CHIEF BUREAU OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
Career Family: CHIEF
In New Jersey, Chief Bureau of Inspection and Enforcement is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
Qualifying takes a bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience. The FY2026 range lands between $106,547 and $157,363.
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.
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 direction of a director or other supervisory official in a state department or agency manages the work programs and staff involved in the inspection and enforcement of applicants, petitioner's and holders of licenses, permits and certificates; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Supervises the investigation of applicants for licenses, permits and certificates to determine the reliability of information provided in the applications and the ability of the applicant to provide service according to rules, regulations, and other provisions of law. Recommends the granting or denial of licenses, permits or certificates. Testifies, in formal cases, in such areas as operating practices, business methods, the strengths and weaknesses of the petitioner's proposals, conditions affecting the industry, and the public impact of a request. Coordinates or assists in the review of testimony of other parties. Assists in the preparation of testimony, cross-examination, briefs and exceptions to Administrative Law Judge findings, the courts or other governmental authorities. Participates in formal deliberations held under the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act; assists in the preparation of decisions and orders. Supervises the inspection of facilities, equipment and operations of assigned industries to ensure proper certification, licensing and compliance with terms and conditions. Supervises the investigation and resolution of complaints. Supervises the preparation of reports and correspondence. Manages work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Supervises the training and instruction of staff in the methods used to conduct inspection and enforcement tasks. Supervises the maintenance of records and files. 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
Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations and apply them to specific situations. Knowledge of the methods used to conduct inspections and investigations. Knowledge of the methods used to collect and analyze data. Knowledge of interviewing techniques. Ability to plan and supervise investigations. Ability to provide testimony in court. Ability to direct the organization, administration and assignment of work to subordinate personnel. Ability to supervise the investigation and resolution of complaints. Ability to supervise the conduct of investigation. Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of reports and correspondence. Ability to maintain 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
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. 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 conducting inspections, enforcement, and/or investigative work on applicants for licensure, certification, or other permits for industry, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. Experience may include areas such as fraud, standards of operation, working conditions, the environment, or public safety. 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. Experience may include areas such as fraud, standards of operation, working conditions, the environment, or public safety. "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.
Study guides for this exam
- Management Test Battery (MTB) National Learning Corporation · $52.95
- Manager/Administrator Test National Learning Corporation · $49.95 · general prep, not specific to this title
The Civil Service Commission does not publish official study guides or release past tests. These are independent equivalency guides.