Student Assistant (Paid, Part-Time Placement For Graduate Students)

Division of Social Justice
Environmental Protection Bureau - Albany
Student Assistant
Reference No. EPB/SCI_ALB_PUGS_FALL_2023

Application Deadline is September 15, 2023*
2023 Fall Semester Paid, Part-Time Placement for Graduate Students

The of the Office of the New York State Attorney General’s (“OAG”) Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) in Albany is
seeking applications from graduate and undergraduate students for a paid science/policy placement during the 2023 Fall
Program. The EPB is responsible for enforcing state and federal environmental laws and has the power to file lawsuits on
behalf of the State of New York to protect public health and the environment. The Bureau enforces environmental
standards and defends State agencies when their regulatory efforts are challenged in court. In addition, the Bureau's
attorneys and technical staff investigate and respond to citizen complaints, file lawsuits for public nuisance conditions,
prosecute environmental crimes, enforce solid waste laws and prepare reports and brochures on environmental issues.

Students will assist the scientific and policy staff in exploring difficult and groundbreaking environmental and legal
issues. Responsibilities include researching scientific issues using the internet; briefing staff on technical issues and
keeping them updated on the most recent developments; drafting reports and fact sheets; procuring technical
information and undertaking scientific and data analyses; preparing presentations using Microsoft Excel and
PowerPoint; and assisting staff in preparing for negotiations with violators of environmental laws.

In addition, students may gain experience working with Federal, State and Local government agency staff, non-profit
environmental organizations, and experts. In the past, students have worked on issues including climate change,
hazardous and solid waste management, toxic air emissions, public health, sustainability and energy-related matters,
drinking water quality, and wetland management. Students work closely with the staff scientists, policy analysts and
other professional staff who will provide them with mentoring, guidance and advice, thereby facilitating learning and
performance. The key qualities we look for include a strong background in science, intellectual curiosity, initiative,
effective writing and communication skills, and an interest in the quality of our environment.

Fall Program Details

• The format of this placement is hybrid or remote. Please review the following

format options.

• Students who are working in a hybrid placement may report to their designated workstation two or

three (2-3) days per week. On the days student will be working remotely, they will need to have access
to a reliable computer, a secure internet connection, a phone and a sufficiently quiet and private
workspace to telework.

• Students who are working in a remote placement will telecommute for the duration of their placements.

Students in this format must have access to a reliable computer, a secure internet connection, a phone
and a sufficiently quiet and private workspace to telework.

• To be eligible for a paid fall placement, applicants must be able to demonstrate they are full-time students in

good academic standing as defined by their schools.

• Students hired for the program will work part-time (15 hours/week for 12 weeks for a total of 180 paid hours).
• Applications will be received online until September 15, 2023, and paid placement offers will be made on a

Divisions and Bureaus and News & Media sections of the OAG’s website.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The OAG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity.

HOW TO APPLY

The following section provides detailed information about the application process and application requirements.
Please review the complete list of instructions prior to preparing and submitting your application materials online.

• Applications for fall placements are being received online.

EPB/SCI_ALB_PUGS_FALL_2023

• Applications are submitted separately for each bureau/regional office, and an applicant’s candidacy for each

application is determined separately by each bureau/regional office.

• The application deadline is September 15, 2023, but please be advised paid placements will be filled on a rolling

basis.*

• The following five (5) documents are required for each application that is submitted:

1. Cover Letter

• You may choose to address to the Legal Recruitment Unit, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY,

10005.

• Indicate why you are interested in a placement with the OAG and what makes you a strong

candidate.

• Please indicate your format preference: hybrid or remote.

2. Resume

• Ensure your resume is complete and current prior to submitting your application.

3. List of three (3) references.

• Submit only professional (i.e., supervisor or professor) references.
• Indicate the nature and duration of your relationship to each reference.
• Include contact information and email addresses for each reference.
• Please note, your references will not be contacted until after you interview for the placement.

4. Writing Sample
- Select a sample from an assignment you prepared for school that demonstrates your ability to

courses relevant to your application that you have successfully completed since beginning
college or university. This list should include courses that you have successfully completed for
both your undergraduate and graduate degrees.

• Please be advised this information will be used to assess whether you have the necessary

science and other prerequisites for this placement.

• Failure to submit a complete application will delay the consideration of your candidacy.

• Please submit your application for a fall placement at least three (3) weeks prior to any deadlines that could

impact your candidacy and note this in your cover letter.

If you have questions about a placement with the OAG, the application process or need assistance with submitting your

application, please contact Legal Recruitment via email at [email protected].