The Home Port Alliance has signed a million-dollar contract with a project management firm as it begins work to turn the battleship USS New Jersey into a memorial museum.

The firm, Hill International of Willingboro, will oversee more than $20 million worth of design and construction for a pier in Camden, ship refurbishment and a landside exhibit and visitor center.

"Hill will develop a master plan and we will be energetically implementing that plan to restore the ship and open it as world-class museum and memorial," said Retired Navy Capt. David McGuigan, alliance president.

The nonprofit alliance will have its first office at the Broadway Terminal in Camden, where the battleship is to undergo an estimated $7.3 million overhaul. The ship is to be moved to a new pier near Wiggins Park in time for a a a projected opening in late 2001.

The alliance is currently seeking applicants for seven jobs, including an administrative assistant and several tradesmen, including an electrician and a heating and air- conditioning specialist. The only full-time employee now is Thomas Seigenthaler, the executive director.

The office address is Building P-1, Broadway Terminal, 2500 Broadway, Camden 08104.

Seigenthaler said the Verizon strike delayed the installation of a telephone. He said he expects a telephone number to be available by next week.