Student Assistant

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a Student Assistant for a temporary role in Albany, NY. This position involves supporting various divisions with legal analyses, memoranda, and administrative tasks. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible foreign nationals, at least 18 years old, and currently enrolled in a New York State college or university. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and good communication skills are required. The position offers flexible work within a state office environment with part-time availability.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible foreign national.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Completed at least one year as a student at a degree-granting institution.

Responsibilities

• Support the Counsel’s Office by preparing legal analysis and memoranda.
• Assist with FOIL requests and regulatory documents.
• Provide administrative support across agriculture-related divisions.

Skills

Analytical and evaluative skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Organizational skills

Efficiency and flexibility

Familiarity with Microsoft Word

Familiarity with Microsoft Excel

Familiarity with Microsoft PowerPoint

Education

Currently enrolled in a New York State college or university

Completed a minimum of one year at a degree-granting institution

Job description

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.

Eligibility Requirements

• 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.

Professional Skills

• 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.

Location

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

Department

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets