Science/Policy Externship for Credit w/Environmental Bureau

Division of Social Justice

Environmental Protection Bureau- Albany

Student Extern for Science/Policy

Reference No. EPB/SCI_ALB_EXT_UG_SPR_2025

Spring Externship for Graduate & Undergraduate Students | Application Deadline is January 31, 2025*

*Applications will be considered, and students hired on a rolling basis. 

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 science/policy externship during the 2025 spring program. 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.

Spring Program Details

• The format of this placement is hybrid or remote. 
• 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. 
• At the time of students receive and accept an offer, they must provide written documentation from their schools confirming their acceptance into an externship program or an approved independent study. Additionally, this confirmation must include the following information:
• The appropriate externship contact at the school;
• The parameters of the externship, including the employer’s responsibilities;
• The required minimum/maximum work hours to be completed by the student; and
• The number of credits the student will receive upon completion of the placement.
• Students are encouraged to commit to work part-time (15 hours/week) during regular business hours for at least a semester (10-12 weeks) or the minimum stipulated by their externship or independent study.
• Applications are received online until January 31, 2025, and placement offers are made on a rolling basis.*
• Students who are hired for the spring program may begin their placements on January 22, 2025, or after. 
• 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 spring externships must be submitted online. To apply, please visit 

EPB/SCI_ALB_EXT_UG_SPR_2025

• 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.
• Applications are accepted online until January 31, 2025, and placement offers are made on a rolling basis.*
• The following five (5) documents must be submitted with your application:

Your documents should reflect your own thoughts/work product in text that was written by you. 

1. Cover Letter 

• You may choose to address your letter to the Legal Recruitment Unit.
• Indicate why you are interested in an externship 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.
• Please note that your references will not be contacted until after you interview for the placement.

1. 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 3-6 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.
• 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.
• Please submit your application for a spring placement at least three (3) weeks before any deadlines that could impact your candidacy and note this in your cover letter
• 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.