New York State Office of the Attorney General
Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) Albany
Science/Policy Intern Positions (unpaid)

Contact: Charlie Silver, Ph.D.; Environmental Scientist IV;
(518) 776-2395; Charles.Silver@ag.ny.gov

Info: Students or others interested in an unpaid science/policy intern position for academic credit, or experience, are invited to apply. Responsibilities include: research using the internet, scientific journals, and conversations with experts; data analysis, presentation, and interpretation; and drafting reports and other documents. In addition, interns gain experience working with environmental scientists, policy experts, lawyers, and regulatory professionals from other agencies.

In the past, interns have worked on a wide range of environmental issues such as global warming, hazardous waste spills, toxic air emissions, nuclear waste, acid rain, drinking water quality, wildlife, and dozens of others. For example, one intern researched and wrote a detailed paper on the disposal of electronic waste (i.e. computers, printers, etc.), another looked into the economics and health issues associated with bottled water, while yet another evaluated the risks associated with primary contact recreation (i.e. swimming, water skiing) and bacterial pollution caused by combined sewer overflows. In addition, one intern researched and wrote a detailed paper on the adverse health impacts of indoor tanning, another compared the economics and environmental benefits associated with composting verses landfilling food waste, while yet another evaluated drinking water quality issues associated with private wells, which are not regulated in NY.

The key qualities we look for in our interns include a background in science, intellectual curiosity, strong initiative, effective writing and communication skills, and personal concern about the quality of our environment.

Add’l Info.: The Attorney General’s Environmental Protection Bureau is responsible for enforcing state and federal criminal and civil environmental laws, and has the power to file lawsuits on behalf of the State of New York to protect public health and the environment. We also prosecute violators of the State’s toxic dumping laws. 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’s complaints, file lawsuits for public nuisance conditions, prosecute environmental crimes, enforce state toxic dumping laws, and prepare reports and brochures on environmental issues.

How to Apply:
http://www.ag.ny.gov/job-postings/undergraduate-graduate-students?j=ug-students