NJ Department of Environmental Protection
COS-2026-1H Communications Operator (Hourly) (REPOST)
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Open to: General Public Work Week: 3-5 days per week (Up to 900 hours maximum per fiscal year) Hourly Rate: $20.00 per hour Opening Date: 8/6/2026 Closing Date: 8/27/2026 Existing Vacancies: 1
Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of the Chief of Staff
Emergency Management Program
Bureau of Communications and Response Services
1400 Negron Drive
Hamilton Square, NJ 08619
Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.
Description
Under the close supervision of a Communications Operator 3 or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in a centralized communications center, monitors, receives, and transmits environmental emergency alarms including, but not limited to, incidents associated with fires, radiation accidents, toxic releases, chemical spills, and atmospheric pollution; receives requests for DEP emergency assistance and transmits same to first responders and/or law enforcement personnel, and other pertinent federal, state, county, and/or local authorities; operates a variety of communications equipment; does other related duties as required.
Specific to the Position
The hourly communication operator will work, as needed, in the Department's Communication Center which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The incumbent will be responsible for answering the 877 WARN DEP Environmental Action Hotline, utilizing a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to coordinate the response of NJDEP Law Enforcement Personnel and DEP First Responders while using the Department's P25 radio system. The incumbent will work in a fast-paced, high stress environment while providing excellent customer service during life critical events, as part of our team of talented professionals.
Preferred Skill Set
- Experience using a two-way radio system to dispatch law enforcement personnel.
- Ability to type while talking on a phone and/or speaking on a radio while wearing a headset.
- Previous experience utilizing a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
- Familiarity with the operation of the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) & National Crime Information Center (NCIC) inquiries, eAgent.
- Certifications as an Emergency Telecommunicator.
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Requirements
EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year of experience in work involving the monitoring, receiving, sending, transmitting, and relaying of electronic messages and/or electronic radio messages, and the receiving, relaying, and recording of environmental complaints and requests for assistance which shall have included the use of computer-aided dispatch, data processing, or computer equipment and programs for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and/or other first responders.
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.
Employee Benefits
TES / Hourly employee benefits include:
- Earned Sick Time*
*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 SAME@csc.nj.gov, 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/
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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.
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