OEJ-2026-3i Environmental Justice Research Intern

Position Title

Temporary Student (College)

Location and Work Schedule

Trenton, NJ Up to 35 hours per week (5 days per week)

Compensation

Hourly Rate: Sliding Scale based on Education Level ($19-$24 Per Hour)

Application Timeline

• Opening Date: 7/1/2026
• Closing Date: 7/22/2026
• Existing Vacancies: 1

Internship Details

• Internship Length: 9/21/2026 - 12/11/2026
• Program/Location: Department of Environmental Protection Office of the Commissioner Office of Environmental Justice 401 East State Street Trenton, NJ 08625

Program Description

The Office of Environmental Justice aims to improve the quality of life in New Jersey's most vulnerable communities by educating and empowering communities who are often outside of government decision-making processes and guiding DEP's programs and other state departments and agencies in implementing environmental justice. OEJ focuses on three main priorities:

• Priority 1: Amend DEP's internal work to incorporate environmental justice.
• Priority 2: Facilitate a council of NJ agencies to amend the way the entire state achieves environmental justice.
• Priority 3: Engage with EJ communities and remove barriers to accessing resources so that communities are better informed and heard.

Project Description

The intern will work closely with OEJ staff to support science and policy research and implementation related to Priority 1: Amend DEP's internal work to incorporate environmental justice. Strong research skills required. Prospective candidates should be creative and curious and should be willing to travel to different parts of the state for community engagement support as needed.

Specific to the Position

Data visual and technical writing is strongly recommended but not required.

Preferred Area of Study

Seeking individuals enrolled in a graduate level program at an accredited university/college studying environmental studies and data science.

License Requirements

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.

Employee Benefits

TES / Hourly employee benefits include:

• Earned Sick Time*Pursuant to the State/Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.

SAME Program

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 Veterans' Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated below. For more information, please visit https://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.

Application Deadline

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.