Student Assistant

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a Student Assistant to work at its headquarters in Albany, NY. This temporary position (6–8 weeks) begins immediately and requires 37.5 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm). The role supports the Counsel’s Office and provides a wide range of services to the divisions of Land and Water Resources, Food Safety and Inspection, Plant Industry, and Animal Industry.

Duties include preparing legal analysis, memoranda, guidance, and position statements on agricultural district, food safety, invasive species, animal, and plant disease issues. The assistant also helps with FOIL requests, regulations, administrative guidelines, Notice of Intents, litigation papers, administrative warrants, and conservation easements. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Westlaw is required, along with excellent writing and research skills.

• United States citizen or foreign national eligible to work in the United States.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Actively enrolled in a New York State college, university, or graduate program, or a resident of New York State attending a college, university, or graduate program outside of New York State.
• Completed a minimum of one (1) year as a student at a degree‑granting two or four‑year college or university (part‑time students may qualify) or currently enrolled graduate student or accepted graduate degree program.
• Minimum GPA of 2.0 or the letter grade equivalent.
• For Summer Internship applicants only:
  Attending a New York State school or being a New York State resident is not required.

• Analytical and evaluative skills.
• Interpersonal and communication skills.
• Organizational skills, efficiency, and flexibility.
• Computer skills—including familiarity with Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email software, internet searching, and other programs.

Applicants may come from any academic discipline and must be available to work at assigned New York State offices. Opportunities are available statewide.

Albany office, 10B Airline Dr., Albany, NY 12235.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets