COS-2026-1 Communications Operator Trainee (Continuous)

Skip To Job Description Thank you for visiting the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Career Page. Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications. COS-2026-1 Communications Operator Trainee (Continuous) Hamilton Township, NJ Full Time Entry Level Share Open To: General PublicWork Week: 40 (40-hour) Work WeekSalary: (O99) $45,146.92 (Non-Negotiable) Opening Date: 1/07/2026Closing Date: When all vacancies are filledProgram/LocationDepartment of Environmental ProtectionOffice of the Chief of StaffEmergency Management ProgramBureau of Communication & Response Services1400 Negron DriveHamilton Township, NJ 08691Scope of EligibilityOpen to applicants who meet the requirements below.DescriptionUnder the close supervision of a Communications Operator 3 or other supervisory official in a centralized or regional communications center, as a trainee and productive worker, learns to perform varied types of communications work; learns to monitor and operate radio, telephone, and electronic equipment; learns to receive various types of emergent and non-emergent calls, transmit alarms and radio communications, and dispatch personnel to appropriate locations; does other related duties as required.Specific to the PositionThis position is an emergency essential title that requires preparedness to work on any assigned shift, to include weekends and holidays, times of extreme weather, and natural and man-made technological disasters.  The Communication Center work hours are 24/7/365 with a 40-hour workweek.  Candidates will sign a statement attesting to their understanding of these requirements.  NOTE: All candidates must undergo and successfully pass a criminal background check in order to be considered for this position, in accordance with Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) requirements.  Candidates will be subjected to fingerprinting.Preferred Skill SetPrevious experience in law enforcement dispatch and use of computer aided dispatch to create concise reports.RequirementsLICENSE:Appointees must successfully complete IS-100.c:  Introduction to the Incident Command System training within one (1) year of appointment.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.AdvancementAppointees who successfully complete the twelve (12) month training period will be eligible for advancement to the Communications Operator 1, Environmental Protection title in accordance with the New Jersey Civil Service Commission procedures.  The inability of an employee in this trainee title to complete the required ICS training and/or attain a level of performance warranting advancement to the title listed above shall be considered cause for separation.ResidencyAll 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”.SAME ApplicantsIf 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 PreferenceTo 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/Employee BenefitsAs a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a...