Hourly Project Assistant II (Internship) JR 0002080

Overview

Job Description:

Hourly employees may work full time (37.5 hours), up to 12 weeks. Thereafter, they must reduce effort to part time, 20 hours/week or less.

 

Responsibilities

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, assisting to respond 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.

 

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.

 

The NYS Department of Health, in conjunction with Health Research, Inc., are committed to making New York a safer, healthier, and more equitable place to live. Addressing health equity, social determinants of health, and health disparities is part of the Department’s broader efforts to eliminate health disparities.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Currently enrolled in, or have completed, a degree, certificate, or training program in public health, health sciences, biology, environmental health, epidemiology, statistics/biostatistics, data science, social sciences, health policy, or a closely related field.

 

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
Digital literacy and organizational experience
Experience in creating or maintaining reports, trackers, or digital documentation (meeting notes, SOPs, project trackers, status updates)
Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills writing reports and delivering presentations
Experience or coursework in science or public health communication
Basic data management skills (e.g., Excel, SharePoint, Airtable)
Familiarity with design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite
Experience with public health, environmental science, or government communication processes
Conditions of Employment

Hourly, grant funded position expected to last through 08/07/2026. Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables, is required.

Valid and unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Travel up to 10% of the time will be 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.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with a combination of onsite and remote work.

HRI participates in the E-Verify Program.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Qualified Individuals with Disabilities/Qualified Protected Veterans

www.healthresearch.org

 

About Health Research, Inc.

Join us in our mission to make a difference in public health and advance scientific research! At Health Research, Inc. (HRI), your work will contribute to meaningful change and innovation in the communities we serve! At HRI, we are on a mission to transform the health and well-being of the people of New York State through innovative partnerships and cutting-edge public health initiatives. As a dynamic non-profit organization, HRI plays a crucial role in advancing the strategic goals of the New York State Department of Health (DOH), Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC), and other health-related entities.

 

HRI offers a robust, comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

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;
And so much more!
Work Location Expectations

At HRI, the nature of hybrid and onsite work varies by position. Some roles require full onsite presence, while others allow a hybrid schedule. Managers determine the specific telecommuting expectations for each role based on operational needs and job responsibilities. If designated as hybrid, you will divide your time between working remotely and reporting onsite. Regardless of telecommuting status, all HRI employees must live within a reasonable commuting distance of their official work location and must reside in one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Vermont.