SENIOR OPERATIONS ANALYST
In New Jersey, Senior Operations Analyst is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
The stated bar is a bachelor's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY2027 range lands between $66,592 and $97,354, and state payroll lists a single employee in the title, at Law and Public Safety.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Department of Law & Public Safety posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 1 person working under this title. The median actual salary is $94,062. The agencies employing the most are:
- Law and Public Safety (1)
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 direction of a Principal Operations Analyst or other supervisor in a state department or agency, performs operational audits either working alone or as one of a team; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Under direction, performs operational audits either working alone or as one of a team. Performs a comprehensive and constructive examination of an organizational structure, or any component thereof, to evaluate its plans and objective, its means of operation, and its use of staff and physical facilities. Ascertains the extent of compliance with established department policies, plans, and procedures. Prepares internal audit programs based on departmental operating procedures and directives which guide the review and appraisal of financial and operating controls. Prepares and assembles work papers in accordance with accepted standards of the department. Prepares written agenda for and carries out audit conferences with department supervisors to discuss audit findings prior to submission of the final report. Prepares a tentative draft of the audit report for submission to the Principal Operations Analyst with the pertinent working papers. Assists department staff, when requested, in the investigation of the financial transactions and records involving the department. Prepares and assists with the preparation of clear, technically sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports of audits containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Maintains essential records and files. May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointee 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 and familiarity with the principles, methods and procedures used in internal auditing and their application to specific evaluations in accordance with statutory or established department operating procedures and directives. Knowledge of and familiarity with Department of Transportation policies and procedures. Ability to organize assigned technical operations analysis work, analyze audit problems, and develop effective work methods. Ability to make the required field investigations and to collect and assemble work papers relating to internal audits. Ability to compile, review, analyze, and interpret financial data. Ability to think and write in an organized and objective manner. Ability to apply established internal audit programs to specific appraisals dealing with department procedures and directive. Ability to be tactful and diplomatic in the performance of internal audits. Ability to collect extensive data and prepare reports, summaries, and statements relative to internal audits. Ability to maintain the essential records and files. Ability to learn 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, or 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 as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
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. Six (6) years of professional experience in the review and analysis of operating methods, procedures, and policies and in the preparation of reports thereon. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.