Public Information Specialist 1 (Albany)

Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets!   Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the chance to join our team, and you’ll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.

 

The Department of Agriculture and Markets is hiring for a temporary Public Information Specialist 1 position at the Department’s Headquarters in Albany, NY. As a Public Information Specialist 1, you will assist in the development and implementation of media relations plans, priorities, and systems that meet the present needs of the Department of Agriculture and Markets. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting a wide range of public information and communications activities, such as preparing written and audiovisual materials used in promoting or publicizing the Department of Agriculture and Markets.  Specific duties include: drafting informational materials concerning agency activities; writing, editing, and distributing press releases, briefings, brochures, newsletter content, and other publications; participating in various activities related to or in support of the agency’s public information program, including assisting with the planning and executing of press conferences and other promotional events; assisting with media inquiries; and updating the agency’s website content and social media channels.

 

The Public Information Specialist 1 is a full-time (37.5 hours/week), temporary position, expected to span six months, based on operational needs. Located at 10B Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12235, conveniently near Albany International Airport, this role offers a professional, comfortable environment with ample free parking. Opportunities for telecommuting are available in accordance with the agency’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

 

This is a PEF-represented position offering a pay rate of $32.06/hour and excellent benefits! Benefits include inexpensive Health Insurance options, free Dental and Vision coverage, and NYS Pension Plan membership.

 

As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer. 

 

Minimum Qualifications: Either 1: a bachelor’s degree in media, new media, English, communications,

journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing AND two years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media;

OR 2: a master’s degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing AND one year of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media;

OR 3: six years of the experience described above.

 

Candidates that are eligible and interested in being considered for appointment to one of these opportunities must use the below link apply by: May 3, 2026. Within this online application please upload your resume, transcript, and cover letter.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Sacco in Human Resources at (518) 457-3216 or HarvestYourPotential@agriculture.ny.gov.

 

The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity, and reasonable accommodations and/or modifications as necessary, for qualified persons with disabilities.  If you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please visit: https://agriculture.ny.gov/employment-information.