Open to: General Public

Work Week: 35 Hours Per Week (up to 944 hours maximum per fiscal year)

Salary: $25 Per Hour

Opening Date: 8/20/2026

Closing Date: 9/10/2026

Existing Vacancies: 2

Program/Location

Department of Environmental Protection

Legal Regulatory & Enforcement Policy

Office of Transactions and Public Land Administration

Legal and Transactional Operations

401 East State Street

Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility

Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Description

Under supervision of a supervisory official or other designated official in a state department, institution, or agency, performs varied work incidental to the acquisition of real estate or interests therein, including review of title searches and title insurance policies, the determination of the legal effect of recorded instruments and the preparation of memoranda and other required documents; does related work as required.

Specific to the Position

Provide legal assistance, including the preparation and review of acquisition contracts, as well as real estate closing documents and correspondence. The selected candidate will work directly with DEP regulatory officers, Deputy Attorneys General (DAsG), and existing paralegal/research analyst staff who handle contract preparation, real estate closings, and post-closing administration (which also may include assistance with the preparation and review of legal agreements to utilize DEP land).

Preferred Skill Set

Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience working on or handling real estate agreements and transactions, particularly those involving public entities. Excellent analytical skills; professional written and oral communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently, as well as in a group/team atmosphere.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies,



or an Associate’s degree and a Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Studies.

NOTE: A Juris Doctorate (JD) degree may be substituted for the above education requirement. If you are substituting a Juris Doctorate (JD) for the required education, please upload a copy of your transcript with your application. Failure to do so will result in ineligibility.

AND

Two (2) years of experience as a paralegal in a law firm, legal tribunal, or legal department in a public or private entity whose primary function is the research, enactment, enforcement, or litigation of legal matters.

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.

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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/

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.

Employee Benefits





TES / Hourly employee benefits include:

- Earned Sick Time*

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

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 Recent 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.

📌 L-2H Research Analyst/Paralegal (Hourly) (Trenton)
🏢 NJ Department of Environmental Protection
📍 Trenton