Hourly Project Assistant II (Internship)

Compensation Grade:

Compensation Details:

Positions with a designated work location in New York City, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester Counties will receive a $4,000 annual downstate adjustment (pro-rated for part-time positions).

Department

Job Description:

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, 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a relevant training program or pursuing a related degree or certificate in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Conditions of Employment

Hourly, grant funded position expected to last through 05/08/2026. 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. Telecommuting will not be available.

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, HRIplays 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.