illustrative materials on environmental and/or natural resource topics for articles and program publications. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, program volunteers, and other state, federal, non-profit, and community partners. Ability to assist in planning state environmental or natural resource events. Ability to assist in identifying and reporting hazardous or detrimental conditions, such as damage or misuse, and assist in conducting basic preventive maintenance of a natural resource facility. 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 assist in investigating complaints concerning alleged violations of laws and regulations governing forests, parks, or natural areas. Ability to perform routine care and maintenance of the educational displays and supplies at a natural resource facility. 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.