OCO-2026-13i – Communications Intern

OCO-2026-13i – Communications Intern

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: 7/1/2026 Closing Date: 7/22/2026 Existing Vacancies: 1 Internship Length: 9/21/2026- 12/11/2026

Program/Location Department of Environmental Protection Office of the Chief of Staff Communications 401 East State Street Trenton NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Program Description The Office of Communications and Outreach’s intern will assist with daily tasks that track and record social media and news articles. Additionally, interns will work on communications-related activities on several of DEP’s major public education outreach campaigns. The campaigns and related intern tasks vary based on seasonal activities.

Specific to the Position Intern will assist with communications-related activities on several of DEP’s major public education outreach campaign. The intern will also perform regular tasks and small special projects that familiarize them with DEP program areas, and the various roles and functions of the Communications Office. Tasks may include but are not limited to drafting social media posts, identifying opportunities to highlight DEP staff and initiatives, assisting with internal communications coordination, capturing and editing footage of DEP events, and assisting with press events. As a member of a small team, this is both a coordination and strategy role, allowing the intern to develop a working knowledge of DEP programs and operations. Interns will develop skills in writing, stakeholder outreach, social media coordination, video production, and media relations.

Preferred Area of Study Seeking individuals enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited university/college within communications, photography/video production, environmental studies, journalism, media relations, political science and/or public policy.

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.