Many people are interested in employment with the N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife. All permanent, full-time professional positions within this and other state agencies are filled from certification lists maintained by the N.J. Civil Service Commission (formerly the Department of Personnel). Information about state employment and current vacancies is also available at www.nj.gov/nj/employ/.

Employment opportunities within DEP are listed at www.nj.gov/dep/jobs/. It is advisable to apply for any vacancy/title that is related to the field you wish to enter. Even if a vacancy is not in a location you are interested in, if you are eligible to apply you should - taking and passing an exam will place you on a list for future vacancies.

Most professional positions within the Division of Fish and Wildlife require a bachelors degree with a major in one of the following, or related, fields: wildlife management, fisheries management, natural resources management, environmental science, wildlife biology, or fisheries biology. Often a major outside these areas will be acceptable provided adequate related course work has been performed, but that is a Civil Service Commission decision. Each CSC announcement specifies educational requirements.

Many people are interested in becoming a Conservation Officer (CO). Among the stringent requirements for a Conservation Officer is a Bachelor's degree in one of the Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies or Environmental Science. The Bachelor's degree must include or be supplemented by twenty-four (24) semester hour credits in any combination of the following areas: Fisheries Science, Wildlife Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management or Biological Science. One (1) year of experience in law enforcement, environmental enforcement activities, wildlife science, fisheries science, or environmental science is also a requirement.
NOTE: The Deputy Conservation Officer Program has been suspended and applications are NOT being accepted at this time.

Occasionally, seasonal employment is available at our fish hatcheries, Lebanon Freshwater Fisheries Field Office, Delaware Bay Office and Nacote Creek Marine Lab, with our deer project and with the Endangered and Nongame Species Program. See the Contact Us page for the facility or program you are interested in and phone to inquire. Many permanent employees begin in a seasonal position.

Seasonal employment opportunities are posted above when available; summer employment is offered in the Division of Parks and Forestry each year.

Another option, and often a first step toward employment, is joining the division's volunteer wing, the Wildlife Conservation Corps. It is an excellent way to gain practical experience and make valuable contacts. Visit the WCC Homepage to learn more. Good luck in your career search!

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