Environmental Engineer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Open to: General Public
Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week
Salary:(P95) $66,894.99 (non-negotiable)
Opening Date: 6/15/2026
Closing Date: 7/6/2026
Existing Vacancies: 6
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Air, Energy and Materials Sustainability
Division of Sustainable Waste Management
Bureau of Recycling and Hazardous Waste Management (4 positions)
Bureau of Solid Waste Permitting (2 positions)
401 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the close supervision of a supervisory official, in an Environmental Engineering Program in a State department, institution, agency, or local government agency, learns to conduct routine surveys, studies, inspections, and/or investigations relating to the improvement and/or monitoring of environmental conditions; learns to review engineering plans; learns to gather data, and research and analyze information as it relates to the enforcement of environmental laws/regulations; does other related duties as required.
Specific to the Position
Bureau of Recycling and Hazardous Waste Management
This position will conduct technical reviews of hazardous waste facilities, and waste classifications, to ensure they are constructed and operated in accordance with the requirements of the Solid Waste Management Act as well as the Solid Waste, Hazardous Waste, and Recycling Regulations. The candidate will prepare engineering reports, conduct and manage reviews for hazardous waste facility permit applications, waste classifications, research, development and demonstration projects, and draft permit conditions to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Bureau of Solid Waste Permitting
The position requires reviewing permit applications and preparing approvals for solid waste landfills. In addition to permits for operating landfills, the position involves reviewing closure plans and disruption plans for non-operating landfills while ensuring that the applications and activities being authorized are in compliance with the Solid Waste Regulations and applicable guidance and are protective of human health and the environment. Performs site visits to existing or potential solid waste facilities to ensure compliance with permitted solid waste operations. The position may also be responsible for NJPDES-Discharge to Groundwater Permits for closed landfills. In addition, reviews documentation submitted by applicants as follow-up to issuance of such Permits.
Preferred Skill-Set
The candidate must possess strong technical, organizational, analytical and research skills. The candidate must also have exceptional oral and written communication skills with experience in public speaking.
Requirements
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental, Ocean, Coastal, Bio-Resource, Biomedical, Sanitary, Industrial, Agricultural, or Mining Engineering, or other field of engineering related to the environment.
NOTE: An Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification issued by the Division of Consumer Affairs, New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, may be substituted for the above education requirement. Applicants must submit proof of the EIT certification and the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam results. The area of discipline indicated on the FE exam results must be in Chemical, Civil, Environmental, Industrial & Systems, Mechanical, or other disciplines.
NOTE: All U.S. degrees and transcripts must be from an accredited college or university. All foreign degrees and transcripts must be evaluated for accreditation by a recognized evaluation service by the closing date of this posting. Failure to provide documentation may result in ineligibility
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.
Benefits
As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Benefit Leave
• Holiday Pay
• Alternative Workweek Program*
• Telework*
• Pension
• Deferred Compensation
• Health Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance
• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Commuter Tax Savings Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Tuition Reimbursement*

*Pursuant to the State/Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.
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 visit SAME Program, 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.