Economic Research Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Open to: General Public
Work Week: Up to 35 hours per week (5 days per week)
Hourly Rate: Sliding Scale based on Education Level ($19-$24 Per Hour)
Opening Date: 7/7/2026
Closing Date: 7/28/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1
Internship Length: 9/21/2026- 12/11/2026
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Community Investment and Economic Revitalization
Office of Economic Analysis
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.
Program Description
Community Investment & Economic Revitalization (CIER) supports sustainable economic growth that restores, preserves, and protects New Jersey's natural, cultural, and historic resources through coordinating and promoting DEP initiatives at the intersection of environmental, social, and economic improvement.
Specific to the Position
The Office of Economic Analysis seeks a college intern to support applied research and policy analysis on environmental and economic issues affecting New Jersey. The intern will help collect and organize data, review policy and academic literature, summarize findings, prepare charts and brief memos, and assist staff with analyses related to rulemaking, affordability, climate risk, infrastructure, and environmental programs. This position offers hands-on experience with how economic evidence is used to inform public policy and state decision-making.
Preferred Skillset: Strong analytical, research, and written communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to organize and interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
Preferred Area of Study: Seeking individuals (ideally junior, senior, or graduate student) enrolled at an accredited university/college studying economics, environmental economics, environmental policy, public policy, environmental science, data analytics, statistics, or a similar degree area.
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.
Employee Benefits
TES / Hourly employee benefits include:

• Earned Sick Time*
• Enrollment in Defined Contribution Retirement Plan upon meeting minimum earnings threshold

*Earn one hour of earned sick leave for every 30 hours you work
SAME Applicants
If you are applying under the NJ SAME program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter) must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME program, please email [email protected], or call CSC at (609) 292-4144 and select Option #3.
Veteran's Preference
To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated. For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service-preference/
Residency
All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the "New Jersey First Act".
Authorization to Work
Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations. NOTE: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of New Jersey seeks to increase the richness and diversity of its workforce, and in doing so, become the employer of choice for all people seeking to work in State Government. To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and employ a diverse workforce, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few brief questions on the NJ Affirmative Action Information Form. All information is considered confidential and will be filed separately with the agency's affirmative action officer. This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision.
DEP Notices of Vacancy have a 4:00 p.m. deadline on the closing date. When filing for these opportunities, please be sure to have your letter of interest and credentials sent electronically before 4 p.m. on the closing date.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations under ADA will be provided upon request.