Many
people are interested in employment with the N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife. All
permanent, full-time professional positions within this and other state agencies are filled from certification lists maintained by the N.J. Department of Personnel (DOP). Information about state employment and current vacancies is available at the DOP's website, www.nj.gov/personnel/, or by calling 609-777-0916. Employment opportunities within DEP are listed at www.nj.gov/dep/jobs/. It is advisable to apply for any vacancy/title that is related to the field you wish to enter. Even if a vacancy is not in a location you are interested in, if you are eligible to apply you should - taking and passing an exam will place you on a list for future vacancies.
Most professional positions within the Division of Fish and Wildlife require a bachelors degree with a major in one of the following, or related, fields: wildlife management, fisheries management, natural resources management, environmental science, wildlife biology, or fisheries biology. Often a major outside these areas will be acceptable provided adequate related course work has been performed, but that is a Department of Personnel decision. Each DOP announcement specifies educational requirements.
Many
people are interested in becoming a Conservation Officer (CO). Among the stringent requirements for a Conservation Officer is a Bachelor's degree in one of the Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies or Environmental Science. The Bachelor's degree must include or be supplemented by twenty-four (24) semester hour credits in any combination of the following areas: Fisheries Science, Wildlife Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management or Biological Science. One (1) year of experience in law enforcement, environmental enforcement activities, wildlife science, fisheries science, or environmental science is also a requirement.
Deputy Conservation Officers are volunteers who meet stringent requirements and make an investment of around $1000 for
equipment. Deputies work under the direct supervision of an officer and are required to volunteer a minimum of 80 hours per year of actual assistance. Interested parties are advised to contact a local Division law office to inquire as to the current need.
NOTE: The deputy program is presently under review and applications are NOT being accepted at this time.
Occasionally,
seasonal employment is available at our fish hatcheries, Lebanon Freshwater Fisheries Field Office and Nacote Creek Marine Lab, with our deer project and with the Endangered and Nongame Species Program. See the Contact Us page for the facility or program you are interested in and phone to inquire. Many permanent employees begin in a seasonal position.
The
Governor's Summer Employment Program often leads to jobs in this agency and in the Division
of Parks and Forestry. Call 609-777-2230 for information.
Another
option, and often a first step toward employment, is joining the division's volunteer wing, the Wildlife Conservation Corps. It is an excellent way to gain practical experience and make valuable contacts. Visit the WCC Homepage to learn more. Good
luck in your career search!
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