Hourly Project Assistant II (Internship)
About The Position
Health Research, Inc. is seeking an Hourly Project Assistant II to assist the Wastewater Surveillance Program within the New York State Department of Health’s Center for Environmental Health. The Hourly Project Assistant II will assist in coordinating and implementing outreach and communication activities that advance the goals of the state’s Wastewater Surveillance Network and Center of Excellence. Key duties will include maintaining the program’s inquiry tracker, responding to emails received through the program’s mailbox, and supporting staff in outreach and education initiatives. The Hourly Project Assistant II will also assist with media and partner communications and help develop infographics and reports that communicate wastewater surveillance data in accessible ways. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply communication, organizational, and analytical skills while supporting a high-impact public health initiative that strengthens disease detection and prevention efforts across New York State. The Wastewater Surveillance Team tracks and analyzes wastewater data to detect infectious diseases in communities across the state. The program serves as an early warning system for emerging public health threats, helping to inform timely and data-driven responses. The team collaborates with universities, wastewater utilities, and local health departments to improve surveillance systems, communication strategies, and community outreach efforts that advance environmental and public health protection. While working with the Wastewater Surveillance Team in Syracuse, NY, the Hourly Project Assistant II will apply their skills in communication, writing, organization, and data management. The incumbent will maintain program trackers, draft and edit outreach materials, and assist with visual content such as infographics and reports. This role will allow the incumbent to strengthen project coordination and communication skills within a professional public health setting. This position is part of the Pathways to Public Health Internship Program and the purpose is to help strengthen career pathways to public health by bringing together students of all disciplines and academic levels with public health professionals to create a space of exploration, learning, and development.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a relevant training program or pursuing a related degree or certificate in a related field.
- Valid and unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S. is required.
- The selected candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the official work location specified in the job posting and must also be located in or willing to relocate to one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, or Massachusetts, prior to hire.
Nice To Haves
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
- Strong digital literacy and organizational skills
- Experience or coursework in science or public health communication
- Basic data tracking and management skills (e.g., Excel, SharePoint, Airtable)
- Familiarity with design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite
Responsibilities
- Maintaining the program’s inquiry tracker
- Responding to emails received through the program’s mailbox
- Supporting staff in outreach and education initiatives
- Assist with media and partner communications
- Help develop infographics and reports that communicate wastewater surveillance data in accessible ways
- Maintain program trackers
- Draft and edit outreach materials
- Assist with visual content such as infographics and reports
Benefits
- Health, dental and vision insurance - Several comprehensive health insurance plans to choose from
- Flexible benefit accounts - Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit
- Generous paid time off - Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave
- Tuition support - Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities
- Retirement Benefits - HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan. HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses
- Employee Assistance Program - Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
