MANAGER 1 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MERIT SYSTEM PRACTICES

Code: 56883D State Unclassified Range: M32 (FY 2027)

Salary: $71,878.65 - $100,638.17/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 a supervisory official in the Department of Personnel, directs the formulation of legislative policy; prepares advisory replies interpreting application of Merit System Board rules and regulatory matters to guide the Commissioner and department divisions in their administrative decisions; is responsible for organizing and administering work programs and employee activities of a major program of the organization; is responsible for formulation of policies and procedures of the Merit System Board and the department; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Directs the development of rules, regulations, and orders that may be required to implement statutory authority powers and duties of the Merit System Board (MSB) and department. Directs the formulation of policies and procedures. Plans, organizes, and directs department activities related to appeals of every nature coming before the MSB including plenary hearing appeals arising from discipline by state or local appointing authorities, examination reviews, classification appeals, sick leave injury appeals, grievances, and general administrative appeals. Formulates related policies and procedures and the hearing program of the MSB including responsibility for administrative support functions and overall supervision of professional and clerical staff responsible for the preparation of meetings and public hearings. Reviews hearing reports and decision drafts before submission to the MSB, and supervises completion of assignments from the MSB. Reviews formal decisions, orders, and reports to ensure their compliance with appropriate laws as they effect the administrative and regulatory functions of the Board to ensure that they conform to established Board policy and precedents. Oversees all activities with respect to labor relations including: attendance at negotiations or the supervision of staff attending such negotiations; preparation of policy statements and assistance in formulation of policy by the Commissioner of the Board; and preparation of advisory memoranda to the department and outside departments or agencies with respect to labor relations activities where merit principles are involved. Directs the formulation of legislative policy including planning, organizing, and directing all department activity with respect to drafting of legislation and implementing rules and policy statements which are issued to state or local agencies by the Commissioner or the MSB. Coordinates the training and development plan for assigned personnel. Reviews and recommends corrective action to ensure effective delivery of services to the public and other clients. Prepares correspondence in the official course of duties. Provides assignments and directions to subordinate staff to achieve organizational objectives. Manages work operations and/or functional programs, and has responsibility for evaluating employees and effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. Will 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 Department of Personnel rules and regulations and their interpretation and application including cases used as precedents after a period of training. Knowledge of administrative law theory. Knowledge of the review, analysis, and reporting on potential effect of legislation, actual or proposed, on department policies. Knowledge of developments in public labor law which may effect department policy or labor negotiations, as well as the law, rules, theories, principles, and practices of public sector labor relations. Knowledge of the formulation and preparation of information and technically correct reports and correspondence. Ability to prepare advisory opinions based on the Civil Service Act, related statutes, or Merit System Rules and Regulations as required by department staff and state and local appointing authorities. Ability to coordinate assigned work relating to Civil Service law, regulations, hearings, and appeals, to analyze varied problems arising therein, and to develop appropriate work methods. Ability to provide accurate advice to the Commissioner and MSB regarding existing interpretation of Civil Service law and regulations and related law and their effect on department policy. Ability to prepare position papers and advisory memoranda pertaining to Civil Service law or related statues and Merit System Rules and Regulations as required including advisory correspondence. Ability to direct the review of hearing transcripts and exceptions or briefs by parties or attorneys, and to prepare technical comments thereon. Ability to maintain statistics and collate pertinent legal documents. Ability to prepare extensive correspondence in the course of official duties. Ability to prepare clear, legally sound, accurate, and informative reports of legal and related department or Board matters. Ability to evaluate program performance and develop alternative methods to improve performance and meet established objectives. Ability to assign, instruct, and supervise professional, technical, and other employees, and to effectively evaluate their performance. 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. CODES: 32/M32- RKR/hw 10/12/96

Note

The definition and 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. Nine (9) years of professional experience in legal research involving employment laws and their rules and regulations, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a Juris Doctor degree; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. "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.