Paid Summer Environmental Science Internship, Grad/Undergrad

Social Justice Division

Environmental Protection Bureau—Albany

Student Assistant for Environmental Science

Reference No. EPB/SCI_ALB_PUGS_SUM_2026

Paid Summer Placement for Graduate/Undergraduate Students | Application Deadline is February 27, 2026*

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 placement during the 2026 Summer 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.

Science Interns will assist the science staff in exploring difficult and groundbreaking environmental and regulatory issues. Responsibilities include taking on scientific research initiatives; briefing science staff on technical issues and keeping them updated on the most recent developments; drafting reports, research memorandums, and fact sheets; procuring, processing, and analyzing environmental data; and preparing presentations.

Further, science students may have the opportunity to gain experience working with federal, state, and local government agency staff, non-profit environmental organizations, and experts. Current science projects include stormwater management, drinking water quality, hydrogeologic investigations, and emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Assignments for this internship can vary significantly and most often reflect new or actively evolving issues. 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, and wetlands management. Students work closely with staff scientists who will provide them with mentoring, guidance, and advice to support their learning and research.

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. Research experience and coursework in earth sciences (geology, hydrology, meteorology), chemistry, physics, ecology and/or biology are preferred.

Summer Program Details

• The format of this placement is hybrid or remote. Please review the following for more information about both format options.
• Hybrid Placements: Students report to their designated workstation two or three (2-3) days per week. On the days students work remotely, they need a reliable computer, a secure internet connection, a phone, and a sufficiently quiet and private workspace to telework.
• Remote Placements: Students telecommute for the duration of their placements. On the days students work remotely, they need a reliable computer, a secure internet connection, a phone, and a sufficiently quiet and private workspace to telework. Please be advised, students hired for remote, paid placements must be available to complete their payroll onboarding paperwork in-person at OAG’s offices in Albany or New York City or at one of the 13 regional office locations.
• At the time students receive and accept a paid placement offer, they must provide written documentation demonstrating they are full-time students in good academic standing as defined by their schools. Applications from students who will be starting college/university during the 2026 fall semester will not be considered.
• The summer program will run for eight weeks from May 18 – July 10, 2026. Students hired for the program must be available to work full-time (37.5 hours/week) during these dates and for the entire eight (8) weeks of the program.
• The selected student will be hired as a student assistant and paid either the graduate hourly pay rate of $19.38, or the undergraduate hourly pay rate of $16.39.
• *Applications are accepted online until February 27, 2026, and paid placement offers are made on a rolling basis.
• United States (U.S.) citizenship and New York state residency are not required, but applicants must be eligible to be employed in the U.S.
• Applicants are encouraged to learn more about OAG bureaus and regional offices prior to submitting their applications by reviewing information that is available on the public 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 summer placements must be accepted online. To apply, please click on the following link:

ag.ny.gov/job-postings/undergraduate-graduate-students

• 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.
• Please limit your application submissions to three (3) total across all bureaus/regional offices.
• *Applications are accepted online until February 27, 2026, and paid placement offers are made on a rolling basis.
• The following five (5) documents are required for your application:

Your documents should reflect your own thoughts/work product in text that was written by you. Do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate application documents. Once submitted, you will not be able to access or edit your application. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to have someone review/proofread your documents ahead of submitting your application online.

1. Cover Letter

• You may address your letter to the Legal Recruitment Unit.
• Indicate why you are interested in a placement with OAG and what makes you a strong candidate.
• You may wish to include information about what life experiences you will bring to the position that will enhance OAG’s ability to better serve the diverse population of this state.
• Please indicate your format preference: hybrid or remote.

1. Resume

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

1. List of three (3) references.
   • Submit only professional (i.e., supervisor or professor) references.
   • For each reference, indicate the nature and duration of your relationship.
   • Include contact information and email addresses for each reference.
   • We do not conduct reference checks until after you interview for a placement.
2. Writing Sample

• Submit a paper completed for school or a writing sample that was prepared for a job or during an internship/externship.
• Submit a sample that demonstrates your ability to analyze and organize information into an effective document.
• We recommend submitting a sample that is 2-4 pages in length.
• If needed, please include a cover page providing the reviewer with any relevant background information or context.

1. Course List

• In lieu of a transcript, please provide a list of science courses, engineering courses, and any other courses relevant to your application that you have successfully completed since beginning college or university.
• If you are currently pursuing a graduate degree, 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.
• If a bureau wishes to schedule an interview, they will contact you directly to arrange this meeting.

If you have questions about a placement with OAG, the application process, or need assistance with submitting your application, please contact Legal Recruitment via email at Recruitment@ag.ny.gov.